St. Augustine first birthday photo sessions

A first birthday is a special milestone for every family. Your baby has grown and developed tremendously over the past twelve months and now your little one’s personality is shining through. It is a good idea to take this opportunity to schedule a photo session for your child. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate this moment is with photographs that reflect who they are right now.

Here are a few session options you might consider:

A Family Session with Birthday Portraits or a Cake Smash

I always encourage families to participate in photo sessions. A first birthday is the perfect time to document how the dynamic of your family has evolved over the past year. Babies are still so snuggly and cuddly at this age and it is a great time to capture them before they are fast moving toddlers.

Many of my clients opt to do a family photo session in place of a cake smash session. Others opt to include a cake smash at the end of the session or just bring along a one balloon for a few simple birthday portraits. Some don’t want any props at all and they just want to capture their child and their family in a natural way. I always encourage families to participate in these sessions because a first birthday is not just about your child — it’s about your whole family and the bond you’ve grown together.
Some families choose classic portraits with or without a cake smash; others prefer just simple, timeless images without props. This option gives you updated family portraits and milestone photos in one session.

(This is a great choice for St. Augustine first birthday photo sessions where parents want beautiful natural light and organic connection images of the whole family.)

Outdoor Cake Smash or Birthday Portraits

If you want the most natural and organic images of your child, the outdoor milestone session is for you. Your set can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. I have several props that travel well and look great for outdoor use. Some clients want no props at all and just simple and timeless portraits of their child. Others only want to do the cake smash and nothing else. Your session can be completely customized based on your goals. I will suggest a location, wardrobe, bring along props, and plan the session with your vision in mind.

Studio Portrait Session or Cake Smash Session

I love photographing outdoors, but I also have a private studio right here in Long Beach, NY that is perfect for a wide array of photography needs. For studio cake smash and birthday portrait sessions, I use a timeless white backdrop that allows me to design a fun, but simple set for your child’s birthday. I create a design using balloons, florals or other creative elements to create a set that is not overwhelming and allows the focus of your photos to be on your child. We can also do cake smash photos on the set. Again, this session is completely customized wiht your goals in mind.

Indoor Greenhouse First Birthday Sessions

One of my favorite options for St. Augustine first birthday photo sessions is using an indoor greenhouse. These spaces are filled with soft, directional light and layers of natural texture that create an organic, elevated backdrop without feeling overly styled.

Greenhouse sessions offer:

• Beautiful natural light that feels intimate and timeless
• Lush plant life that frames your child in a calm, organic way
• A simple environment that allows personality to shine without distraction

The greenery adds depth and warmth, but the focus always stays on your child. The result feels refined yet natural, with a quiet elegance that photographs beautifully.

Lifestyle In Home Portraits

There is something especially meaningful about documenting your baby’s first birthday at home. For many families booking St. Augustine first birthday photo sessions, home feels the most authentic.

A light-filled nursery, a cozy reading nook, or a favorite window where your child plays each morning can become the perfect backdrop. Home sessions offer:

• A familiar space where children feel relaxed and confident
• Natural moments that reflect your real everyday life
• Images that hold deeper emotional meaning because they are rooted in your story

These sessions feel less like a setup and more like real life as art. The kind of images you will look back on and remember not just how they looked, but how it felt in this season.

If you are interested in a session, contact me.