Your guide to choosing the Right 1st Birthday Photoshoot for Your Baby!


Your baby’s first birthday is such a huge milestone — and a 1st birthday photoshoot is such a beautiful way to celebrate it. One of the most common questions I’m asked as a birthday photographer for babies in Nottingham is:


“Should we do a simple birthday shoot or a cake smash?”


Let me show and explain both options to help you decide which one is best for your baby.

First birthday photography Nottingham baby with simple neutral setup

Simple 1st Birthday Photoshoots


A simple, natural birthday shoot focuses on:


-Your baby’s personality

-Natural expressions and movement

-Minimal props and neutral tones

-Timeless images that won’t date


My sessions are relaxed, fun and perfect for families who love clean, classic imagery (I know not everyone does like the mess of a cake smash). Everything is captured in my cosy home photography studio in Nottingham, with access to a small client wardrobe and simple and neutral birthday props.


Nothing over the top or fancy so that all the focus is on your little one.

Baby first birthday photos Nottingham minimal studio setup neutral tones
First birthday photographer Nottingham natural baby portrait cosy home studio session
Neutral birthday photoshoot Nottingham baby milestone session simple styling

Cake Smash Photoshoots


Cake smash sessions add an extra element of fun:


-Messy hands and curious expressions

-Laughter and surprise as baby explores the cake (imagine a bit of icing on the end of your babies nose)

-Still styled in a natural, minimal way


Again not to much fuss or over complicated set ups. But I do know not every baby loves cake — and that’s okay! Whether they dive straight in or gently poke at it, every reaction is perfect and part of their story.


Don't we all wish we could sit and smash/eat as much cake as we can.

Baby in white onesie reaches for a white frosted cake on plate during cake smash photo session during Birthday shoot based in Nottingham
Tiny baby foot next to a white frosted cake with crumbs on top against light background during Birthday shoot based in Nottingham
Baby in white onesie sits on floor with messy cake, during Birthday cake smash shoot based in Nottingham

Which Should You Choose?


Choose a simple shoot if:


You love minimal, timeless photos

You want the focus fully on your baby

You prefer a calm, classic session



Choose a cake smash if:


You want a playful, celebratory feel

You love capturing real reactions and laughter

You want something a little different


As a birthday photographer for babies in Nottingham, I always keep sessions relaxed, natural, baby-led and fun — whichever option you choose. Explore more here

Baby wearing beige sweater and one crown sits with teddy bear on white background during Birthday shoot based in Nottingham
Baby in white outfit explores smashed birthday cake on white plate against light background during Birthday shoot based in Nottingham

Ready to take that step up with your family photos?


If you’d love a natural and cake smash Birthday shoot from my cosy home studio in Nottingham, I’d be delighted to welcome you and your family.


Together, we’ll create simple, classic images that let your baby’s personality shine and give you memories you’ll treasure for years to come.


Click below to get in touch. If you'd like to see more of my work please head over to my Instagram page — I can’t wait to help you celebrate your baby turning 1.