First Birthday Studio Cake Smash Photos | Newport Beach Cake Smash Photographer

Are you really going to skip documenting their first birthday?

It sounds dramatic, but it is one of the first big milestones you will experience as a parent.

Your baby turns one and suddenly they are not a newborn anymore. They are crawling, maybe walking, showing personality, and becoming their own little person.

And here is the truth most parents realize too late…
you will never get this stage back.

That is exactly why First Birthday Studio Cake Smash Photos | Newport Beach Cake Smash Photographer sessions have become one of the most requested experiences at Gilmore Studios.

What is a cake smash session and why do parents love it so much?

A cake smash is exactly what it sounds like… your baby gets their own cake and we let them explore it, taste it, smash it, and make a mess while we photograph every second.

But it is more than just a cute trend.

It is a full storytelling session that captures:

1. Clean, timeless portraits before the cake comes out
2. Personality driven images as your baby explores
3. The messy, joyful cake smash moments
4. Optional bath cleanup photos that babies absolutely love

These sessions are designed to feel fun, stress free, and completely centered around your child.

If you are wondering what a full session looks like, you can see more here:
https://gilmorestudios.com/photos/cake-smash-photography/

When should you schedule first birthday photos?

This is one of the most common questions parents search.

The best time to photograph a cake smash is when your baby is between 11 and 12 months old.

Why?

1. Your baby is usually sitting or crawling confidently
2. You get the images back before their actual birthday
3. You can use the photos for invitations or party decor
4. Babies tend to be happier and more cooperative at this stage

If you wait until after their birthday, you often miss the chance to use the images for celebrations.

What should my baby wear for a cake smash session?

Keep it simple, comfortable, and intentional.

For studio sessions like the ones shown here, we guide you through wardrobe so everything coordinates with your theme.

Here are some easy directions:

1. Neutral tones for timeless portraits
2. Themed outfits that match your set design
3. Simple textures like knits or rompers
4. Avoid anything too tight or distracting

For inspiration on outfit ideas, you can browse here:
https://www.potterybarnkids.com/
https://www.janieandjack.com/

Do I need to bring the cake?

We make this part easy.

At Gilmore Studios:

1. A simple white or naked cake is included
2. Custom themed cakes can be upgraded through a local bakery
3. If your child has allergies, you are welcome to bring your own cake

If you want custom inspiration, this is a great place to start:
https://susiecakes.com/

Can parents and siblings be included?

Yes, and honestly… you should do it.

This is not just about your baby. It is about your family in this season of life.

We typically start sessions with:

1. Family portraits
2. Individual images with mom
3. Individual images with dad
4. Sibling interactions

Then we transition into the cake smash portion.

Many parents tell me later those family photos ended up being their favorites.

What themes work best for a first birthday session?

You are not limited to one style, and that is what makes these sessions so fun.

Some of the most requested themes include:

1. Clean and minimal studio looks
2. Soft pastel or neutral setups
3. Character inspired themes like Star Wars
4. Seasonal concepts like spring or birthday party vibes

The key is choosing something that feels like your baby and your family.

What happens if my baby does not like the cake?

This is a very real concern and completely normal.

Some babies dive right in. Others are unsure at first.

We handle this by:

1. Giving them time to explore
2. Letting parents stay close for comfort
3. Using simple tricks to encourage interaction
4. Focusing on genuine reactions instead of forcing moments

And honestly, some of the best photos come from those curious, unsure expressions.

Where is the studio located and why does that matter?

Our studio is located in Newport Beach, CA and also in the East Valley AZ, which means you get:

1. A clean, controlled environment with perfect lighting
2. No stress about weather or wind
3. Easy access for families with young children
4. A calm experience where everything is prepared for you

You can learn more about our sessions here:
https://gilmorestudios.com/

What should we do after the session?

Turn it into a full experience.

Many of our Newport Beach families love heading to lunch or dinner after their session.

Here are a few favorites:

1. https://www.bearflagfishco.com/ for a relaxed coastal lunch
2. https://www.malibu-farm.com/location/newport-beach/ for a beautiful waterfront meal
3. https://www.joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-newport-beach/ for something a little more elevated

It is a simple way to celebrate your baby’s milestone and make the day feel even more special.

Why choose Gilmore Studios for your cake smash photos?

There are a lot of photographers out there, so this is an important question.

Here is what makes our experience different:

1. Over 20 years of experience photographing families and children
2. A guided process from planning to final images
3. Clean, timeless editing that will not go out of style
4. A focus on both the experience and the final artwork

If you are a photographer looking to learn how to offer sessions like this, you can also explore:
https://photographersroadmap.com/

Ready to book your baby’s first birthday session?

If you have been thinking about it, this is your sign.

These sessions are not just about photos. They are about documenting a once in a lifetime milestone in a way that feels easy, meaningful, and beautiful.

You can view more work and book your session here:
https://gilmorestudios.com/

Frequently Asked Questions