Nottingham Family Photographer

1st Birthday Photoshoot Outdoor with Cake Smash

1st Birthday Photoshoot with a cake smash.

Toddler enjoying a pink cake smash during her 1st Birthday Photoshoot in a flower-filled garden at Wollaton Hall Park.

Planning your baby’s first birthday? A 1st birthday photoshoot with a cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone! Last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Xaiya and her family for her 1st birthday photoshoot at Wollaton Hall Park.

The session was full of laughter, hugs with mum, dad, and her big brother, and discovering small flowers in the meadow. The beautiful gardens of the Hall provided a stunning backdrop, giving us the freedom to capture heartfelt and joyful moments.

Testimonials

My Happy Clients!

One of the things that I appreciated about Marta was how comfortable she made us all feel right away. We came to the photoshoot quite stiff and not sure on how to carry ourselves accordingly but she quickly reassured us and made us all feel more relaxed and made the session not just taking pretty pictures but a fun and memorable experience. It was a pleasant day full of smiles and laughter and I would definitely recommend Marta if you're looking for professionalism filled with passion.

Birthday Bash: Creative Birthday Photoshoot Ideas to Celebrate Your Little One

1st birthday photoshoot outdoor or studio

Wondering if you should go for a 1st birthday photoshoot outdoor or studio? It all comes down to your preferred style.

If you’re after natural, candid shots filled with soft, beautiful light, an outdoor photoshoot is the way to go. Outdoor sessions allow for more spontaneity and freedom, creating timeless images you’ll treasure forever.

Toddler in a pink tutu dress sitting on stairs during her 1st Birthday Photoshoot in Nottingham.

1st Birthday Photoshoot Ideas

For families who prefer a controlled environment, a studio session is a great option—especially during the winter months. While these sessions may require a little extra patience with one-year-olds, they can result in magical portraits that capture every detail.

How to prepare for a family or 1st birthday photoshoot?

Preparation is key to a successful session! Be sure to check out what to wear for a family photoshoot for helpful styling tips. A well-rested, well-fed baby is a happy baby—so plan nap times and meals accordingly for the best results.

Toddler sitting on a blanket in a whimsical outdoor setting during her 1st Birthday Photoshoot.

First Year, Forever Memories: 1st Birthday Photoshoot Ideas to Cherish

Family walking hand-in-hand with their toddler during an outdoor 1st Birthday Photoshoot at Wollaton Hall.

Children’s 1st birthday photoshoot in 3 steps!

1. We try to come to the session refreshed and well-rested.

Toddler celebrating her 1st Birthday Photoshoot with a cake smash surrounded by vibrant purple flowers in a garden.

2. If the kids have favourite snacks, take them with you.

Also, remember about water or another drink. Contrary to appearances, an hour’s fun may tire a bit, if not for the children, then for sure the parents! If we arrange a 1st birthday outdoor photoshoot, remember about mosquito spray. In summer, they especially like to tease in the meadow, in the forest and by the water.

3. Clothes should not have inscriptions or flashy graphics - we strive for subdued stylisations.

I do not impose colours, but I am asking for consistency. You can read more about it here. We arrange possible gadgets for the session before the meeting so that everything is colour-coordinated.

Family sitting together on a blanket outdoors during a 1st Birthday Photoshoot in Nottingham.
Toddler in a blush pink dress with a floral headband, posing for her 1st Birthday Photoshoot in Nottingham.

TIME OF DAY

Plan your outdoor photoshoot around your child’s daily rhythm, choosing moments when they are full of energy.

Older brother holding his baby sister during her 1st Birthday Photoshoot on historic stone steps.

PLACE

Choose a safe, private, and picturesque location like Wollaton Hall that offers natural backdrops for creative and candid photos.

Father lovingly holding his toddler daughter during a 1st Birthday Photoshoot in a lush outdoor garden.

WORK FORM

Capturing the magic of childhood takes creativity and patience. As a children’s photographer in Nottingham, I know how to keep things fun and engaging. Understanding child psychology is crucial—it helps me set realistic expectations and create a stress-free atmosphere for both kids and parents.

Understanding One-Year-Olds

Babies at this age are always on the move, exploring their surroundings with curiosity. Many parents worry that this energy will make it impossible to get good photos, but it’s actually the opposite! Those playful, spontaneous moments often result in the most stunning, candid shots.

HOW LONG 1st Birthday Photoshoot

My sessions with one-year-olds typically last about an hour. This is enough time to capture a variety of moments—big smiles, sweet cuddles, and everything in between. Sessions are full of laughter and play, with breaks as needed to keep your little one happy and engaged.

Toddler holding a white flower in a soft blush dress during her 1st Birthday Photoshoot outdoors.

When your child turns one, it’s the perfect time to create a lasting memory. You don’t need elaborate decorations or expensive gifts—what matters most is capturing the love and connection of your family. A 1st birthday outdoorphotoshoot is the ideal way to celebrate, focusing on natural settings and genuine interactions.

Remember, family photos are a lifetime treasure. Years down the road, you’ll cherish the frames that show you together, laughing and enjoying the moment.

From the cake smash to sweet family portraits, every detail of your baby’s first birthday photoshoot tells a story. It’s a story you’ll revisit again and again—reliving the joy, love, and happiness of that special day.

Ready to create your own unforgettable moments? Let’s make it happen together!

It's great to capture all those moments! I am sure that in 5, 10, 15 years you will come back to them with great fondness.

A collage of family portraits and cake smash moments during a 1st Birthday Photoshoot by Nottingham Family Photographer Marta Szulc.