#Why We Don't Do Cake Smash
Not every baby enjoys a cake smash. Some stare at the cake confused, some cry the moment frosting touches their fingers, and some refuse to engage at all. The resulting photos can feel forced, and the mess can be genuinely stressful for parents.
There is also the visual sameness problem. Cake smash photos tend to look nearly identical from one family to the next: same setup, same smeared frosting, same backdrop. Your baby is one of a kind, and the photos should reflect that.
#The Videography Alternative
Instead of a cake smash, consider our videography package. For $499, you get a one-minute edited video plus eight beautifully edited photos, all captured during a relaxed ninety-minute session.
Video captures the things a photo simply cannot: the way your baby laughs, the wobbly first steps, the clapping and babbling that define this age. A one-minute film of your twelve-month-old being themselves is something you will watch over and over for years.
#Capturing Who They Are at One
At twelve months, babies are doing incredible things. Walking (or almost walking), clapping, pointing at everything, laughing at the dog, discovering how doors work. These are the moments worth documenting.
We keep props minimal and intentional. One balloon, a favorite toy, a special outfit you have been saving. The focus stays on your baby's personality, not on decorations. Simple backgrounds let your child be the star of every frame.
#Keeping the Session Simple
In-home sessions work beautifully at this age because babies are mobile. They are crawling, cruising along furniture, and exploring every corner of the house. Their natural habitat is the best backdrop you could ask for.
We follow your baby's lead. If they want to play with blocks on the living room floor, we photograph that. If they are obsessed with opening and closing a cabinet door, we capture it. The best first birthday photos show real life, not a staged scene.
#Photo Video or Both
You do not have to choose one or the other. Combining photo and video in a single session gives you the best of both worlds. The still images go on your wall, and the video lives on your phone for those moments when you need a smile.
We shoot both simultaneously during the ninety-minute session, so there is no extra time commitment on your end. Your baby does not know or care whether we are rolling video or snapping stills. They just do their thing.
#How to Book Your First Birthday Session
Reach out about four to six weeks before your baby's birthday. This gives us time to plan the session, discuss what you want to capture, and make sure the date works for everyone.
When you get in touch, let us know whether you are interested in photos, video, or the combined package. We will walk you through the options and help you pick whatever feels right for your family. No cake required.