Timeless First Birthday Studio Photos | Best cake smash photographer in NJ

Timeless First Birthday Studio Photos in New Jersey

Welcoming your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating with portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime. At Nicole Hawkins Photography, I specialize in creating classic, artful images of one-year-olds and their families. Whether you envision a simple, joyful session or would like to incorporate a cake smash, my Maplewood studio provides a curated, luxury experience that makes the process easy and enjoyable.

Cake Smash Photography with a Classic Twist

Cake smash sessions can be a fun way to mark your baby’s first birthday — but they don’t need to be over the top to be special. Instead of busy props or themed backdrops, I focus on clean, modern studio portraits where your baby (and family) remain the star of the photographs. Parents who search for the best cake smash photographer in NJ often want images that feel both joyful and timeless — and that’s exactly what I create.

I work with a local baker to coordinate custom cakes that are beautifully designed for your session. From naked cakes to ombre floral cakes, each cake is tailored to your vision and complements my studio’s neutral, refined style.

Sometimes clients bring their own cake; I love that, too! Cupcakes are a simple and sweet option. I also work with clients who love purchasing a special, well coordinated outfil to celebrate their baby’s first birthday with beautiful portraits, and often they want an interesting or bolder cake to go with it. Please ask if you want to see examples of some more colorful cakes we’ve had at gorgeous birthday photoshoots in the studio. I also keep a wooden cake toy in the studio — a perfect option for families who want playful cake-themed photos without the mess.

First Birthday Studio Pictures Without Cake

Not every parent wants cake in their session — and that’s completely fine. Many families choose a 1st birthday studio photoshoot that highlights their baby’s milestones (crawling, standing, and/or walking), personality, and the special bond you share. These sessions can include:

• Solo portraits of your one-year-old in the studio wardrobe or a special outfit, a onesie or t-shirt, and/or just a diaper

• Sweet and natural family photos that capture your connection

• Playful moments with precious keepsakes, like your baby’s lovie or favorite stuffed animal, as well as toys from home or classic wooden toys we keep in the studio

• Nourishing photos: artful breastfeeding portraits, parents feeding baby a bottle, or baby expertly holding their own bottle

• Sibling portraits and lifestyle images documenting their budding relationship and growing bond

By keeping the setup minimal and timeless, your images won’t feel dated years from now — they’ll be heirlooms you’ll proudly display.

Including Siblings in Your Baby’s First Birthday Session

A baby’s first birthday is a milestone for the whole family — and it’s a beautiful opportunity to include siblings in the celebration. In my Maplewood studio, I love creating classic sibling portraits that highlight the bond between your children. These images are polished, timeless, and become treasured keepsakes that tell the full story of your growing family.

Siblings are always welcome to join your baby’s first birthday photoshoot, as are your pups and furbabies, and even grandparents.

When it’s time for the cake smash, siblings can also join in the fun. Whether it’s helping baby explore the cake, sneaking a taste of frosting, or simply sharing giggles, the photos are full of personality and joy. These moments add an extra layer of sweetness to your gallery, blending the refined studio look with genuine, playful memories.

What Makes Our Studio Sessions Different

A Curated Wardrobe for Babies and Parents

You don’t need to stress about what to wear. My studio wardrobe includes beautifully coordinated pieces for babies, children, and parents so that your family looks polished and cohesive in your portraits.

A Full-Service Experience

From start to finish, I take care of the details so you can relax. I’ll help plan your session, provide wardrobe guidance, and arrange for a custom cake if you’d like one. After your photoshoot, I guide you through selecting your favorite images and designing artwork that fits your home.

Artwork That Lasts Beyond the First Birthday

While digital files are available, many families choose to create albums or wall art that showcase this milestone. My professional products ensure your memories live beyond your phone or hard drive — they become part of your family’s story.

Booking Your Baby’s 1st Birthday Photoshoot in NJ

If you’re searching for a cake smash photographer in NJ — or simply want timeless first birthday studio pictures that include your family— my studio in Maplewood offers the perfect setting. Whether your session includes cake, a wooden toy cake, or no cake at all, the result will be beautiful, heartfelt portraits that celebrate your baby turning one.

Contact me to begin planning your baby’s first birthday photoshoot and let’s create images you’ll treasure forever.

Curious about lifestyle photography? Explore our portfolio of outdoor & in-home family sessions.