Why Your Baby’s First Birthday Photos Don’t Need to Be a Cake Smash

Your baby’s first birthday is a major milestone—one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. While cake smash sessions are a popular way to mark the occasion, they’re definitely not the only option. In fact, many families are opting for something more timeless and less messy: a lifestyle or portrait family session.

Cake Smash Photos Aren’t for Everyone (and That’s Okay)

There’s no denying that a cake smash can be adorable—frosting-covered cheeks, tiny hands digging in, and all the giggles that come with it. But for some families, the idea just doesn’t feel like the right fit. Maybe it’s the mess, the overstimulation, or simply a matter of personal style. And honestly? That’s totally fine.

The family featured in this session has a beautifully classic, timeless aesthetic. I’ve had the joy of photographing them several times, and when it came to celebrating their youngest child’s first birthday, they chose to keep things simple and meaningful with a traditional portrait session. No props. No frosting. Just real moments. We met at Jockey Hollow park in Morristown, NJ on a beautiful sunny late summer morning and had a relaxed but memorable family session.

A Family Session for Baby’s First Birthday

Choosing a family session to commemorate your baby’s first birthday is a wonderful way to include everyone—especially older siblings who might otherwise feel left out of a cake-focused shoot. This approach lets us celebrate not just your baby’s milestone, but your entire family dynamic.

During these sessions, we focus on genuine connection, sweet sibling moments, and the little in-between interactions that show off your child’s emerging personality. Whether they’re crawling, standing, or just starting to walk, we can capture all of those beautiful transitions in a calm and relaxed way.

Timeless, Authentic First Birthday Photos

Without the distraction of props or cake, your session becomes about storytelling—your family’s story. We’ll photograph gentle snuggles, playful giggles, curious expressions, and the quiet magic of your baby growing into toddlerhood. These are the kinds of images that will feel just as meaningful in ten or twenty years as they do today.

Whether your family leans more classic and formal or relaxed and playful, your photo session can be tailored to match your style. It’s all about documenting this moment in a way that feels true to you.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “right” way to celebrate your child’s first birthday. If a cake smash doesn’t feel like your vibe, that doesn’t mean you’re missing out. A family photo session is just as special—and in many ways, even more meaningful. It’s a chance to capture your baby in this beautiful phase of transition, surrounded by the people who love them most.