There’s nothing quite as special as celebrating a baby’s first birthday, and Leo’s beary first birthday cake photo shoot in York, PA, was no exception! Leo’s parents lovingly call him “Leo Bear,” so it was only fitting that we went with a bear theme for his big milestone. From the adorable decorations to the backdrop featuring balloons and bears, this session was as sweet as can be.
Our first attempt at Leo’s birthday cake photo shoot didn’t go as planned. Leo had been up since 3 a.m., and when he arrived at the studio, it was quickly clear he wasn’t in the mood for photos or cake. Rather than trying to push through and risk making the experience stressful, we decided to reschedule for the following weekend. This flexibility is so important when working with little ones—after all, happy babies make for the best photos! It’s always my goal to make photos as fun and stress free as possible. I want your experience to be fun and memorable, and if we’ve tried all my tricks and your babe just isn’t themselves, I’ll usually recommend we call it and try again another day. No sweat!
The next weekend, Leo came back well-rested and ready to shine. Dressed in the cutest first birthday ONE shirt, he charmed us all with his big smiles and playful personality. The setup was a dream: soft earthy tones, whimsical bear accents, and a simple yet beautiful smash cake that tied everything together perfectly.
As soon as the cake was set in front of him, Leo wasted no time diving in! Watching him explore the texture and taste was absolutely adorable. He giggled, squished the frosting in his tiny hands, and even gave us a few “bear-y” cute grins. These moments are what make a first birthday cake photo shoot in York, PA, so magical—capturing the pure joy and curiosity of this special age. Not pictured was the post-cake “splash” Leo took in a tiny tub filled with warm water to wash off. It was definitely his favorite part of the first birthday cake smash session!
Leo’s parents were thrilled with the photos, and I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out. It was such a privilege to document this milestone for their family. A first birthday is such a fleeting moment, and these photos will be treasured memories for years to come.
If you’re considering a birthday cake photo shoot in York, PA, for your little one, remember to plan around their schedule and be flexible. A well-rested, happy baby truly makes all the difference! And don’t be afraid to bring your unique theme ideas—they make these sessions extra special and personal. Leo’s bear-themed celebration was a perfect example of how thoughtful details can elevate a photo shoot into a cherished memory.
