First Birthday Session
That first year goes by in a blur — and this is your last chance to capture them as a baby, before they step fully into toddlerhood.
First birthday photo sessions are a beautiful way to celebrate this milestone and to complete your baby’s first year with portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.
These sessions are very popular and typically book around three months in advance. If you’d like your images back before your baby’s birthday — for invitations, gifts, or to display on the day — just let me know when booking so we can plan around editing and product delivery times.
From the very beginning, everything is thoughtfully planned so your session feels calm, intentional, and completely stress-free.
How Are You Going to Use Your Portraits?
Before we take a single photograph, we talk about how you’d like to use your first birthday portraits.
This session is about more than marking a milestone — it’s about completing your baby’s first year in a way that can be seen and enjoyed every day. From the start, we think beyond the session itself and plan how your portraits will live in your home. Whether they’re the final pieces in a gallery wall that began with your newborn or sitter session, or the finishing touch to a space that’s been waiting for something meaningful, every detail is considered.
If you’ve created artwork with me before, we’ll design your first birthday portraits to sit seamlessly alongside what you already have. We’ll consider frame styles, sizing, and colour tones so everything feels cohesive and intentional. Your first birthday session becomes the final chapter — not just another photoshoot.
We’ll also plan how else these portraits might be enjoyed. First birthday images are perfect for invitations and make especially thoughtful gifts for grandparents and loved ones. Once we know who your portraits are for, your session is designed with purpose.
This approach ensures nothing is rushed, forgotten, or left unused. Every image is created with intention.
Gone are the days of images sitting on your phone or disappearing into a digital folder. With me, you’ll leave with finished, framed portraits — ready to be displayed, gifted, and enjoyed.
No stress.
No last-minute frame shopping.
No unfinished walls waiting “until one day.”
Just a calm, fully guided experience — and portraits that truly complete your baby’s first year.
Keep Scrolling to See for more information on packages and pricing.
Your Investment
When you book a first birthday session with me, your experience is thoughtfully split into two simple stages. This allows you to relax, enjoy the process, and make confident decisions once you’ve seen your finished portraits.
1. Session Fee — £99
The session fee secures your place in my studio and covers the time, care, and expertise that go into creating your first birthday portraits.
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Paid at the time of booking
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Non-refundable, as it reserves your session date and my availability
The best time to book your first birthday session is when your baby is around 9–10 months old. This allows us to secure availability and plan the session around this important milestone.
First birthday sessions are typically held when your baby is 11–13 months old, depending on whether you’d like the portraits taken just before their birthday or shortly after. This flexibility ensures your baby is confident, comfortable, and able to enjoy the session — whether they’re standing, cruising, or taking those first wobbly steps.
As always, sessions are baby-led and planned around your child’s stage and personality, so we’ll choose the perfect timing together.
2. Portrait Collections & Artwork
This is where you choose the images and products you love.
It is due two weeks after your first birthday session, we'll arrange a google meets call to view your online gallery, select your portrait collection and any artwork from the comfort of your own home. This guided viewing means you’re supported through every decision, so nothing feels overwhelming or rushed.
To explore all portrait collections and artwork options, click on the PDF below.
Contact Kelly
Hanover Circle, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2TH
PH: 078 1038 6757
(calls accepted after business hours)
Open hours: Friday-Monday & Wednesday 10:00-14:00
Let's get to know each other. Please fill out the contact form below, and Kelly will reach out to you as soon as she can.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book a first birthday session?
I recommend booking your first birthday session 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability and allow time for planning. This also gives us space to talk through styling, colours, and how your finished portraits will be displayed in your home.
When does the session take place?
First birthday sessions usually take place around 10–11 months of age. This allows us to capture beautiful, expressive portraits while your baby is confidently sitting but not yet too mobile.
If you’re planning to use the images for birthday invitations or to display on your baby’s birthday, we’ll schedule the session early enough to allow time for viewing and ordering.
How long does a session last?
First birthday sessions usually last between 1–2 hours.
At this age, little ones can become tired and restless if sessions go on for too long, so everything is planned carefully to make the most of their happy, settled moments.
The session is relaxed, playful, and moves at your baby’s pace, with time for cuddles, outfit changes, and breaks if needed — but without pushing them past what feels comfortable.
This thoughtful timing helps ensure we capture beautiful expressions while keeping the experience enjoyable for everyone.
What do we need to bring to the session?
After booking, you’ll receive a First Birthday Session Guide that explains the full process, what to expect in the studio, and includes a simple checklist of what to bring.
I recommend reading through this and preparing anything needed in advance, so on the day you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Is the cake provided?
Yes. To ensure the clean, timeless look you see on my website and Instagram, I provide a naked-style cake that photographs beautifully and complements my signature style.
This takes one more thing off your to-do list and ensures your images remain cohesive and elegant.
Can we choose a theme or colour scheme?
Absolutely — and this is something we’ll plan together.
During our initial phone consultation, we’ll talk through where your portraits will be displayed in your home and what colours or tones will work best in that space. From there, we’ll design a simple, thoughtful theme that feels intentional and timeless rather than overly styled or trend-led.
What happens after the session?
Following your first birthday session, we’ll schedule a viewing appointment so you can see all your portraits from the comfort of your own home.
At your appointment time, I’ll call you and email a link to your online gallery, where we’ll watch a slideshow of your final images set to music. Once you’re happy, you’ll confirm your chosen package and place your order.