Lynchburg Studio Portraits
Lynchburg Baby Photographer
I loved spending time with Baby M, her mom, dad, and big brother. They celebrated her first birthday in style! She wore a sweet pink‑striped jumper and a pink bow, and ended the session with the fun, messy, adorable “cake smash” moment.
Welcoming Baby M’s Big Day
I love when parents want to be included in Baby Milestone portraits. Mom and Dad brought along big brother too, which made the session even more meaningful—one‑year milestone sessions that include siblings and parents truly capture the whole family story. Capturing the connection between everyone adds a special authenticity to the final gallery, which is always a goal of mine.
The Outfit: Pink Stripes + Bow = Timeless & Sweet
Baby M’s pink‑striped jumper paired beautifully with her matching pink bow. Choosing outfits like this — simple, coordinating, timeless — helps maintain the focus on expression and connection, rather than on trendy styles that become outdated. For many families, selecting the outfit is a chance to bring personality (and pink was a perfect pick here!).
Big Brother’s Moment
Including big brother added an extra layer of joy and movement to the session. Whether he was sharing her cake, looking on with a smile, or playing nearby, his presence brought more unity to the whole session. Capturing sibling interactions creates memories that parents treasure for years to come.
The Cake Smash Finale: Let the Celebration Begin
Near the end of the session is when we set up the cake smash. Baby M was ready to dive in for her delicious cake. The fun of the cake smash is two‑fold: it celebrates the First Birthday milestone and it gives you vibrant, joyful, messy photos that bring out your little one's personality.
Parents often ask how to prepare for a cake smash. Some helpful tips include:
Let the baby try a small taste of frosting or cake a few days beforehand to prevent any surprise reactions.
Schedule the session at a time when Baby M is well‑rested (not just after waking up, but not too tired, either) so she’s comfortable and playful.
Choose a cake size that suits the baby (not too big and overwhelming) and a soft frosting that’s easy to dig into. We offer a simple and delicious cake through the studio as an optional add-on to your session.
In Baby M’s session, the cake was the perfect size, her toes ended up in icing, and her big brother cheered her on — magical moments all around.
Why This Kind of Session Works for Families
Milestone value: Baby’s first birthday is a huge moment. A session like this becomes a keepsake.
Family included: Rather than just baby alone, including parents and siblings provides more varied images for prints and albums.
Mixed variety: Starting with posed family shots, then baby alone, sibling interactions, and finally the cake‑smash fun gives you a full story.
Print‑ready: These images look stunning on walls, in albums, and in announcements/invites.
How You Can Make Your Own Session Shine
If you’re planning a first‑birthday session (or thinking about booking one):
Pick outfits that coordinate but aren’t overly themed (timeless over trendy).
Encourage including siblings and parents from the start.
Save the cake smash for last — it’s energetic and messy, so it works best once the baby is warmed up and comfortable.
Use simple, comfortable props/backdrops so your little one remains the focus.
Relax and have fun. When parents are calm and joyful, your baby will respond naturally.
A Final Word
As a photographer, it’s a joy to create images that families will look back on with smiles for years.
If you’re thinking about planning your child’s first birthday portraits — including a family session with cake smash — I’d love to work with you and create something equally as special.
Contact us and we will share with you our special collections such as maternity + newborn or newborn + baby milestone packages. You may also set up a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here in the studio to answer any questions and help you feel comfortable capturing this beautiful new season of life.
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