Why Cake Smash + Bath Is My Favorite First Birthday Combo


Celebrating One with Cake, Sunshine, and a Splash in Redlands, CA

Do you ever meet a family and instantly feel like you’re just meant to cross paths? That’s how it felt with this sweet crew. I first met mama and her little guy during the holidays at a local tree farm in the Inland Empire. He was just a few months old at the time, and even then, he was full of personality. Fast forward to his first birthday, and we met again—this time in Redlands for a relaxed outdoor session with all the sweetness and sunshine a mama could ask for.


Letting the Session Flow Naturally

This mama has such a calm, go-with-the-flow energy that makes sessions so fun and easy. No stress, no pressure—just a chance to soak in the moment and celebrate her baby turning one. And let me tell you, her little guy showed up ready to explore and shine. That’s always the best kind of vibe for a milestone session—when we can just follow baby’s lead and enjoy the magic as it unfolds.


The location in Redlands was glowing. We had soft golden light streaming through the trees, lush greenery all around, and a backdrop that felt straight out of a storybook. It was peaceful, warm, and the kind of place where memories just seem to settle into your heart.


Cake Smash + Bath Time = The Sweetest Combo

Like in some of my other sessions, mama chose to add on the cake smash and bath clean-up. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to offer for first birthdays. We kicked off with a little cake action—baby happily diving into his sweet treat, getting frosting on his fingers, face, and toes. Watching him discover cake for the first time was such a joy. There’s something magical about those sticky smiles and tiny hands full of icing.


Once the cake chaos hit its peak, we brought out the warm water bath. I always come prepared with cozy, warmed water and a little ceramic or tin tub. Baby stayed in his diaper (or a swim one) and we let him soak and splash away the mess. Honestly, it's always a hit. Babies love the warm water, and the photos we get? Pure gold.


This little guy had the best time. It was like cake and a spa day all in one—and mama got to relax and take it all in while I captured those sweet, candid moments. I always encourage mama to get in a few shots while she helps baby get cleaned up.


Watching Families Grow is the Best Part

One of the best parts of being a family photographer in the Inland Empire is getting to watch families grow. Seeing this little one go from a tiny babe at Christmas to a full-blown cake-eating, bath-loving one-year-old just a few months later? So special. These milestone sessions are more than just photos—they’re a way to hold on to the details that go by so fast.


Want to Plan a First Birthday Session?

If your little one is getting close to the big ONE and you want to do something sweet and simple to celebrate, let’s make it happen. Whether you’re into the full cake smash and bath combo or just want a cozy outdoor session with your family, we’ll make sure it’s full of joy and true to your style. Reach out and we’ll find the perfect spot and plan something beautiful together.


With love & grace,

Heidi


A joyful moment shared between parent and child outdoors in a sunlit natural setting.
A joyful parent and infant share a tender moment outdoors during a sunset photo session.
A tender outdoor moment between parent and child as they play together in dappled sunlight.
A person crawls through a rugged rope obstacle course during an outdoor challenge race or training event.
Small child in white shirt and blue pants sitting and looking up at camera with a sweet expression outdoors.
A shirtless toddler sitting on a rustic wooden box in a natural outdoor setting among dry grass and plants.
Small feet wearing red and white sneakers sit on dried twigs and grass in an outdoor autumn setting.
Small child in red dress sits on ground surrounded by natural outdoor setting during photo session.
A child sits on white fabric creating colorful smears and patterns during an outdoor paint play session.
Infant in white dress lying on ground being photographed during outdoor photo session.
Child sits in tulle with messy red frosting around mouth during cake smash photo shoot.
Baby in denim shorts sits on blanket outdoors messily eating cake during first birthday smash cake session.
Baby in jeans smashing cake and frosting during first birthday cake smash photo session on white blanket outdoors.
Young child enjoying an ice cream cone while sitting on a picnic blanket during a sunny summer day in nature.
Child plays with red paint on white fabric outdoors, creating messy artistic expressions in nature.

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