Your baby is turning ONE!
If you’re looking for first birthday photography in Perth, you might be wondering what actually happens at a cake smash session. Well, here’s exactly what to expect at my little Four O studio in Hilbert!
Firstly, how on earth did that happen? One minute you’re bringing this tiny newborn home, and the next they’re crawling around, growing teeth, stealing your food and getting ready for their first birthday.
A first birthday photoshoot is such a fun way to celebrate that first year. But if you’ve never done a cake smash before, you might be wondering what actually happens.
Do they just sit there and eat cake? What if they don’t like it? Do you need to bring anything?
Well, here’s exactly what to expect at a Four O Photography first birthday session in my little home studio in Hilbert, Perth.
First, we start with family photos
Before we bring out the cake, we start with some beautiful family photographs.
Yep, that means Mum and Dad too!
I know you might be thinking, “Oh, I only really want photos of bub.”
But trust me, one day you’re going to love having photographs of all of you together at this stage.
Nothing stiff or overly posed. Just some cuddles, kisses, little giggles and those gorgeous interactions between you and your baby.
And if bub has older siblings, they’re welcome to join in too!
Next up, birthday portraits!
Before things get messy, we’ll capture some lovely portraits of your almost-one-year-old.
This is where we get those gorgeous little smiles, cheeky expressions, curious faces and all that personality they’ve developed over their first year.
Some babies are sitting, some are crawling, and some are already trying to run away from me!
That’s completely fine. We work with whatever stage your little one is at.
I keep my setups simple and natural, with soft colours and minimal distractions, so the focus stays on your baby.
Then comes the cake smash!
Now for the fun part!
We bring out the cake, pop your little one in front of it and see what happens.
Some babies dive straight in, hands first.
Others poke it with one finger and look at us like we’ve completely lost our minds. 😂
And some are much more interested in the decorations than the cake itself.
There is no right or wrong way to do a cake smash.
Your baby doesn’t have to eat the cake, destroy it or give us a big cheesy smile.
I’ll gently encourage them, but we’re not forcing anything. Sometimes the funniest photographs come from those little suspicious looks!
The cake is included in your session, so that’s one less thing for you to organise.
And finally, a little splash in the bath!
After all that cake, it’s time for a bath splash.
This is often one of my favourite parts of the whole session!
Your little one gets to splash, play and have a bit of fun while we capture those adorable expressions.
And as a bonus, they get a little clean-up before heading home.
Not a bad way to finish a first birthday photoshoot!
What do you need to bring?
Honestly, not much!
My Hilbert studio has a selection of outfits for your little one, and the cake is included.
You’ll also have access to my client wardrobe for Mum, so there’s no need to rush out and buy something new just for photographs.
I’d recommend bringing a drink, a favourite snack and a spare outfit for your little one.
And that’s about it!
You don’t need to organise a cake, decorate a setup or turn your house upside down preparing for a photoshoot.
Just come along, enjoy yourselves and let me take care of the photographs.
What if my baby doesn’t cooperate?
Then we roll with it!
I’ve photographed enough little ones to know that babies don’t always follow the plan.
They might need a cuddle. They might want Mum. They might decide the cake is absolutely terrifying.
And that’s okay.
I don’t expect your baby to sit perfectly, smile on command or behave like a tiny professional model.
They’re ONE!
My sessions are relaxed, gently guided and designed around little people being little people.
How long does a first birthday session take?
A Four O first birthday session usually takes around 45–60 minutes.
That gives us time for family photographs, birthday portraits, the cake smash and a little bath splash.
It’s a lovely way to capture a few different parts of your baby’s personality without dragging the session out for hours.
How much does first birthday photography cost in Perth?
My First Birthday sessions are $395, which includes:
- A 45–60 minute studio session
- Family photographs
- Birthday portraits
- Cake smash with cake included
- Bath splash
- Access to my studio wardrobe
- 20 beautifully edited digital images
Everything takes place in my home studio in Hilbert, just a short drive from Byford and Armadale, in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Ready to celebrate that first birthday?
Whether your baby absolutely demolishes their cake or barely gives it a second glance, their first birthday is worth remembering.
The little expressions, the wobbly standing, the cheeky smiles and the way they still fit so perfectly into your arms.
That’s what I want to capture.
If you’re looking for a first birthday or cake smash photographer in Perth, I’d love to celebrate this milestone with you.
