Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Phoenix Studio Cake Smash Photography | First Birthdays

Are you waiting too long to book your baby’s first birthday photos?

It is one of the most common mistakes parents make.

You think you have time. You plan to do photos after the birthday. And then life gets busy, your baby keeps growing, and suddenly that “one year old stage” is gone.

First birthdays are not just another milestone. They are a once in a lifetime transition from baby to toddler.

That is why Phoenix Studio Cake Smash Photography for First Birthdays | Phoenix Cake Smash Photographer sessions are designed to capture this exact moment before it passes.

What is included in a cake smash session in Phoenix?

If you are searching for what to expect, here is how we design your session from start to finish.

  1. Clean, timeless portraits before the cake
  2. Styled cake smash setup based on your theme
  3. Real moments as your baby explores and reacts
  4. Optional bath session for playful, clean up images

Everything is done in a controlled studio environment so you do not have to worry about weather, heat, or distractions.

You can view more cake smash examples here:
https://gilmorestudios.com/photos/cake-smash-photography/

When should you schedule your first birthday session?

This is one of the top questions parents search for.

The ideal time is when your baby is between 10 and 11 months old.

Here is why that timing matters:

  1. Your baby is sitting confidently and often crawling
  2. You receive your images before their birthday
  3. You can use the photos for invitations or party decor
  4. Babies are typically happier and more cooperative

Waiting until after their birthday often means missing the moment you actually wanted to document.

What should your baby wear for a cake smash session?

The goal is simple. Let your baby be the focus.

For sessions like the ones shown here with soft pink, gold, and ballet inspired details, we guide you on outfits that photograph beautifully.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

  1. Soft neutrals or pastels for timeless portraits
  2. Light textures like tulle, cotton, or knits
  3. Outfits that match your theme but are still comfortable
  4. Avoid anything too busy or distracting

For outfit inspiration, you can browse:
https://www.janieandjack.com/
https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/kids/baby-girl-clothing

Do you need to bring your own cake?

We keep this simple and flexible.

  1. A basic white or naked cake is included
  2. Custom cakes can be ordered to match your theme
  3. Allergy friendly options are always welcome if you prefer to bring your own

If you want custom cake inspiration, this is a great resource:
https://susiecakes.com/

Can parents be in the photos too?

Yes, and this is something many families are so glad they said yes to.

These photos are not just about your baby. They are about your family during this stage of life.

We usually start with:

  1. Family portraits
  2. Parent and baby images
  3. Then transition into the cake smash

The images of you holding your one year old often become the most meaningful ones.

What if your baby does not smash the cake?

This is a very real concern and completely normal.

Some babies dive right in. Others take their time.

We guide the session so it never feels forced:

  1. Give your baby time to explore
  2. Keep parents close for comfort
  3. Capture genuine reactions instead of staged moments
  4. Focus on personality over perfection

Some of the best images come from curiosity, not chaos.

Why choose a studio session in Phoenix?

Phoenix weather can be unpredictable, especially with heat.

A studio session gives you:

  1. Perfect lighting every time
  2. No stress about weather conditions
  3. A calm, controlled environment for your baby
  4. A fully styled setup ready when you arrive

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

Where should you go after your session?

Turn your session into a full experience.

Many Phoenix families love heading out to celebrate after their shoot.

Here are a few favorites:

  1. https://www.thehenryrestaurant.com/ for a relaxed, stylish meal
  2. https://www.postinowinecafe.com/ for a casual and fun atmosphere
  3. https://www.chelseaskitchenaz.com/ for a family friendly dining experience

It is a simple way to make the day feel even more special.

What makes Gilmore Studios different?

There are a lot of options when searching for a Phoenix Cake Smash Photographer.

Here is what sets this experience apart:

  1. Over 20 years of experience photographing families
  2. A guided process so you never feel unsure
  3. Clean, timeless editing that will not go out of style
  4. A focus on both the experience and the final images

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

Ready to plan your baby’s first birthday session?

If this has been on your mind, this is your reminder.

You will never regret documenting this stage. But many parents regret waiting too long.

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

by Gilmore TeamPosted in Cake SmashesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

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

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Pick something you love and make that your career. Honestly, that’s kind of what happened.

I never imagined that setting up backdrops, planning themes, making silly noises to get a baby to smile, and celebrating first birthdays would become my job.

But here we are. 🥹

And after all these years, I still get excited watching a theme come together and seeing a little one’s personality shine once they step into the studio.

Because cake smash sessions aren’t really about the cake.

They’re about celebrating a milestone that only happens once.

And getting to be a small part of that never gets old. 🎂

What’s something you could talk about or do all day and never get tired of?

3 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17898074328465018
Pick something you love and make that your career. Honestly, that’s kind of what happened. I never imagined that setting up backdrops, planning themes, making silly noises to get a baby to smile, and celebrating first birthdays would become my job. But here we are. 🥹 And after all these years, I still get excited watching a theme come together and seeing a little one’s personality shine once they step into the studio. Because cake smash sessions aren’t really about the cake. They’re about celebrating a milestone that only happens once. And getting to be a small part of that never gets old. 🎂 What’s something you could talk about or do all day and never get tired of?

