Your baby’s first birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — and how you choose to document it truly matters. If you’re starting to plan your baby’s 1st birthday photos, thinking outside the traditional studio can make your session unique and you can take advantage of the beautiful landscape Orange County has! As an Orange County family photographer, I love what locations like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine have to offer — from stunning coastal backdrops to beautiful grassy fields and parks. These settings pair perfectly with milestone sessions, creating images that feel classic and that you’ll love for years to come.
When planning your session, timing and location are key. Early morning or late afternoon sessions provide soft, flattering light, while avoiding large crowds — especially at popular Orange County beaches during summer. Parks and open fields offer a more private, relaxed environment for babies to play and interact naturally with their family. It’s great to take in consideration timing and what works best for your little one.
Why More Parents Are Choosing Outdoor 1st Birthday Photos
I’ve noticed a shift away from traditional cake smash sessions toward a more relaxed, outdoor style. Many Orange County families now prefer first birthday photos outdoors, where babies can explore, move freely, and simply be themselves.
Instead of being confined to a studio, your little one can feel the sand between their toes, enjoy the ocean breeze, and take in the wide-open space — often resulting in more genuine smiles and joyful expressions. That said, studio sessions can still be a wonderful option, especially when the weather isn’t ideal or you want a more controlled environment.
Take Ezekiel’s first birthday session in Laguna Beach as an example. We started with simple family moments — walking along the shoreline, cuddling, and letting him explore the sand. Once he was comfortable, we moved into a minimal cake smash at the end, keeping the focus on him and the natural beauty around us.
Looking for a photographer or thinking about planning your own family or 1st birthday session in Laguna Beach or Orange County? Let’s create something special together! Reach out for more details.
https://jengagliardi.com/2024/01/planning-your-family-photos-with-a-toddler/
