Simple Sophistication
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only
Can a four-year-old give royal energy at her session? 👑🤍
This little one didn’t just show up, she owned it.
Her mom had a vision: something timeless and regal, with a classic white background that felt clean, elegant, and all about her daughter. And this four-year-old? She was all grace, sparkle, and just the right amount of sass.
We kept the focus simple, minimal distractions, soft lighting, and a wardrobe that felt elevated but still playful. (And yes, we snuck in a few stunning shots on the black backdrop too. 🖤)
To this sweet family, thank you for trusting me with your vision. She brought it to life in the most beautiful way.
#GilmoreStudios #StudioPortraits #WhiteBackdropPhotos #ChildPortraitPhotography #RoyalVibesOnly #OCPhotographer
What if the birthday baby can’t have cake?” Here’s what we did.
This little guy had a food allergy - so instead of skipping the fun, we got creative. A vegan cupcake from Sprinkles did the trick: safe, simple, and still smash-worthy.
Tip for photographers: Always ask about allergies in advance - and remember, a smaller dessert can still make a big impact. 🎉
Happy Big ONE, buddy - you crushed it. 💙
#TheBigOne #CakeSmashTips #VeganCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #MilestoneMoments #1YearOldPhotos
How do you kick a theme for your birthday session? Think about what your little one is naturally drawn to—books, colors, characters, or even snacks. Choosing something they already love makes the session feel more personal and lets their personality shine.
This sweet kiddo loved Toy Story—so we leaned into that for the theme. A few key props, some favorite characters, and a custom backdrop brought it all together perfectly.
Whether it’s blueberries, bears, or Buzz Lightyear—when the theme reflects your child, the photos feel that much more meaningful.
#ToyStoryPortraits #GilmoreStudios #KidsPortraitSession
What kind of cake do you supply for a cake smash session? 🍪💙
We supply a white or naked cake from a local bakery but every now and then our clients upgrade to a custom cake. This Cookie Monster cake was adorable!! A tip when doing cake smashes - skip fondant or hard decorations. A soft, easy-to-smash cake with buttercream frosting works best. Some kids don’t like the texture so practice with whipped cream before and see if they like to get messy.
#CookieMonsterCakeSmash #FirstBirthdayPhotos #CakeSmashTips #GilmoreStudios
How do you style a cake smash with fruit and frosting—without it feeling like a farmer’s market exploded? 🍓🎂
Here’s what I’ve learned: stick to soft neutrals and let the berries do the talking. Their bold colors (and the mess they make!) add all the texture and charm you need. Keep the setup simple so those squishy hands, frosting-covered cheeks, and little berry-stained toes stay front and center.
This birthday girl brought all the joy—curious, expressive, and ready to dive into her berry-sweet celebration.
#BerryFirstBirthday #FreshBerriesCakeSmash #GilmoreStudios #CakeSmashTips
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ
Session by appointment only
