NJ parents in neutral outfits hold smiling baby during natural studio birthday session

When this sweet family reached out shortly after moving to Bloomfield, New Jersey, they knew they wanted a neutral, timeless first birthday session that felt soft, simple, and elevated. They loved my bright, natural studio style and hoped for portraits that would look beautiful in their new home—and that would feel just as classic years from now as they do today.

We spent time planning every detail so I could understand exactly what they loved: natural tones, clean backgrounds, and minimalist outfits. On the day of the session, the whole family looked incredible.
• Mom wore a flowy, cream-toned dress from the studio wardrobe
• Dad chose a white shirt and light chinos
• Baby looked perfect in a classic white romper with sweet little buttons (also from the studio wardrobe)

Minimalist portrait of baby in classic white romper during neutral first birthday studio session

Instead of a real cake, they opted for my wooden toy cake, which is perfect for families who want a minimalist “cake smash” look without the mess. Mom brought a tiny birthday hat she loved, and it added just the right touch of celebration for a few adorable portraits.

Baby wearing birthday hat and crawling during bright studio portrait session

Mom in cream flowy dress holding her one-year-old during neutral studio portraits

The result was a collection of first birthday portraits that feel clean, calm, and effortlessly beautiful—exactly what they envisioned.

Close-up portrait of baby boy in white romper on white backdrop

A First Birthday Session With a Natural, Neutral Aesthetic

This family wanted portraits that reflected their personal style: soft, classic, and free of bold colors. Neutral tones naturally bring the focus to a baby’s sweet expressions, tiny movements, and genuine curiosity.

Because we planned ahead, everyone coordinated beautifully without looking overly matched. The soft palette added to the elevated feel of the session and created portraits that will look beautiful framed in any room of their home—especially now that they are settling into Bloomfield.

Dad placing baby in vintage highchair during Bloomfield NJ first birthday photography session

A Minimalist “Cake Smash” With a Wooden Toy Cake

Families often think they need a real cake for a first birthday session, but many prefer a simple, natural look instead. This wooden toy cake is one of my favorite props because it keeps the focus on your baby while still marking the milestone.

It was the perfect fit for this family’s aesthetic—and gave baby something fun and engaging to explore during the session.

Neutral first birthday portrait using wooden toy cake prop instead of traditional cake

Why Bloomfield and Montclair Families Love Studio Birthday Sessions

As more families move to Bloomfield and Montclair, studio birthday sessions have become especially popular. A studio environment gives us:
• Consistent, flattering light
• Clean, modern backdrops
• A quiet space for baby to warm up
• Full access to the studio wardrobe

This session is a beautiful example of how thoughtful planning and simple styling can create truly timeless images.

Bloomfield NJ family studio portrait with parents in neutral outfits sitting with one-year-old son

Planning a First Birthday Session in Bloomfield or Montclair, NJ?

If you're searching for a Bloomfield NJ first birthday photographer or want neutral, elevated portraits that feel effortless and natural, I’d love to help you create something beautiful for your family. You can learn more about the full experience here:
The NHP Studio Photography Experience

If you love soft, neutral portraits that feel calm, modern, and effortless, I would be honored to create something beautiful for your family. My studio sessions are designed to be easy, guided, and fully supported—from wardrobe to styling to helping your baby feel comfortable and happy. Whether you're celebrating a first birthday or documenting your growing family here in Bloomfield or Montclair, I’d love to plan a session that feels meaningful and elevated for you. You can reach out anytime to begin planning:
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