The year closes with a whole person.
Twelve months ago they could not hold their own head up. Now they are standing, pointing, and deeply suspicious of cake. First birthday and cake smash sessions, photographed in the Falls Church studio.
Styled properly, and over before anyone melts down
A first birthday sitting is a short window between two problems: too early and they cannot stand, too late and they will not stay in frame. Somewhere around twelve months there is a fortnight where a child is mobile, curious, and still willing to be dressed in whatever you put on them.
The set is built before you arrive — backdrop, blocks, balloons, hand-cut clouds, a felt hat that stays on for roughly four minutes. Tammy shoots the calm portraits first while everyone is fresh, then loosens the direction and lets the birthday happen. The cake, if there is one, goes last.
Included in every first birthday session
- A planning call to match the setup to your party colours
- 60–75 minutes in the Falls Church studio
- Backdrop, props, party hat and styling provided
- Cake smash optional — offered, never compulsory
- Standing, sitting and parent frames, all three
- 15+ finished, print-ready images within two weeks
Where it sits in the year
This is Chapter Three of The First Year — the closing session after newborn and sitting up. Booked as part of the collection it is held for you automatically and Tammy writes six weeks ahead. Booked on its own it works exactly the same way; you just have to remember the date yourself.
Questions, answered
When should we book the first birthday session?
Between 11 and 13 months. Booking about six weeks before the birthday gives you the pick of dates and leaves room to reschedule if a cold arrives, which at this age it often does. Photographing slightly before the birthday means you have the images in hand for the party.
Do we have to do a cake smash?
No. The cake is offered, not compulsory, and plenty of one-year-olds want nothing to do with it. The session works just as well as a clean portrait sitting - party hat, blocks, balloons, and a child who has just learned to stand. If you would rather skip frosting entirely, say so when you book.
What if he cries the whole time, or refuses to sit?
Expected, and planned for. One-year-olds are photographed on their own terms: standing, cruising along furniture, being handed things. Tammy shoots the calm frames first, keeps the session under an hour, and stops when the child is done rather than pushing through. Nobody is asked to bribe or wrangle a crying baby for a photograph.
Who provides the cake and the setup?
Tammy provides the backdrop, props, party hat and styling. You bring the cake, or ask and she will arrange a simple smash cake in your colours. Tell her the theme when you book so the setup matches whatever the party is doing.
How long does it take?
Sixty to seventy-five minutes, including a change of outfit and a pause for a snack. If there is a cake it goes last, for reasons that will be obvious the first time you see the aftermath.
Should we do this if we skipped the newborn session?
Yes. The first birthday stands entirely on its own, and a good number of families book it as their first session with Tammy. If you would like to pick up the milestones from here, ask about the two-session version of The First Year.
Book a first birthday session
Tell Tammy the birthday and she’ll come back with dates about six weeks out.
Your note is on its way.
Tammy reads every inquiry herself and replies within one business day — check your spam folder if you don’t see her.
In a hurry? Call (571) 599-4437.