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Your go-to space for photography tips, session advice, and inspiration from real client sessions.

First Birthday Photos and Cake Smash in Colorado Springs

Why Capture First Birthday Photos?

The first year of your baby’s life is so special/crazy/fun and they change so much in that short time. They go from a snuggly little bundle to a squirmy, adventurous sweetheart. What better way to celebrate this time than to take some beautiful first birthday photos and let them smash the heck out of a cake!

studio photos in Colorado Springs at kindle studio of a baby girl on her first birthday

Preparing for the Photo Session

My studio sessions are done on weekday mornings and afternoons and take 30-45 min. They’re held at Kindle Studio in Colorado Springs. Make sure to choose a time that makes sense with your baby’s nap time- we don’t want them over tired and cranky, and sometimes if you do it right after they nap (like they’re sleeping in the car on the way there) it takes a little longer for them to warm up to the camera. That being said, I know how it goes- sometimes it’s hard to predict when they’ll sleep on a given day so just give it your best shot!

What to bring with you:

  • A few outfits for variety. My favorite palette for these studio shoots is neutral or muted colors like in the photos here. Nothing too crazy that will take attention from your beautiful babe!
  • Accessories- headbands, bows, hats, etc. Just remember what I said above- we don’t want to take attention away so simple is better.
  • A favorite stuffy or blanket if you want it captured- and this can help them feel more comfortable too.
  • Snacks, drinks, wipes, extra diapers, all the essentials.
studio photos in Colorado Springs at kindle studio of a baby girl on her first birthday with a number one balloon

The Cake Smash Experience

This is the best part! Some babies get right in there and rip into it, and some need a little more encouragement. You’re welcome to bring your own cake (a lot of my moms choose to make their own) or I can arrange one for you.

We’ll do this last for obvious reasons. And since we’re shooting on a white paper backdrop, I just rip of the piece we’ve used and it’s good as new. The harder part is cleaning up the baby but we have a bathroom and changing table to make it a little easier.

studio photos in Colorado Springs at kindle studio of a baby girl on her first birthday with a cake smash

Capturing the Perfect Shots

The important thing to remember is your baby is in charge here. We’ll do what it takes to make sure they are as comfortable as possible, and have some fun things to explore including some props and toys. Try not to be set on certain images, we’ll just follow baby’s lead.

I love it when mom and dad and siblings get in a few photos- please do! Just keep in mind the color palette when planning your outfits. I’m always here to help with that.

studio photos in Colorado Springs at kindle studio of a baby girl on her first birthday with mom and dad

Showcasing the Photos

The best part of having all these images? Displaying them! Don’t leave them hidden away on your phone. Print a big one for baby’s room and an album for the coffee table. They’ll love flipping through the pages as they grow.

studio photos in Colorado Springs at kindle studio of a baby girl on her first birthday with mom and dad

I think that about covers it! These sessions are some of my favorites. I hope to see you in the studio soon! Just reach out to schedule your session.

Need help choosing a location?

Grab my free guide with 3 beautiful, easy-to-get-to spots that are perfect for family photos.

The latest from Instagram...

Summer is slipping away and I’m not ready to give it up yet!

We’ve had some fun times - Glenwood Springs, the Adventure park, lake time, the family reunion, 4th of July with cousins and friends… but I still haven’t had enough late nights and slow mornings.

I know school is around the corner (the emails have started, ugh), but I’m fully living in denial for a little longer. Let me soak this up just a bit more.

Summer is slipping away and I’m not ready to give it up yet!

We’ve had some fun times - Glenwood Springs, the Adventure park, lake time, the family reunion, 4th of July with cousins and friends… but I still haven’t had enough late nights and slow mornings.

I know school is around the corner (the emails have started, ugh), but I’m fully living in denial for a little longer. Let me soak this up just a bit more.
...

8 1
Not sure where to take your family photos? I’ve got a free guide to help with that.

It’s a visual guide of 3 of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs - beautiful light, easy to get to, and space for your kids to run around and be themselves. If you’re thinking about a session (now or later), it’s a great place to start.

You can grab it in my bio!

Not sure where to take your family photos? I’ve got a free guide to help with that.

It’s a visual guide of 3 of my favorite spots in Colorado Springs - beautiful light, easy to get to, and space for your kids to run around and be themselves. If you’re thinking about a session (now or later), it’s a great place to start.

You can grab it in my bio!
...

6 1
✨ MODEL CALL – Still looking for one more amazing family! ✨

I’m doing a few discounted family sessions to test out something new - short family films. You’ll get a full photo session plus a sweet little film of your family.

This session was at Palmer Park and the light was perfect - soft, glowy, and golden. 

If you’ve been thinking about photos (or just want to try something different), this is a great chance to do it at a lower price than usual.

You’ll get:

• A full session with lots of guidance including styling help

• A gallery of beautiful, natural photos

• 10 high-res images included (with the option to upgrade)

• A short film that brings it all to life

• A discounted rate as a thank-you

If that sounds like something your family would love, just shoot me a DM and I’ll send the details your way!

✨ MODEL CALL – Still looking for one more amazing family! ✨

I’m doing a few discounted family sessions to test out something new - short family films. You’ll get a full photo session plus a sweet little film of your family.

This session was at Palmer Park and the light was perfect - soft, glowy, and golden.

If you’ve been thinking about photos (or just want to try something different), this is a great chance to do it at a lower price than usual.

You’ll get:

• A full session with lots of guidance including styling help

• A gallery of beautiful, natural photos

• 10 high-res images included (with the option to upgrade)

• A short film that brings it all to life

• A discounted rate as a thank-you

If that sounds like something your family would love, just shoot me a DM and I’ll send the details your way!
...

10 3