WHAT IS A 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSION?
A 1st birthday session is a fun way to celebrate your baby turning one. It’s the perfect time to capture milestones like standing, smiling, and showing off their personality.
In-studio sessions provide a clean, simple setup with the option to add a cake smash at the end — a sweet and messy way to mark the occasion!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSION?
The best time to schedule a 1st birthday session is about two weeks before your child's actual birthday. This allows enough time for professional editing and ensures your final images are ready before the big day — perfect for party decorations, invitations, or sharing with family and friends.
HOW LONG DOES A 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSION LAST?
A typical 1st birthday photo session lasts one hour. This gives us plenty of time to capture a variety of portraits, candid moments, and, if you choose, a cake smash — all at a relaxed and comfortable pace.
DO YOU TAKE PICTURES OF THE FAMILY DURING 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSIONS?
Absolutely! I love including family members in 1st birthday sessions. Capturing the love and connection between you and your little one creates meaningful images that tell the full story of this special milestone — memories you’ll cherish forever.
WHERE WILL THE 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
1st birthday sessions take place in my professional studio, providing a comfortable and controlled environment year-round. The studio setting is ideal for capturing clean, timeless portraits and is the perfect place to include a fun and memorable cake smash.
If you’re interested in a cake smash as part of your session, an in-studio appointment is required to ensure the best experience and setup.
IN-STUDIO SESSION INFORMATION!
For sessions held in my studio in Lake in the Hills, IL, you can choose from over 100 beautiful backdrops to customize your photos. During your session, we’ll have time to use 2–3 different backdrops to create a variety of looks and styles.
Explore the full backdrop collection here:
DO YOU USE PROPS?
Yes, I love using props to enhance your session! Once you’ve decided on a theme or color scheme, please let me know. I may already have props that fit your vision, and if not, I might ask you to provide them.
Please note that I only use high-quality backdrops from my own collection to ensure the best photo results. I do have a variety of letter blocks and cake stands in many colors available for your session.
While I don’t supply floating balloons, I do have some balloons that can be inflated and placed on the floor. If you want to include balloons, please choose simple round balloons — directional balloons can be distracting during the shoot and may take attention away from capturing your little one’s natural smiles.
My goal is to focus on your child and create beautiful memories without distractions.
CAN WE DO A CAKE SMASH?
Absolutely! Cake smash sessions are a fun way to celebrate your little one’s 1st birthday and are offered as the final setup during your studio session.
For easy cleanup and comfort, cake smashes are only done in my studio or in-home. Outdoor cake smashes are not available to ensure we keep the environment clean and safe.
Please note, I do not provide the cake due to allergy concerns, so you’ll need to bring your own.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES FOR A 1ST BIRTHDAY SESSION?
To view detailed pricing and package options for 1st birthday sessions, please visit the link below. You’ll find all the information you need to choose the perfect session for your family: