Planning First Year Birthday Pictures in Nashville

Your Baby’s First Year Birthday Pictures

Can you believe that you’re already planning your baby’s first year birthday pictures? I swear, those first few weeks feel like they’ll never end. You’re torn between soaking up every snuggle with your sweet new baby and wondering if you’ll ever sleep through the night again. But then—blink—and here you are!

I’ve been photographing babies and their families in my Nashville baby studio for over 15 years now, and 1 year old photoshoots are some of my absolute favorites. It’s so fun to see these little ones who I met as tiny, sleepy newborns now smiling, crawling (or sprinting!) around my studio with the cutest personalities.

I still remember planning my own boys’ first birthdays — I wanted to soak it all up, but I also felt overwhelmed with the details. That’s exactly why I’ve designed my sessions to be as simple and stress-free as possible. From the client wardrobe to providing the custom smash cake, I’m here to make it easy for you to just show up and enjoy the moment.

What to Wear for the First Birthday Photoshoot

One of the most common questions I get from parents as we plan their baby’s 1st birthday photos is: “What should we wear?”

I know it can feel overwhelming to coordinate colors, styles, and sizes—especially when you’re not sure what will photograph best.

The great news is that I provide everything you need in my Client Closet! Here is how the process of choosing outfits looks like when you arrive at the studio:

Family Outfits

Family outfits require the most coordination, so we’ll start by choosing these first. My Client Closet is fully stocked with wardrobe options for the whole family, including:

• Baby outfits in sizes 3 months to 2T
• Dresses for big sisters in sizes 2T to 14 years
• Dresses for moms in sizes S to XXXL
• Neutral-colored t-shirts for boys in sizes 2T to 12 years
• Neutral-colored shirts for dads in sizes M to XXL

Most moms arrive with a few favorite dresses in mind from the Client Closet PDF, but I actually have more dresses at the studio than what’s shown in the PDF. Think of it like a wedding dress fitting — you might wear a dress a few sizes up, and we’ll clip it in the back to create a flattering fit. It’s truly fun and low-pressure once you’re here.

The same applies to your little one! I have plenty of beautiful options in all sizes. Many of my one year outfits are size 12 months to 2T, but we can simply clip them to fit smaller frames perfectly.

When it comes to coordinating outfits, we’ll base our choices on what you love most. We’ll lay out your top picks and find the pieces that work best together. It might feel overwhelming when you’re planning at home, but once you’re in the studio, I promise it becomes a fun and easy part of the experience.

Clothing to Bring:

While I provide most clothing items for the session, I ask that you bring:

• Pants and shirt options for dads and brothers – I do not provide pants, and shirt sizing/styles can vary.
• A few backup dresses for mom, if you’re unsure — just for peace of mind.
• Shoes – Indoor sessions don’t require them, but if we plan to use the outdoor greenspace, be sure to bring shoes for the whole family.

Cake Smash Outfit

Milestone Outfit

Milestone outfits are similar to cake smash outfits—but without the need to coordinate with family looks or the cake design. This is your chance to pick something you simply love for your baby.

Baby milestone photos are photos that capture your baby’s big moments in their first year—like sitting, crawling, or standing. They are a beautiful way to document how much your little one is growing. Learn more about milestone photo sessions here.

You can go for a classic white outfit to pair with our white backdrop for a clean, bright look, or choose a textured or cozy outfit that photographs beautifully on our aged wooden floors. I also have a selection of simple props and wooden O-N-E toys that are a sweet way to remember this milestone.

View my baby milestone photo gallery for inspiration.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Our Hendersonville Studio

When you walk into the studio, you’ll be greeted with a personalized birthday sign and your baby’s custom cake. If we haven’t already selected a cake stand and topper in advance, we’ll make those final choices before we begin.