Pelican Hill Resort + a gorgeous sunset + incredible food = an evening I didn’t want to end. 🧡 Had the best time covering this event for ABOG (Dallas, TX). The boho vibes were unmatched and decor was beyond. This is what happens when a great group of people gathers in a beautiful place.

8 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17872516275617564
Pelican Hill Resort + a gorgeous sunset + incredible food = an evening I didn’t want to end. 🧡 Had the best time covering this event for ABOG (Dallas, TX). The boho vibes were unmatched and decor was beyond. This is what happens when a great group of people gathers in a beautiful place.

This is just me being sarcastic - but some might be a little true. 😂

Top 5 Horror Movies for a Photographer

• can you send the RAW files
• wind. just. wind
• wearing neon orange at sunset
• the tide is too high
• making videos while being a photographer

29 3
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17940025950249372
This is just me being sarcastic - but some might be a little true. 😂 Top 5 Horror Movies for a Photographer • can you send the RAW files • wind. just. wind • wearing neon orange at sunset • the tide is too high • making videos while being a photographer

The question that starts almost every cake smash conversation:

What themes can we do?
Honestly — almost anything.

But here is what I actually recommend.

Choose something they are into right now. Whatever phase they are in at this exact age. The dinosaurs. The rubber ducks. The princesses. The trucks. The thing they carry everywhere and sleep with and talk about constantly.

Because here is what nobody tells you about cake smash sessions: in ten years that photo is going to show you exactly who your child was at this age. Not just what they looked like. Who they were.
That is worth capturing.

We have a full theme library on our website — but if you do not see something that fits your child we will build it custom. No two sessions have to look the same because no two kids are the same.
For this session we planned everything together from the start. Rubber ducky theme. Portraits first. Then family photos. Then cake.
And before we ever talked about the set — we talked about what she wanted to do with the photos.
She chose an album.

Because digitals are beautiful. But an album is something her daughter will open when she is grown and understand immediately.
What theme are you thinking for your little one? Drop it in the comments — I want to see what phase you are in right now.
Newport Beach and Gilbert AZ. Link in bio. #cakesmash #cakesmashphotographer #cakesmashphotography

DM me BIRTHDAY and let’s start planning yours.

10 5
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18065998445409348
The question that starts almost every cake smash conversation: What themes can we do? Honestly — almost anything. But here is what I actually recommend. Choose something they are into right now. Whatever phase they are in at this exact age. The dinosaurs. The rubber ducks. The princesses. The trucks. The thing they carry everywhere and sleep with and talk about constantly. Because here is what nobody tells you about cake smash sessions: in ten years that photo is going to show you exactly who your child was at this age. Not just what they looked like. Who they were. That is worth capturing. We have a full theme library on our website — but if you do not see something that fits your child we will build it custom. No two sessions have to look the same because no two kids are the same. For this session we planned everything together from the start. Rubber ducky theme. Portraits first. Then family photos. Then cake. And before we ever talked about the set — we talked about what she wanted to do with the photos. She chose an album. Because digitals are beautiful. But an album is something her daughter will open when she is grown and understand immediately. What theme are you thinking for your little one? Drop it in the comments — I want to see what phase you are in right now. Newport Beach and Gilbert AZ. Link in bio. #cakesmash #cakesmashphotographer #cakesmashphotography DM me BIRTHDAY and let’s start planning yours.

Photography started as something I loved.

I never picked up a camera thinking it would become a business, support my family, introduce me to thousands of incredible people, or still be part of my life 20+ years later.

But somewhere along the way, a hobby became a career.

Then a business.

Then a huge part of my life. 🤍

I’ve photographed weddings, newborns, seniors, families, birthdays, and milestones for people I’ve known for decades.

And honestly?

The greatest part isn’t the photos.

It’s the people.

The families who come back year after year.
The babies who become seniors.
The clients who become friends.

That’s what keeps me showing up every day.

Do you have a hobby you secretly wish could become your full-time job?

Comment LEARN if you’d like to see how I turned photography into a 20+ year business.

19 5
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18123683860650152
Photography started as something I loved. I never picked up a camera thinking it would become a business, support my family, introduce me to thousands of incredible people, or still be part of my life 20+ years later. But somewhere along the way, a hobby became a career. Then a business. Then a huge part of my life. 🤍 I’ve photographed weddings, newborns, seniors, families, birthdays, and milestones for people I’ve known for decades. And honestly? The greatest part isn’t the photos. It’s the people. The families who come back year after year. The babies who become seniors. The clients who become friends. That’s what keeps me showing up every day. Do you have a hobby you secretly wish could become your full-time job? Comment LEARN if you’d like to see how I turned photography into a 20+ year business.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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