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

1. Timing Is Key: Plan your session for when your child is well-rested and fed. A tired, hungry baby is a cranky baby!

2. Bring Snacks: Bribery works wonders. A little fruit, crackers, or even a sippy cup can save the day.

3. Embrace the Mess: Whether it’s frosting on their face or dirt on their knees, those messy moments make for the best memories.

4. 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

Color, color, color, everywhere! Defining your style... What's it going to be?

I love the summer and spring and the colors of the lush greens, blooming flowers and trees.... the long sunny days!  The pastels and lots and lots of color! I love sunlight! This is my style. Bright, vibrant and colorful!Let me tell you how long it has taken me to get to where I currently am... I can't tell you how hard it is to be a photographer... It really truly is!  I had NO CLUE what I was in for. None, whatsoever.  I knew editing was involved. I knew you needed to know your camera settings and how to work in certain scenarios... and I knew poses.. but I have learned a lot since them!Within the last few months, I have truly tried to define MY STYLE.  It took a ton of practice and hard work. I live and breathe photography. It's really sad. I know.On a typical day.. say I don't have clients... I will probably go out and shoot for an hour, I usually edit for 1-2 hours on old photographs to brush up on skills and keep them fresh, and then I top the night off with about an hour of learning from the greats by watching videos... and/or reading... that's a regular day. Now, when it is busy, like now... I may spend up to 3-4 hours editing a night... with about an hour of education... Still.  Not to mention, back and forth communication with clients. Scheduling session days and times.

Kids having fun in a peony field.

Little tongue pusher!

An engagement session I did a looong time ago.

 Confirming and consulting on locations, what to wear, props and the business side of things. It can be a full 12-14 hour day that you put into this.My greatest asset thus far in this photography journey has been education, education, education.. hands down!  Whether it be a new technique in camera or learning how to edit.. It has been the best investment in this journey... NOT CAMERA EQUIPMENT.  In fact, I just upgraded AGAIN... My third camera upgrade within about 8 months and I've barely taken it out yet. I'm still comfortable with my old one and will gradually ease my way into the new with photo sessions... The new camera is technically the more "superior" camera... cost three times more than the one I am replacing it with... but you see I know my old camera much better... so until I start practicing a bit more with the new one and it becomes an extension of my body, like my old one.. then I will start to utilize it more.

Anywho, in terms of finding your style as a photographer... Honestly, it's all practice.  I would say try not to emulate what you see out there and try doing your own thing... you don't want to look like everyone else. Just learn to perfect your own thing...I use to play it safe and then realized I wasn't happy. I did clean edits. It was just blah to me and it kind of sucked my creativity and joy. Once I started to just not care what others thought or should I do this or that... basically, not second guessing yourself... Is when you will see your style to emerge. It's about breaking your barriers.Your style is going to take some time and probably at least 200-500 hours of just work. Then all of a sudden one day... it hits you like bam! Then you have it!I look back at some of my older work and I can see the direction I wanted to go, but it was difficult  for me to fully execute.  I saw the "look" I wanted to go in my head, but I just couldn't figure it totally out in Photoshop.  I didn't have a clear sense in what I wanted from beginning to end.. from the first click.. to the end.   Now, I can shoot from start to finish with the look I want.  I go into every shoot knowing what I want to do and how I want it to look.

Thus far, it's been a great year and I look back and see the growth I have done in just a short amount of time, but I finally feel that I have a style... My style.  There's honestly no looking back. Business is busy and I'm enjoying what I do.. I'm enjoying learning (as I always will) and I genuinely feel warm and fuzzy inside when folks want me to capture their engagement sessions, weddings, maternity photos... They trust me to be behind the camera. I feel honored and blessed to do those things for them.So here is my style... I don't like staged cheesy smiles... I will do some of these from time to time... however, I like natural poses... natural smiles, I like when someone naturally sits... or when someone looks at their significant either with just "that look".. in what I call the look of love.  My style is playful..

In terms of children, I capture childhood.. In terms of when I work with adults, I capture true moments, their hearts, their personalities.. their dreams.I love bokeh.. and my style is all about it... If there is not bokeh... there's probably something wrong with me that day.I get everything right in camera.I love sunlight... I have a way of capturing it...and I love color.. vibrancy, warmth, pastels.and once in awhile... that dark and moody edit...and I love skies.. colorful gorgeous skies.And that's it.. that's me!What's your style!?!?! Are you a clean edit type... or are you bold and daring?! What is it that you will offer to the table.. that others in your area don't?!Aha.. you see that right there!! All my blabbering got you here! Take that last question in right now.. seriously take it in...It's going to be your aha moment!  As it was for me!

Happy Shooting, my friends!-Dee

A One Year Old Birthday In the Studio

Gabrielle Birthday!

Let them eat cake!

Before the crying started.

And here it comes!

Cake Smashed!

Finally! A smile!

Just wants to go and play with her brother.

And now the tears come!

My Kid’s First Birthday Shoot!

I am so far behind on this blog and getting work up here/updating the portfolio, but had to share photos of my little gal!  I'll get to the latest works soon! I've just had a lot of folks book recently and even did my first wedding that the blog tends to go a bit on the back burner!This little princess just turned one year old and she's even more special because she's all minel!  I can't believe how much time has flown by! Just yesterday, I had her in my arms and now she is walking and talking a little bit! Where has the time gone? Seriously!I love babies and children!

 I just want to squish their cute little big cheeks! I truly enjoy working with children from all over South Jersey and our area, it gives me tremendous joy.  Most folks, would run away from working with kids, but not I! I adore them, I really do!I love the personalities that start to develop at the one year mark. You see the little child they are about to become and the baby rolls and buddha bodies start to go away and then child emerges! It's like poof the 1-2 year old timeframe!

However, there is what we call in the photography realm... the "photographer" curse.  As photographers, we are able to capture great moments of other kids and babies, but when it comes to our own (I guess the kids are tired and so use to it) that you'll see little crying fits from your own kids! It is what it is and me and other photography pals enjoy posting and showing each other our whiny fits that we get from our kids!  I am one of those weird ones that likes these range of emotions.

I call them perfectly imperfect moments.These moments define childhood for me. The drool, the chocolate on the face (as she has here) the tears running down her precious little face... are all what childhood is about and I love embracing it as a mother!   I have a sense of humor though! These moments are truly priceless to me!!

Happy Birthday, my little princess! I love you!

Best and Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee