Capturing First Birthday, Baby, and Toddler Portraits in South Jersey
The Magic of First Birthdays and Toddlerhood
The first few years of a child’s life are unlike any other. Babies grow and change so quickly, transitioning from their first coos to full-blown belly laughs, and it all seems to happen in the blink of an eye. As a mother and a professional photographer, I know just how fleeting these moments are. That’s why I’m passionate about preserving the magic of these milestones through my baby, toddler, and first birthday portrait sessions here in beautiful South Jersey.
Having documented my own children’s lives — from their first birthdays to cake smashes and beyond — I’ve seen firsthand how much joy these memories bring, not just in the moment, but for years to come.
taken my first year as a photographer as we did some outdoor newborn portraits. She was out like a light!
Also, a little history about the cake smash….
Almost every 1st birthday session, with any photographer, involves the famous cake smash. Generally a smash cake is a smaller cake. It ranges about 4 to 6 inches. It's usually a single layer cake and often times, accompanies an elaborately decorated main cake. The smaller cake allows the child to do anything they want with it. Drool on it, get boogers on it, eat it, throw it, and smash it in their own faces. It sounds like a lot of fun and it's meant to be destroyed by the birthday boy or girl.
Simple clean and crisp for this little baby.
First Birthdays, Babyhood, and Toddlerhood: The Beautiful, Messy Journey
Parenthood is one part heart-bursting love, one part pure chaos, and about a hundred parts sticky fingers. One day you’re marveling at your baby’s first smile, and the next, you’re fishing a crayon out of your coffee while your toddler gleefully announces they’ve “decorated” the wall. Sound familiar? Both of my kids did this, but one of them decided it would also be fun “to decorate” the furniture. Here’s the proof.
As a South Jersey photographer (and a mom who has seen it all), I know these moments are as fleeting as they are precious. Babies grow into toddlers overnight, and before you know it, they’re asking for the car keys. That’s why I’m so passionate about capturing the hilarity, sweetness, and magic of baby and toddlerhood — messy hands and all.
Why First Birthday Portraits Are So Special
Let’s talk about that first birthday milestone. It’s a big deal. Not just because your baby is officially entering toddler territory, but also because, let’s be honest, you survived the first year! Sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, teething tantrums — you deserve a gold medal and a very large cup of coffee.
Babies, Toddlers, and Cake-Smashing Chaos
First birthday portraits aren’t just about celebrating your baby. They’re about celebrating your family’s journey, too. These sessions capture everything from your baby’s chubby little cheeks to their curious expressions as they encounter a cake they’re allowed (encouraged, even!) to destroy (my son just looked at his cake and wanted nothing to do with it) my daughter cried.
And let’s not forget the hilarious past client moments — frosting in hair, cake on the floor, and that one time I photographed a baby who decided the cake tasted better when smeared on their toes.
This cake smash was absolutely hilarious. Little sister is laughing at big sister going to town on her cake!
Cake Smashes: Sweet, Sticky, and Oh-So-Fun
Where on earth did this tradition originate from? Well, there are two theories...The first theory is that it originates from the Mexican tradition... As it is the largest growing population in the United States, so this would make a lot of sense!They celebrate what is called, the Mordida. The Mordida is a tradition when the first birthday boy or girl's face gets shoved into the cake (usually by the parent) to take their first bite of cake.
Everyone around them sings, Mordida! Mordida! Mordida! It means bite in Spanish. Mom or dad will come up behind the child usually after blowing out the candles and boom... face in the cake. Everyone then cheers and lots of pictures are taken.The second theory originates from the tradition of the bride and groom on their wedding day. With this tradition, is the classic smashing cake into each other's faces or the other option of feeding to each other nicely.
Cake smash sessions are basically a free pass for your baby to do what toddlers do best: make a mess. Some babies dive right in with both hands (and sometimes their face), while others approach the cake with the cautious curiosity of a tiny scientist.
Either way, it’s always adorable.
This little lady went all in on her cake smash with us! She’s a trip!
As a mom, I’ve been there. I’ve done cake smashes with my own kids, and let me tell you — it’s not just the baby who ends up covered in frosting. By the end of the session, there’s usually cake on my camera, crumbs in my shoes, and frosting somewhere in my hair. But you know what? It’s 100% worth it. These sessions are pure joy, and the photos are priceless.
