A baby turning one is an exciting time for the whole family. A first birthday photoshoot can be a great way to celebrate and look back at wonderful memories. It’s not every day that your baby turns one, so you want to have unique and creative photos.

You want to have photos that are full of excitement and joy. In this blog, you will find ten unique and creative first birthday photoshoot ideas, including cake smash photography and more.

16 First Birthday Photoshoot Ideas

Here are ten first birthday photoshoot ideas for your child:

1. Cake Smash Photoshoot

A cake smash photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday. You can make your baby’s first birthday extra special and get shots of unfiltered emotions. In a cake smash photoshoot, your baby is given a cake to smash and play with while a professional photographer captures the beautiful moment.

Your baby is definitely going to have lots of fun. They will be playing and interacting with the cake while a professional photographer takes pictures. You can expect to have pictures with icing-covered faces and laughter.

Prepare a cute costume for your baby as well as props and accessories you want included in the photos. For your baby’s outfit, a simple outfit in a solid color will do, so that the focus will remain on your baby and the cake. Remember to bring extra clothes in case your baby gets messy!

2. A Number One Sign

Your baby is celebrating their first birthday, so why not include a number one sign in the photos? You can get creative with the number one sign.

You can either use a number-one balloon, a cut-out, a cake with a number-one shape, or a chalkboard with the number one written on it. You can also form the number one out of flowers, toys, or other materials.

A number one sign is a great prop for a first birthday photoshoot, and you can continue using numbers as props every year, which will be fun to look at as your child grows older.

3. Add Balloons for Fun

It’s never really a birthday celebration without balloons. Balloons add life, color, and fun to your baby’s photos. Your little one will have fun playing with balloons. You can let your baby hold one balloon, pose them next to a balloon arrangement, or toss balloons around.

A balloon bouquet will definitely give your baby a very big smile. You can set up balloons with rainbow colors to create a lively mood. You can also choose a color scheme that would match your little one’s outfit or the theme of their first birthday party.

4. Movie Theme

You can have a themed photoshoot or a photoshoot inspired by your favorite movie. You can let your little one dress up as a cartoon character or a superhero. You can have a magical photoshoot inspired by Harry Potter, where you bring in wands and broomsticks as props.

If you have a baby girl, you can let them have a fantasy photoshoot and let them dress up as a Disney princess. Let your baby wear costumes like a Superman or Wonder Woman costume. This can be really fun and exciting.

5. Fun in the Sun

You can let your baby have an outdoor adventure by letting them have their first birthday photoshoot at the beach. Beach-themed photoshoots are a great option, especially when your baby’s first birthday is in summer.

The beach is a place where you can have lots of fun, so by having a photoshoot at the beach, you get to have photos with lots of big smiles and laughter. You can let them play in the sand or let them hold toys or props. The photos will be full of energy, movement, and excitement as your baby will have fun in the sun.

6. A Personalized Touch

Add a personalized touch to the photos by bringing props that have significant meaning. It can be your baby’s favorite stuffed animal, toy, blanket, storybook, or any other item with sentimental value. You can also bring in props that reflect your baby’s personality.

7. Surrounded by Nature

Let your little one be surrounded by nature. You can have their first birthday photoshoot at the park and have a garden party or tea party-themed photoshoot or a picnic. If your baby is a girl, you can choose a floral theme for the photoshoot and have them wear a flower crown, hold some flowers, or be surrounded by flowers.

A first birthday photoshoot at the park or at any place with trees can be another exciting outdoor adventure for your baby. They can discover the wonders of nature, which will give them big smiles. You can let your baby collect flowers or play with leaves.

8. Blow Bubbles

Bubbles can add fun and excitement to the photos. Your baby will be excited to see bubbles all over, and a professional photographer will be able to capture their expressions and candid moments. You can blow bubbles or use a bubble machine. Bubbles make children happy and excited, so consider including bubbles in your little one’s first birthday photoshoot.

9. Bring the Whole Family

While your baby will definitely be the highlight of the photoshoot, you can also bring the whole family to celebrate. It’s exciting when the youngest member of the family turns one, so show the whole world your family’s excitement. Have the whole family in some photos, including siblings, grandparents, and even your family pet.

You can hold your baby and sit together with a birthday cake. Having some family photos will also be nice when you choose to do a movie-themed photoshoot, a photoshoot at the beach, or a picnic. If you are having a movie-themed photoshoot, all of you can dress as different characters from a movie.

10. Pajama Party

You can have a pajama-themed first birthday photoshoot for your little one. Dress your baby in cute pajamas and bring their favorite toys or stuffed animals. You can have photos of your baby playing with their toys or stuffed animals. You can also have photos where you are reading them a bedtime story.

11. Storybook Magic

If your baby loves books or bedtime stories, this theme is a great fit. It brings a calm, cosy feel to the photos. It’s also easy to personalise using your child’s favourite book.

Start by choosing one story that means something to your family—maybe one you read together often or one you grew up with yourself. Use props that match the story, like soft toys, wooden blocks, or a small bookshelf. Your baby can wear a simple costume or just pyjamas, holding a book or sitting in a reading nook. A storybook theme also makes a sweet memory you can recreate as they grow older with new books over the years.

12. Holiday-Themed Fun

This idea works well if your child was born near a holiday. It adds a natural theme to your photos. You can use holiday colours, outfits, and decorations to match.

Choose the holiday that feels special to your family—Christmas, Eid, Halloween, or even New Year. If your baby was born in December, a red and gold outfit with soft fairy lights might be enough. For an Eid-inspired shoot, you can include lanterns and crescent moons or wear traditional clothing. Keep your baby comfortable by using simple materials and baby-friendly props. 

13. Sporty Star

If your family enjoys sports, this theme is a fun way to include that in your baby’s photos. It’s simple to do with just a few props.

You can use a small jersey, baby trainers, or a soft ball as props. If you support a team, you can include their colours or logo in the background. Let your baby sit or crawl near the equipment—it doesn’t need to be posed. 

14. Superhero in the Making

This idea is for parents who love a bit of imagination and fun. You can dress your baby as a superhero for their first birthday shoot. It’s a chance to show their strength and spirit playfully.

You don’t need a full costume—just a cape, a mask, or a onesie with a symbol is enough. Choose a superhero you like, or keep it simple with a colour theme. You can add props like soft stars, city backgrounds, or comic signs. The focus should stay on your baby, so avoid anything that makes them uncomfortable. If they’re not happy in costume, try a blanket-cape or a themed toy.

15. Animal Kingdom Adventure

This is a playful option for parents looking for light and joyful baby birthday photoshoot ideas. It’s easy to set up with animal-themed outfits or soft toy props. It suits both indoor and outdoor shoots.

Choose one animal that your baby enjoys. A simple costume or a printed onesie is all you need. You can use stuffed animals or add a soft, jungle-themed mat. If your baby likes being outside, consider a garden or park for a natural feel. Let your child explore and interact freely—these moments often make the best photos.

16. Future Career Dreams

This idea lets you imagine what your baby might grow up to be. It’s fun and thoughtful, and gives you space to be creative. It also makes a personal memory you can look back on over time.

Start by picking a role that connects with your family or something your baby already shows interest in. It could be a chef, artist, doctor, pilot, or teacher. Use small props like a toy stethoscope, paintbrush, or mini chef’s hat. If you prefer simple styling, go for a plain background with one or two key items. The goal is to show who they are now, with a little nod to who they might become.

Whatever theme or concept you choose for your baby’s first birthday photoshoot, you should make sure to keep them happy to get great birthday pictures. For amazing photos and a smooth and stress-free first birthday photoshoot, consider hiring a professional photographer.