Next, we’ll head to the Client Closet to choose outfits. Every first birthday session follows a smooth flow:

1. Family portraits – A great way for your baby to warm up and feel comfortable.
2. Milestone photos – Solo portraits that focus on your little one at their current stage: crawling, standing, or flashing big smiles.
3. Cake smash – The big finale! We save the best for last, because things can get messy!

Every baby reacts differently to the cake—and that’s part of the fun. Some dig right in, others are more hesitant. No matter what your baby does, I’m here to capture it all.

What to Bring

My goal is to make this experience as easy and stress-free as possible, so you won’t need to pack much. However, here are a few essentials I recommend bringing along:

• Outfits for Family Portraits – Be sure to bring pants and shirt options for dads and brothers, since I don’t provide those in the Client Closet.
• Bottle, Sippy Cup, or Small Snack – Sometimes a quick break helps reset your little one.
• Comfort Item – If your baby has a favorite pacifier, lovey, or toy, it can be helpful to have on hand.
• Change of Clothes for Parents – Cake smashes are fun… and messy! You’ll thank me later.
• Optional Personal Items – If there’s something special you’d like to include—like a birthday outfit, cake topper, party hat, or family heirloom—you’re more than welcome to bring it! I’ll do my best to incorporate it into your session.

Tips for a Successful First Birthday Photoshoot

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a fun and successful one-year photoshoot:

• Avoid nap time
  Please schedule your session outside of your baby’s typical nap time. A well-rested baby is more likely to be happy, cooperative, and ready to play!
• Make sure baby has been fed
  A hungry baby is rarely a happy one. Be sure your little one has had a meal or snack before arriving at the studio.
• Introduce finger foods ahead of time
  Babies who have experience with finger foods typically do better during the cake smash. If your little one has a favorite snack (like Puffs or yogurt bites), bring them along! Sometimes a familiar taste is just what they need to dive into the cake.
• Clean baby’s face before you arrive
  Please wipe your baby’s nose and mouth before heading to the studio. Cleaning faces during the session can sometimes upset them and may leave a red, blotchy face in photos.
• Relax—this should be fun!
  While we always love capturing big smiles, even the happiest babies can feel overwhelmed in a new environment. Don’t stress if your little one doesn’t smile right away.  If we focus too much on a smile, we’ll forget about all of those other adorable milestones your baby has reached.

For additional tips and inspiration, be sure to visit my First Birthday Photoshoot Guide, packed with everything you need to know to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions About First Year Birthday Pictures in Nashville

When should I schedule my baby’s cake smash photos?
I recommend booking your baby’s cake smash session 2-3 months in advance. You should schedule your photos for a date at least three weeks before you need them to allow time for proofing and editing. Also, avoid scheduling during your baby’s usual nap time for the best mood and cooperation.

What happens if my baby doesn’t like cake?
Every baby reacts differently to the cake smash! Some dig right in, while others are more hesitant or even uninterested. Don’t worry—my goal is to capture all of those genuine moments, whether your baby tastes the cake, explores it with curiosity, or even cries. We keep the session fun and stress-free regardless of how your little one responds.

How to Book Your Baby’s First Year Birthday Pictures in Nashville

I am so excited that you have chosen me to photograph your baby’s first birthday pictures. This is going to be such a fun experience for your family. Make sure to contact me so that we can book your first birthday photoshoot. To have photos ready for the big day, I suggest scheduling the shoot at least three weeks in advance.

Once we agree on a date, I will send you a link to my online booking agreement. This form, along with the retainer fee, secures your date on my calendar.

Then it’s time for the fun part! Planning the look of your session. I will email you separately to confirm cake details.  Your cake will be ready and waiting when you arrive at the studio.

Thank You for Letting Me Be Part of Your Baby’s Big Milestone

Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this fun and exciting milestone. As a Nashville baby photographer serving families in Brentwood, Gallatin, and the greater Nashville area, I’m so grateful to share in your family’s memories. I can’t wait to create beautiful images you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you love your photos, I’d be so thankful if you’d share your experience with friends or leave a review. It helps other families find me and brings more sweet little faces into the studio!