A Relaxed Woodland First Birthday Session You’ll Want to Copy


A Sweet First Birthday in the Heart of Yucaipa

Okay, you know those sessions where everything just feels right? The golden light, the soft breeze, a baby full of giggles, and two parents totally smitten? This was one of those. We met up in Yucaipa, California for a laid-back first birthday session that had just the right touch of woodland charm without going full Pinterest-party. This family of three wanted to celebrate their baby turning one in a way that felt simple but meaningful.


A Touch of Woodland Magic

The location mama picked had that peaceful, slightly country vibe. Think open trails, old stables, and just enough rustic charm to make you feel like you're miles away from the busy day-to-day. It’s one of those spots in the Inland Empire that always delivers a dreamy sunset, and this evening was no different. We let baby explore a little, play with some natural textures, and just be their sweet, curious self. The whole vibe was relaxed, like a Sunday afternoon stroll. That’s my favorite kind of session—when nothing feels forced and everything just flows.


Cake, Frosting, and a Tiny Tub

Midway through the session, mama had added on one of my all-time favorite things: the water bath clean-up. If you haven’t seen this in action yet, oh my gosh, it’s the cutest. Here’s how it works. Baby gets to dig into a mini cake, usually their first time trying frosting, and let’s be real—half the fun is the mess. There’s cake on cheeks, toes, and pretty much everything in between. And once they’ve had their fill of sweet bites (and sticky hands), we bring out a warm bath in a tin or ceramic basin, filled with water I bring along. Baby either keeps on a diaper or changes into a little swim one, and with help from mom and dad, they get a cozy rinse under the open sky. It’s not just practical—it’s a moment. There’s something so sweet about watching a baby splash around, still giggling from their cake high. Especially during the warmer months, this is such a fun way to keep baby happy and get even more adorable photos.


The Best Kind of Milestone Memory

This session was all about celebrating that big milestone—one whole trip around the sun—and doing it in a way that felt true to this little family’s style. The photos? A mix of candid, joyful, snuggly, and playful. The kind of memories that’ll make you smile every time you see them on the wall or flip through the album.



Thinking About a First Birthday Session?

If your baby’s turning one soon and you want to do something relaxed, fun, and full of personality, I’ve got you. Whether you're all about those candid moments, love a simple rustic setting, or are curious about adding on the bath clean-up, let’s chat about it. These sessions are always such a joy, and I’d love to help you capture your little one’s big day.


With love & grace,

Heidi

Family wearing coordinated outfits sits together on white blanket for outdoor autumn photoshoot in nature setting.
A series of candid moments in a golden field with plaid clothing and soft sunlight creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
Person wearing a plaid shirt and jeans sits with embroidered yellow boots visible in a cozy indoor setting.
A small child in plaid clothing and blue jeans lies on dried grass during an outdoor photo shoot.
Smiling baby sits in wooden box labeled Consolidated among tall golden grass during outdoor photo session.
Family group relaxes on a blanket during an outdoor autumn photo session in a golden natural setting.
A cozy family moment outdoors with a young child in a plaid shirt being embraced lovingly on a fall day.
Family wearing fall colors poses together in outdoor setting with autumn grass and natural lighting.
Two people wearing fall colors embrace while outdoors in a golden natural setting during sunset.
A romantic sunset moment captured in a rustic countryside setting with a vintage barn in the background.
A sequence of family photos showing embraces and tender moments outdoors during a sunset photoshoot.
A family laughs together outdoors wearing coordinated fall outfits including a yellow dress and plaid shirt.
A close-up view of family members' shoes and feet standing together on outdoor terrain.
A group walks along a hillside path through dry golden grass during sunset.
A joyful moment captured against a backdrop of oak trees and golden afternoon sunlight.

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