FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTOSHOOT

I know just how special this first birthday milestone is, and my aim is to make the whole experience as easy and relaxed as possible for you. Your cake smash session is secured with a £69 session fee, and around two weeks after the shoot you’ll be welcomed back to my studio for a cosy viewing appointment — a chance to relive the fun, see your beautiful gallery, and choose the images you’ll look back on when they’re blowing out eighteen candles, walking down the aisle, or holding their own little one for the first time.

FAQs

How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking at least 4–8 weeks before your little one’s birthday. This allows enough time for styling, preparation, and for your images to be ready if you’d like to use them at the party.

What’s included in the session fee?
Your £69 session fee secures your session, the styled setup, use of my baby outfits, the cake, and the session itself. Images and products are purchased separately at your viewing appointment.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just your little one, a favourite toy or comforter, and a spare outfit for you (things can get messy!). Everything else—from the cake and outfits to towels and wipes—is taken care of in my home studio.

Does my baby have to have cake?
Not at all! If you’d prefer, we can use alternative foods such as fruit, pancakes, or even a favourite snack — whatever feels right for your little one.

What happens on the day?
We begin with a family portrait, then take some “clean” photos of your baby before the cake comes out. After the smash, we finish with a bubbly splash bath to wash off the icing and capture some extra giggles.

How messy does it get?
It’s definitely a little messy—that’s part of the fun! But don’t worry, I handle the clean-up so you don’t have to.

When will I see the photos?
About two weeks after your session, you’ll return to my studio for a relaxed viewing appointment, where you can choose your favourite images and decide how you’d like to display them.

What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
That happens sometimes, and it’s completely fine! I’ll gently guide the session so we still capture plenty of gorgeous photos—whether your baby dives right in, pokes cautiously, or decides they prefer the splash bath.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY SESSION.

YOUR FIRST BIRTHDAY PHOTOGRAPHER IN SANDWICH

From the moment you arrive at my cosy home studio in Sandwich, everything is ready for a fun, relaxed experience. We begin with a family portrait so you’re all part of the memories, then move on to some sweet “clean” photos of your little one before the cake or paints  makes their big appearance. Once the smashing or painting  begins, I capture every giggle, poke, and messy handful finishing with a bubbly splash bath to wash off the icing or paint and create even more adorable images. All the while, I’ll gently guide the flow of the session, keeping things stress-free while you sit back and enjoy the celebration.

As your first birthday photographer, I take care of every detail,  from the styled setup and carefully chosen baby outfits, to the cake or paints and all the little comforts that make your session run smoothly. My home studio offers a welcoming, personal space where you and your baby can feel completely at ease. With a warm, relaxed approach and a focus on capturing genuine joy, my goal is to give you not just beautiful photos, but a first birthday experience you’ll always remember.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll arrange a friendly phone call or whatsApp message to:

• Chat about your hopes for the session and the little details that matter to you

• Go over colour palettes, styling ideas, and outfit options from my studio collection

• Discuss the best timing for your shoot (ideally scheduled around your baby’s first birthday, booked at least a month in advance)

• Answer any questions so you know exactly what to expect

Thoughtful Session Planning

Every baby has their own personality, and I follow their lead to keep things fun, relaxed, and comfortable. While I can’t promise a specific reaction to the cake or paint (some dive right in, others are more cautious!), I’ll gently guide the session to create a beautiful variety of images, from sweet portraits to the messy fun and splashy smiles in the bath.

I’ll guide you through:

• Wardrobe suggestions for family portraits, so everything looks natural and timeless together

• Outfit selection for your little one from my carefully chosen studio wardrobe

• Special touches you’d like to include, whether that’s a theme, colours, or even an alternative to cake if you prefer

On the Day

First Birthday sessions are designed to be easy and enjoyable. We start with a relaxed family portrait, then capture some “clean” portraits of your little one before the cake or paints makes their big appearance. Once the smash or painting  is complete, we finish with a bubbly splash bath, included as standard, to capture even more joyful images.

Sessions typically last around 1–1.5 hours, with plenty of time for cuddles or breaks if your little one needs them. Before your session, you’ll receive a short preparation guide with tips to help everything run smoothly,  so you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy celebrating this wonderful milestone.

OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY SESSION PORTFOLIO

Here’s a look at some of our recent first birthday photography in Sandwich.

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