A smiling one year old baby boy during a 1st birthday mini portrait session in Scotch Plains

A special 1st Birthday mini portrait session

They say the days are long, but the years are short—and absolutely nothing proves that more than a baby’s first birthday at their 1st Birthday mini portrait session! It feels like just yesterday this sweet little one was a tiny newborn, and now, they are sitting up, smiling, and showing off a big, bright personality.

We recently hosted our highly anticipated Mini Portrait Day, and I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the sweetest one-year-old for their 1st Birthday mini portrait session.

Here is a little peek into their session, plus details on how you can snag a spot at our next event!

Why Mini Sessions Are Perfect for Toddlers

If you’ve ever tried to keep a one-year-old happy, dressed, and in one spot for an hour, you know it can be a workout. That is exactly why our 1st birthday mini portrait session format is such a hit with parents.

These sessions are specifically designed to be fast, fun, and completely stress-free:

Short & Sweet: Sessions are stacked back-to-back. That means we move quickly to capture your little one’s before they lose interest or run out of steam.
Focused on Your Child: These are individual sessions dedicated entirely to capturing your child’s current milestone.
All-Digital Format: This is a digital-only experience, making it incredibly easy to download, share, and print your favorite memories.

The Best Part? The Savings!

Because these sessions are run back-to-back on a single day, I’m able to pass those logistical savings directly on to you. Our Mini Days offer $300+ in savings compared to a standard, full custom session.

Keep Your Favorites, Discounted!

Your session fee includes a set number of gorgeous, high-resolution digital files. But let’s be honest—it’s almost impossible to pick just a few when your toddler is this cute!

To make sure you don’t have to leave any favorite moments behind! We offer discounted pricing on additional digital files purchased from your viewing gallery. You get to keep all the sweet smiles, silly faces, and tiny details without breaking the bank.

Looking for Something More Custom?

While mini sessions are incredible for quick, solo milestone updates, they aren’t the perfect fit for everyone.

For full family portraits or a curated, personalized experience, my Custom Portrait Sessions are exactly what you are looking for.

A custom session offers:

Time to Warm Up: If your little one is on the shy side, the fast pace of a mini session might feel overwhelming. Custom sessions give us plenty of time to play, laugh, and let them get comfortable with me and the camera at their own pace.
Space for the Whole Crew: Mini sessions are strictly for individual children, whereas custom sessions are designed to capture multiple people, beautiful family dynamics, and sibling interactions.
A Curated Experience: We will work together to customize the styling, location, and vibe to perfectly match your family’s aesthetic.

Don’t Miss Out: Our Next Mini Day is August 7th!

If a fast, fun mini session is exactly what you need, don’t wait! The next Mini Day is officially scheduled for August 7th.

Because of the massive savings and the limited number of slots, spots have already started to sell out. If your little one has an upcoming milestone, this is your sign to secure your time slot.

Click Here to Grab Your Spot for August 7th before they’re all gone!

1 year old girl smiles big for the camera at her cake smash session with Joan Marie Photography

Big Brother to the Rescue: A First Birthday Cake Smash with Siblings in Scotch Plains

There is nothing quite like a first birthday! It’s a year of “firsts” culminating in one giant, sugary milestone. I recently had the pleasure of hosting a lovely local family for a first birthday cake smash with siblings in Scotch Plains, and it turned into the most heartwarming family affair.

Sibling Portraits & Studio Fun in Scotch Plains

We kicked off the session with some precious sibling shots. Big brother, who is almost three, was a total natural in front of the camera. His energy was infectious, and it was so special to capture the bond between these two before the messy fun began.

However, when it came time for the main event, our birthday girl was a little… skeptical. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the giant mound of frosting in front of her!

Building Trust at the Cake Smash with Help from Aunt Kathy

As a photographer, my priority is making sure my little subjects feel safe and comfortable. Thankfully, Mom brought along a secret weapon: Aunt Kathy.

With five girls of her own, Aunt Kathy is a total pro. She was instrumental in keeping the birthday girl’s attention and helping her build trust with me throughout the session. Having that extra support from someone who truly understands kids made all the difference in capturing those genuine smiles.

Big Brother Shows Her How It’s Done

When the birthday girl remained hesitant about her cake, Big Brother decided to step in and save the day. He dove in with zero hesitation, showing his sister that cake is, in fact, delicious! Once she saw her brother enjoying himself, she finally decided to give it a poke. This is exactly why I love a first birthday cake smash with siblings in Scotch Plains—the interactions are always so unscripted and sweet.

The Sweetest Details: V’s Sweet Treats

We have to talk about that gorgeous (and clearly tasty) cake! It was handcrafted by the incredibly talented local baker and fellow Scotch Plains mom, Vanessa Cardinal.

Her business, V’s Sweet Treats, is my go-to recommendation for milestone sessions. Not only are her designs stunning for photography, but they are genuinely delicious—as Big Brother can officially attest!

Ready to book your own first birthday cake smash with siblings in Scotch Plains? Whether your little one is a “cake-shyer” or a “cake-diver,” I’m here to capture the magic of the mess. You can reach me here!

Tag Archives: 1st birthday photos