Celebrating Your Babies First Birthday
Your child’s first year passes in a heartbeat, and every giggle, cuddle, and tiny adventure is worth remembering. We know how stressful it can feel to plan a session, keep an active toddler engaged, and hope for photos that truly capture the moment. That’s why our first birthday sessions are fun, relaxed, and designed around your child’s personality. You can enjoy celebrating while we preserve the memories of this special year for years to come.
First Birthday Sessions Designed for Families Who
want to celebrate their baby turning one with timeless photographs
appreciate simple, neutral setups that keep the focus on their child
love the idea of capturing both classic portraits and playful cake smash moments
value a relaxed, child-led session where their little one can explore and play
want to preserve this milestone before toddlerhood begins
What to Expect
First birthday sessions are a relaxed way to celebrate this milestone. Sessions take place in my Boise studio and focus entirely on your child, capturing their personality, expressions, and this special stage of growth.
Setups are kept simple and timeless, using neutral tones and monochrome colors that keep the focus on your child. A few backdrop options are available, but everything is intentionally clean and minimal.
We typically begin with simple portraits before introducing the cake. This allows time for your baby to warm up and gives us a variety of clean images before things get messy. I have a selection of outfits available for babies, or you’re welcome to bring something special from home.
If you plan to include a cake smash, I ask that families bring the cake for food safety reasons. A simple cake works beautifully, and I have cake stands and simple props available.
After the cake smash, we can finish with a small splash bath using a tiny tub, which helps with cleanup and often leads to some of the sweetest photos of the session.
Sessions are relaxed and child-led, allowing time for outfit changes, breaks, and for your baby to explore and show their personality.
First Birthday Session Investment
$650
What's Included:
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A weekday, fun-filled session experience in the studio (Child Only)
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Outfit Options, including access to our client wardrobe
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Timeless, In-Studio Birthday Setup & Lifestyle Studio Setting
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After Cake, Tub Splash Option
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Online proofing gallery to view and select your portraits
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Collection of 20 fully fine-edited, high-resolution digital images
Booking & Payment:
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Session fee due at booking
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Flexible payment plan options available at request
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10% Military discount offered with gratitude
Upgrading Your Session & Collection Options
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Weekend Session Scheduling +$75
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Family & Siblings Included +$100
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Option to upgrade the Digital Image Collection after viewing your proofs
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Option to order Heirloom-Quality printed products, including Prints, Wall Art, & Albums
Katie was so friendly and easy to work with. She kept my son laughing the whole time, which was so nice because it got the real smile out of him rather than a forced cheesy one!!
Aly D.
First Birthday Session FAQ
It’s best to book 1–2 months in advance to secure your preferred date and allow time for planning the session and setup.
It’s best to schedule the session close to your child’s first birthday—typically within a few weeks before or after—so your little one is alert, playful, and ready to celebrate. Booking 1–2 months in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date.
For the cake smash, you'll need to bring the cake, but I’ll provide all the classic props, including the cake stand, simple backdrop, and other accessories. Feel free to bring any additional props you’d like, such as a special blanket or keepsakes.
For the cake smash portion, a simple and comfortable outfit is ideal. We recommend a cute onesie, diaper cover, overalls, tutu, or soft romper that your baby can move easily in. We will also get a few portraits before the cake smash so feel free to bring a nice outfit for your little one—think soft colors, simple designs, and light textures. We also have the client closet of items your little one is welcome to borrow from.
Sessions take place in our lovely studio located in Boise, Idaho.
Sessions usually last 45 minutes to 1 hour, but we go at your child’s pace. Breaks for play, cuddles, or outfit changes are included to ensure the session stays relaxed and fun.
We provide simple, timeless props and backdrops for the session and have a few themed options available as well. If you have a specific theme in mind that we don't offer, you are welcome to bring those themed props with you to your session.
Cake is not included in the session. With food allergies and diet restrictions we preffer that you bring your own cake to the session.
Not at all! Cake is optional. You can absolutely have a fun-filled first birthday session without cake. We have playful props and backdrops to celebrate this milestone in a way that’s perfect for your family.
Yes! Family members are welcome to join in for portraits. There is an additional $100 fee for including family, which grants us more session time and access to family wardrobe options from our client closet.
Make sure your baby is well-rested and fed before the session to ensure they’re in a good mood. A clean face and hands are always a good idea for photos. If you're doing a cake smash, be prepared for a little mess—it’s part of the fun!
Yes, 20 Digital Images, chosen by you, are included in all Milestone Sessions! Additional digital images and printed items can be purchased after viewing your proofing gallery if desired. Digital Images are delivered via the online gallery and instant download.
You’ll receive your proofing gallery 7–10 days after the session to select your favorite images. Once your selections are made, I’ll perform fine editing, which usually takes 5–7 days. After that, the final images will be updated in your gallery and ready for download.
Absolutely! You’ll have the option to order professional-quality prints, albums, and other keepsakes directly from your online gallery, ensuring your memories are beautifully preserved.
