First Birthday Photos Without a Cake Smash | Meet My 1st Birthday Sessions

Your baby's first birthday is a pretty big milestone.

Somehow, the tiny newborn you brought home feels like they were here five minutes ago and suddenly you're planning their first birthday.

For lots of families, a Cake Smash is the perfect way to celebrate. They're fun, messy and full of personality and I absolutely love photographing them.

But what if a Cake Smash just isn't really you?

Maybe you'd prefer something simpler and more timeless, without the cake, balloons and mess. Something that focuses completely on your little one and the personality they've developed over their first year.

That's exactly why I've introduced My 1st Birthday Sessions at Phoebe Berridge Photography.

They're not quite a baby anymore…

…but they're not quite a toddler either.

And that's what makes turning one such a lovely age to photograph.

By their first birthday, so much of their personality has appeared. The expressions you instantly recognise, clapping, pointing, waving, crawling at approximately 100mph — and maybe even those first wobbly steps.

A My 1st Birthday Session isn't just about documenting the fact they're turning one.

It's about capturing who they are at one.

A first birthday photoshoot without the cake

My 1st Birthday Sessions are a portrait-led alternative to a traditional Cake Smash.

There's no real cake required. Instead, we'll create a small selection of simple, timeless setups that keep the focus on your little one.

We'll follow their lead throughout the session too.

If they're sitting, we'll photograph them sitting. If they're proudly standing, we'll capture it. And if they've recently discovered walking and have absolutely no intention of staying where I put them… I'll follow them. 😂

There's no milestone checklist they need to have completed before they come. We're simply photographing your baby exactly as they are right now.

Cake Smash or My 1st Birthday?

Don't worry —Cake Smashes aren't going anywhere!

My 1st Birthday Sessions simply give you another option for celebrating the same milestone.

Cake Smash Sessions are fun, messy and playful, with portraits, the cake smash itself and a splash afterwards.

My 1st Birthday Sessions are simpler and more portrait-led, with timeless styling and the focus firmly on your baby.

Neither is better it's simply about choosing which feels most like you and your family.

What should they wear?

Simple outfits photograph beautifully for these sessions.

Think neutral colours, soft textures, knitted rompers, dungarees, simple dresses, bloomers and little cardigans.

You don't necessarily need to buy something new either. An outfit you already love seeing them in can make the photographs even more meaningful when you look back at them.

And you won't be left to work it all out yourself we'll discuss styling before your session.

Parents and siblings can also be included, because although we're celebrating your baby's first birthday, some of the loveliest photographs are often the ones that show their relationship with the people they love most.

Why photograph their first birthday?

If you had newborn photographs, take a second to think about just how different that tiny baby is now.

In twelve months they've gone from sleepy newborn cuddles to smiles, giggles, movement and a whole personality of their own.

It's one of the biggest periods of change they'll ever go through.

The birthday decorations will come down, the presents will eventually disappear into the toy box and the party will probably pass in a slightly chaotic blur.

But the photographs are the bit you get to keep.

My 1st Birthday Photography in Bedfordshire

My 1st Birthday Sessions take place at my home studio in Ickwell, Bedfordshire, welcoming families from Bedfordshire and the surrounding Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire areas.

I'm currently running an introductory offer on My 1st Birthday Sessions from September–December 2026, so if your little one's first birthday is coming up, now is a lovely time to book.

Whether you're looking for an alternative to a traditional Cake Smash or simply want some beautiful portraits to remember exactly who they were at one, I'd love to welcome you into the studio.

And if you're firmly Team Cake Smash?

Don't worry. I've still got the cake ready. 🎂

Phoebe x

Phoebe Berridge Photography
Newborn, baby, maternity & family photographer
Ickwell, Bedfordshire

What Age Is Best for Baby Photos?

One of the questions I'm asked most often by parents is:

"What age is best for baby photos?"

The truth is, there isn't one perfect answer.

Every stage of your baby's first year brings something completely different, from those sleepy newborn cuddles to cheeky smiles, wobbly sitting and first birthday celebrations.

The best age for baby photos simply depends on which chapter of your family's story you'd like to remember.

Let's take a look at what you can expect at each stage.

Newborn (5–21 Days)

Those first few weeks pass by in a blur.

Tiny fingers.

Curled-up sleepy poses.

Soft yawns.

The little details that seem impossible to forget—but somehow change so quickly.

