Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

First Birthday Cake Smash – Baby Spa

First Birthday Cake Smash

You never know how the little ones will react to their First Birthday Cake Smash. Some one year olds have a hard time with frosting all over their little fingers, but not this happy girl! She rocked her first birthday cake smash session and completely crushed her birthday cake, too! This was her first time at the studio and going by the photos we below, we will be seeing her again for sure!

Props

We would like to thank all of the companies who help us accomplish our cake smash visions. Without them, this job would be a lot harder than it already is! We love to share images, too. Let us know if you see something you love.

Baby Bathtub by OZ Backdrops and Props

Castle Backdrop by Baby Dream Backdrops

Misc. Candles by Hobby Lobby

Bakery: French’s Cupcake Bakery

 

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Gilmore Studios is a portrait photography team specializing in maternitynewbornchildren and family photography in Orange County, CA. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area. Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in studio & natural light photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles.

Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your summer, fall, and winter 2018 photography sessions. Cake smash sessions are $250 and by reservation only. All birthday cake smash sets are custom built to the client’s theme or color scheme and include a yummy cake baked with love from French’s Cupcake Bakery. First Birthday Cake Smash sessions are typically booked 30 days in advance to allow the set designer time to locate props.

5 Star Reviews!

We have the best clients! Feel free to check out some of their raving reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook!

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team that serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. We specialize in fine wedding photography, family portraits, and newborn photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Cake Smash

Featured On the blog

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Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
Here’s my secret…don’t fight it. You play, you laugh, you follow their lead.
The best photos happen when everyone’s relaxed, a little bit silly, and free to be themselves.
Real is what you’ll want to remember later. 
#FamilyPhotography #TwinsPhotography #GilmoreStudios #OCPhotographer #RealLifeMoments
1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple
1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme
🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios
1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
#extendedfamily #extendedfamilysession #familyphotographer

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only