Your baby is turning one. How did that happen?! One moment you were bringing home this tiny, sleepy newborn, and now you have a curious, laughing, probably-already-getting-into-everything little person on your hands. A one year old baby photoshoot is one of the most joyful sessions I get to do as an Orange County baby photographer — and it’s one of the most important milestones worth capturing on camera.
If you’re wondering what a one year old photoshoot actually looks like, how to prepare, and whether a cake smash is right for your family, read on. I’m walking you through everything.
One Year Old Baby Photoshoot: Everything You Need to Know
By Kristin Eldridge | Orange County Baby Photographer
Why a One Year Old Baby Photoshoot is So Special
The first birthday is unlike any other milestone. Your baby has transformed completely in just twelve months — from a sleepy newborn to a little person with a personality, opinions, and (let’s be honest) some very strong feelings about what they will and won’t eat.
As an Orange County baby photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of one year olds, and I can tell you: this age is pure magic in front of the camera. They’re curious enough to interact with everything around them, expressive enough to give you the most incredible faces, and still young enough to have that irresistible baby softness.
These photos will matter for the rest of your life. I promise.
Cake Smash or No Cake Smash?
This is the question I get asked most often when families book a one year old baby photoshoot. Here’s my honest take:
Cake smash sessions are incredibly fun and make for some of the most expressive, joyful photos you’ll ever have of your child. There’s something about a baby discovering cake for the first time — the confusion, the delight, the total chaos — that is just chef’s kiss for photography.
What to know about cake smashes:
- I recommend a simple, single-tier cake in a color that complements your baby’s outfit
- White or lightly frosted cakes photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby’s face
- Plan for a bath right after — it gets messy, and that’s the whole point!
- We typically do portraits first while baby is clean, then bring in the cake
Not into the cake smash? That’s completely fine! A classic milestone portrait session focusing on your baby’s personality, movement, and expressions is equally beautiful and timeless. Many families do a combination — portraits first, then a small cake introduction at the end.
What to Wear for a One Year Old Photoshoot
Outfit choices can make a big difference in how your photos look and feel. Here are my top tips as an Orange County baby photographer:
For your baby:
- Soft, simple outfits in neutral or muted tones photograph beautifully — think creams, whites, dusty blues, soft pinks, and sage greens
- Avoid busy patterns or large logos that distract from their sweet face
- Bring two outfits — one for portraits and one for the cake smash if you’re doing one
- Rompers, simple dresses, and classic overalls are all great choices
- Make sure whatever they’re wearing is comfortable — a fussy baby usually means an uncomfortable baby!
For parents and siblings (if joining):
- Coordinate without being too matchy-matchy
- Stick to a cohesive color palette — neutrals always work
- Avoid bright white as it can be distracting on camera
- Dress comfortably — you may be sitting on the floor, holding a wiggly one year old!
How to Prepare for Your One Year Old Baby Photoshoot
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, happy session. Here’s what I recommend:
Schedule around nap time. This is the single most important thing you can do. A well-rested baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby makes for incredible photos. Schedule your session for when your little one is typically at their best — usually mid-morning after their first nap.
Feed them beforehand, but not right before. A full baby is a content baby! But avoid feeding right before the session to minimize spit-up and milk-drunk sleepiness.
Bring their favorite snacks. Having familiar snacks on hand is great for keeping energy up and coaxing smiles between setups.
Bring a comfort item. A favorite stuffed animal or toy can be a great prop and also helps calm any nerves.
Don’t stress about a perfect session. One year olds have their own agenda, and that’s actually what makes these photos so real and beautiful. I’ve photographed enough babies to know how to work with their mood — tears, grumpy faces, and all. Some of the most cherished photos come from the unexpected moments!
Location Ideas for One Year Old Photos in Orange County
One of the benefits of working with an Orange County baby photographer is that we have some truly stunning settings available year-round. Here are some of my favorite locations:
Beach sessions — Orange County’s coastline is absolutely gorgeous for one year old photos. The soft sand, natural light, and open space give babies plenty of room to explore. Favorites include Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove, and Laguna Beach.
Golden fields and parks — For a softer, more romantic feel, grassy parks and open fields in Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach offer beautiful backdrops.
In-home lifestyle sessions — Some of my most treasured one year old sessions take place right at home. Your baby’s natural environment captures an authenticity that a staged location simply can’t replicate. Their first steps in the living room, playing with their birthday balloons in the kitchen — these are the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
Studio-style sessions — For a clean, classic portrait look with full control over lighting and backdrop, I can set up a simple studio environment as well.
When Should You Book Your One Year Old Photoshoot?
I recommend booking your session 4-6 weeks before your baby’s first birthday. Sessions fill up quickly, especially around spring and fall when the light and weather are perfect in Orange County.
That said, don’t stress if your baby is already one — the “one year old” window really extends from about 11 months to 14 months. As long as your baby can sit independently, we’re good to go!
Serving Orange County and Beyond
As a Long Beach-based Orange County baby photographer, I serve families throughout the greater OC and LA area including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Manhattan Beach, Seal Beach, Torrance, and surrounding communities. I’m always happy to travel for the right family!
Ready to Book Your One Year Old Baby Photoshoot?
I would absolutely love to capture this milestone for your family. Head to my Contact page to get in touch, or visit my Details + Pricing page to learn more about what’s included in a session.
Your baby is only one once. Let’s make sure you never forget what it looked like. 🎂