Newborn sessions are all about preserving those precious first days while your baby is still wonderfully tiny.

If you're hoping for traditional newborn portraits, it's best to book your session during pregnancy so your due date can be reserved in the diary.

Around 6–12 Weeks

Many parents think they've missed their opportunity if they didn't book a newborn session.

The truth is, you've simply moved into a different chapter.

Around this age babies become much more alert.

You'll often see beautiful eye contact, stretches, tiny expressions and the beginnings of those first social smiles.

These sessions have a completely different feel, but they're every bit as special.

Around 3–5 Months

Your baby's personality really begins to shine.

Smiles become easier to capture.

They're fascinated by faces.

They love interaction.

And although they may not be sitting independently just yet, they're often happy lying on their back, lifting their heads during tummy time and showing wonderful expressions.

Sitting Babies (Around 6–9 Months)

This is one of my absolute favourite stages to photograph.

Once babies can sit confidently without support, their personalities really come alive.

Expect:

• Big smiles.

• Lots of laughter.

• Tiny claps.

• Curious expressions.

• Gorgeous chunky baby rolls.

This is also the perfect age for my My Baby's First Photoshoot sessions, celebrating everything your little one has learnt during those first months.

First Birthday (10–12 Months)

Can you believe a whole year has almost passed?

Whether you're planning a cake smash or simply want timeless portraits before the big birthday celebrations, this is such a lovely milestone to capture.

By now, many babies are crawling, pulling themselves up or even taking their very first steps.

Every session is full of personality, laughter and curiosity.

So... What Is the Best Age?

Honestly?

There isn't one.

Every chapter of your baby's first year deserves to be remembered.

Some families choose newborn photographs and return again later for My Baby's First Photoshoot or a Cake Smash Session.

Others discover me later in their baby's first year.

Neither is right or wrong.

The important thing is capturing your family's story at a stage that feels meaningful to you.

Because before you know it, your tiny newborn becomes a curious baby...

...and then suddenly a toddler.

Ready to Capture This Chapter?

Whether your baby is just a few days old or already sitting proudly on their own, I'd love to help you capture this special stage.

If you're unsure which session would be best for your family, I'd be more than happy to chat through the options and help you choose the perfect one.

After all, every chapter deserves to be remembered.

June at Phoebe Berridge Photography

Moments with Phoebe

Welcome to the very first edition of Moments with Phoebe!

As we head into summer, I wanted to take a moment to share what's been happening behind the scenes at the studio, some helpful photography tips, and a few exciting updates for the months ahead.

Why Summer is Perfect for Outdoor Family Photographs

Summer is one of my favourite times of year for outdoor sessions. The longer evenings, warmer weather and beautiful natural colours create the perfect backdrop for relaxed family photographs.

Some of my favourite local locations include Ickwell Green, RSPB The Lodge in Sandy and Chicksands Woods. Each offers a slightly different feel, but all provide plenty of space for children to explore while we capture natural, genuine moments together.

If you're planning a family session this summer, think soft, coordinated colours rather than matching outfits. Creams, soft blues, blush pinks, sage greens and neutral tones all photograph beautifully outdoors.

A Reminder to Get in the Photos

One thing I hear from parents time and time again is:

"I don't like having my photograph taken."

As a photographer, I completely understand. However, years from now, your children won't be looking for perfection. They'll simply want photographs that include you.

Whether you're booking a family session, cake smash or newborn shoot, I always encourage parents to step in front of the camera for at least a few images. These often become the photographs families treasure the most.

New VIP Sitter Sessions

If you've previously visited me for a newborn or baby session, you may already have heard about my VIP Sitter Sessions.

These short sessions are designed for babies who can sit unaided but aren't yet walking, making them the perfect way to capture another milestone during baby's first year.

The sessions are exclusively available to returning clients and have recently been expanded to offer more flexible weekday availability.

Looking Ahead

Summer is already proving to be a busy season and I'm looking forward to welcoming both new and returning families into the studio and out on location over the coming months.

Thank you for continuing to support my small business and for allowing me to capture such special moments for your families. It truly means the world.

If you'd like to hear more photography tips, studio updates and exclusive offers, don't forget to sign up to Moments with Phoebe and join me again next month.

Phoebe x

Phoebe Berridge Photography
Newborn, Baby & Family Photographer in Bedfordshire