He really wanted nothing to do with this at first… but then he dug into his cake smash!
Toddlers: The Wild, Wonderful Years
If babies are cute and cuddly, toddlers are cute and... unpredictable. One minute they’re blowing kisses, and the next, they’re declaring their independence by refusing to wear pants.
But here’s the thing: toddlers are fun. Sure, they’re a little wild, but that’s what makes photographing them such a blast. They’re full of energy, curiosity, and those big, gummy grins that make your heart melt. My goal during toddler portrait sessions is to embrace the chaos. If your little one wants to dance, we’ll dance. If they want to play peek-a-boo, I’m all in. And if they decide to show me their best dinosaur roar, I’ll capture that, too.
Pro tip: Give toddlers something to do, and they’ll show you who they are. Whether it’s blowing bubbles, holding a flower, or stomping in a puddle, those moments of playfulness create the most genuine, joyful photos.
The Joys (and Challenges) of Parenthood
As a mom, I know raising kids isn’t always Instagram-perfect. There are days when you feel like you’re nailing it, and days when you’re just trying to keep everyone alive until bedtime. (Remember the time you thought giving your toddler spaghetti was a good idea? Yeah, me too.)
But it’s in those messy, imperfect moments that the real magic happens. It’s in the way your baby snuggles into your chest when they’re sleepy. It’s in the way your toddler giggles uncontrollably at the word “pickle.” It’s in the chaos of family life, and it’s beautiful.
That’s why I love my job. I get to freeze those moments in time, creating photos that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder how your little one grew up so fast.
Check out our baby/toddler portfolio. Also, check out social media for the most updated work.
Just keeping things chill in Millville, NJ
Why I Love South Jersey
Let’s take a moment to talk about South Jersey — my home, my playground, and the backdrop for so many of my sessions. From the golden beaches of the Jersey Shore to the rolling fields of Gloucester County, this area is full of picture-perfect locations.
As someone who once blogged at South Jersey Explorer, I’ve spent years exploring every hidden gem this region has to offer. Whether we’re capturing your baby’s first birthday in a sunny meadow or chasing your toddler along the bay, South Jersey provides the perfect canvas for your family’s story.
Funny Moments From the Field
One of the best parts of being a baby and toddler photographer is that no two sessions are ever the same. Here are a few of my favorite (and funniest) moments:
The Cake Thief: One toddler decided they weren’t interested in their own cake and made a beeline for their sibling’s. Cue the ultimate frosting heist.
Wardrobe Malfunction: A baby once pulled off their diaper mid-session. Let’s just say it added a whole new meaning to “natural” photography.
The Animal Whisperer: During a farm session, a toddler tried to “adopt” a baby goat. The goat, for the record, was not amused.
Epic Meltdown: A baby refused to touch their cake until mom “tested” it first. Turns out, they just wanted to make sure it was mom-approved!
These moments keep me laughing and remind me why I love what I do.
Tips for Your Baby or Toddler Portrait Session
Timing Is Key: Plan your session for when your child is well-rested and fed. A tired, hungry baby is a cranky baby!
Bring Snacks: Bribery works wonders. A little fruit, crackers, or even a sippy cup can save the day.
Embrace the Mess: Whether it’s frosting on their face or dirt on their knees, those messy moments make for the best memories.
Relax: Kids feed off your energy. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. Trust me to handle the chaos — it’s kind of my thing!
Let’s Make Magic
Parenthood is a wild ride, but it’s also the best thing in the world. Let me help you capture these crazy, wonderful, messy moments so you can relive them forever.
Whether it’s a cake smash, a toddler’s epic belly laugh, or a quiet moment with your baby, I’ll make sure your family’s personality shines through.
Ready to book your session? Let’s create something beautiful (and maybe a little messy) together!
Grandpa flew in from Europe for these sessions with his toddler grandson.
Contact us below if you would like to schedule your one of a kind first birthday or toddler portrait. We got you covered on all things magical!
Happy Shooting, my friends!
Dee Shooting Star Photography
