First Birthday Photographer in Dundee

Make their first birthday a real memory.

Celebrate the first 12 months of your baby's life.

A 1st birthday portrait session is a very special way to mark a huge milestone. (it's a massive moment in your life too)

baby wearing white at a first birthday phtoshoot. wearing a one crown and playing with a wooden birthday cake

First Birthday Photoshoots in Dundee

smiling baby with blonde curly hair holding a traitional wooden toy bit of birthday cake. The cake has one candle. She is wearing a white bodysuit

Why Have a First Birthday Photoshoot?

Why not? Let's face it, your baby's first birthday is going to be far more special to you than it is to them. It's just another day of discovery and adventure to a 12 month old. There will be plenty of time in other years to splash out on big presents and parties. My first birthday photoshoots allow you to have a fun experience with your baby, and the photographs you choose will be treasured forever.

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Will my baby have fun?

Absolutely! Your baby won't know it's their special first birthday but they will definitely have fun. I have adorable wooden toys for them to play with — Mr Crocodile, Theodore the stacking mouse and Ralph the roll-along puppy. Your baby will have a ball and you will love spending this special time with your little one. I even have a dinky wooden birthday cake and tiny wooden cupcakes.

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Do You Offer Cake Smash Photoshoots?

Eh?? Have you ever experienced a cake smash? I thought not.

I did one once. Never again.

Cake everywhere. Baby had no idea what was going on. I blame the Americans.

They introduced it to us. It's apparently your baby's first introduction to sugar.

Why would you do that? Pink and blue icing everywhere is just not my style. And so I don't offer it.

Not having a slippery 12 month old covered in squidgy chocolate icing and sponge means that I can create minimalist, timeless portraits of your baby. Those will be the portraits that you will really cherish.

Your child doing what comes naturally to them — playing and interacting. Tiny fingers that have learned how to hold a miniature wooden candle. 12 months ago your baby couldn't even focus and now they can fit a little wooden cake together. It's a miracle and I want you to remember those moments.

A Calm, Natural First Birthday Photoshoot

Sessions are relaxed, playful and completely led by your baby. There's no rushing and no agenda — just your little one exploring, playing and being exactly who they are right now. My studio in Monifieth, just outside Dundee, is calm and unhurried, with plenty of time for cuddles and little pauses whenever they're needed.

Your Reveal Session

A couple of weeks after your first birthday photoshoot, you’ll return to the studio to view your gallery and choose your favourite portraits. You can view full details of my first birthday photography prices before your session, so everything feels clear and easy from the start.

12 month old baby girl with wooden birthday cake at Dundee first birthday photoshoot
Smiling baby at first birthday photoshoot holding wooden cake in Dundee studio
First birthday triplets wearing one hats and holding wooden cake slices at Dundee studio photoshoot
Mum hugging first birthday baby and sibling during Dundee studio photoshoot

First Birthday Photoshoot FAQs

Questions You Might Ask About First Birthday Photoshoots

When should you schedule your first birthday photoshoot?

1st birthday photos are best taken between 11 and 13-months. As near to your baby’s birthday as possible. It’s best to book well in advance so as to get a date that suits you and your partners work commitments. (Remember that your maternity leave will be coming to an end) 


How Long Does a First Birthday Photoshoot Take?

I set aside 3 hours so your baby can have as much or as little time as they need. Why so long? Well, it wouldn't be the first time a baby spent the first 30 minutes finishing their nap in my driveway. Then they might take a little while to get used to their new environment. I don't want anyone to ever feel rushed — this is your time. Within that time frame it really takes as long as your baby needs.

If your little one arrives full of beans and not even remotely shy, around 60 to 90 minutes is about as long as their attention span will last. But at least you know the time is there if you need it.

Do I have to bring a cake to a 1st birthday photoshoot?

You don’t need to bring anything to your baby’s first birthday photo session. I have an adorable selection of little outfits and a cute wooden cake and wooden birthday candles. In fact, we can have a full toy tea-party. Just bring your “Happy Birthday To You” singing voice. 

Can I Bring a Little Sibling to a 1st Birthday Photoshoot?

Yes, absolutely. I love to see a big brother or sister along to join in the fun.

(Often I have photographed them too when they were a baby.)

What should my baby wear to a 1st birthday photoshoot?

A plain white vest looks perfect. (a new one is best)

I have an adorable little collection of white and neutral baby clothes that have all been selected to be soft and comfortable for your baby to wear and will look perfect in my style of natural photography. There’s no need to bring shoes as babies look much cuter with bare feet. If it’s a chilly day your little one should arrive in tights as socks will leave marks on their skin.

Not quite ready to book?