There’s something truly magical about the beginning of September when the early fall colors start to peek through. Nature gave us the perfect earthy colored backdrop to celebrate sweet Amelia’s first birthday.

Joining in the fun was her big brother, Harry, who brought his playful energy to the session. Whether he was sneaking a taste of the cake or making Amelia laugh, it was clear these two share a very special sibling bond. We also made sure to get sweet family shots, showcasing the fun, love, and joy this family has together.

Whether you’re planning your own family photoshoot or a cake smash for your little one, here are a few tips from behind the lens to help make your session a success!

1. Timing is Everything

Amelia’s session was early in the fall season, and we were lucky to catch those first pops of autumn colors. When planning your family or milestone session, timing plays a crucial role. Early morning or late afternoon (the “golden hour”) provides the best natural lighting, creating soft, warm tones in your photos.

  • Tip: Plan your session for a time when your child is well-rested and fed. This helps ensure they’re in the best mood for photos!

2. Make it Fun for the Kids

Cake smash sessions, like Amelia’s, are a great way to celebrate a first birthday while capturing genuine moments of fun and curiosity. With big brother Harry joining in, the session became even more lively. Kids love being part of the action, so it’s important to keep the environment relaxed and playful.

  • Tip: Don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun during your family session. Some of the best shots come from spontaneous, joyful moments!

3. Capturing the Connections

One of the best parts of family sessions is capturing the unique bond between parents and children. I always encourage parents to take a moment with each of their children during the session—it’s these quieter, simpler moments that often produce the most treasured photographs.

  • Tip: Don’t be afraid to let loose and have fun during your family session. Some of the best shots come from spontaneous, joyful moments!

BONUS – Preparing for a Cake Smash Session

I absolutely love incorporating smash cakes to celebrate your little one’s first birthday! To make things extra special, I collaborate with a talented local cake artist who creates the perfect cakes for my cake smash sessions. This means parents don’t have to worry about a thing—just sit back and enjoy watching your one-year-old have fun smashing their very own cake!

If you’re planning a cake smash to mark this exciting milestone, here are my top tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Make sure your little one has had something sweet before their session. Ideally something similar to the texture of cake.

2. Make sure your little one is okay with getting their hands messy. If not, I recommend bringing a spoon if that is way they are used to eating. 

3. If you know your little one doesn’t like sticky textures, I would recommend choosing a naked cake because they have a lot less icing and it’s easier to get to the cake part during their smashing. You can even request to have a fruit like blueberries or strawberries on top.

SCHEDULING A FAMILY SESSION WITH JENNIFER MAE PHOTOGRAPHY

With over 9 years of experience of portrait photography – I create a child lead session, ensuring memories are made that create beautiful images for you to have treasure forever. You can learn more about family sessions with Jennifer Mae Photography at the family detail page.

If you are interested in booking a family session you can reach me HERE.