Celebrating Milestones: A Magical 1st Birthday Photoshoot at Danelle Joy Photography Studio

There’s something truly special about capturing a child’s first birthday. It’s a milestone full of personality, giggles, and the tiniest hint of mischief, all wrapped up in a year of incredible growth. At Danelle Joy Photography, I love creating sessions that celebrate these precious moments in a way that’s both fun and timeless. Recently, I had the joy of photographing a sweet little one in my studio for their 1st birthday, and it was nothing short of magical.

Little girl having fun at photoshoot

From the moment families arrive, I focus on creating a relaxed, joyful environment where both children and parents feel comfortable. First birthdays are full of emotion — the parents are proud, the little one is curious, and often, the sibling dynamic adds a dash of extra sweetness and spontaneity. In this session, we played with a mix of setups that allowed the birthday child to explore, play, and show off their personality, while still capturing those classic milestone portraits that families treasure forever.

One of my favorite parts of a 1st birthday session is the cake smash. There’s an undeniable charm in seeing a tiny hands-on experience with a little cake, frosting smeared everywhere, and eyes wide with delight. At my studio, I provide a clean, beautiful backdrop and props that are perfectly suited to highlight the child’s personality while keeping the focus on them. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, from the color scheme to the textures, ensuring the images feel cohesive, joyful, and timeless.

During this particular session, the birthday star was full of curiosity and energy. We began with posed portraits, capturing that classic 1-year-old sparkle in their eyes. Then, as the session progressed, we incorporated playful props — balloons, banners, and even a tiny birthday hat — creating movement and laughter that made the photos feel alive and candid. Watching a child interact with these little touches brings out such genuine emotion and personality, which is exactly what I aim to capture in every session.

Finally, we ended the session with the ever-popular cake smash. The little one dove right in, tasting, poking, and giggling through the frosting. These moments are always filled with joy, and they translate beautifully into images that families can look back on for years. There’s something magical about seeing the pure happiness of a child enjoying their special day — and being able to freeze it in time through photography is a true honor. I offer many different first birthday packages and themes. Reach out for more information!