One year photos are some of my favorite sessions to capture and I had the absolute joy of photographing this family from newborn to one year though my Baby Collection package. As a DFW and Argyle Family Photographer, getting to photograph families over time is truly such a special privilege. There’s something so special to meet a baby just a few weeks old and then, a year later, watching them explore their first birthday cake (check out their newborn session here).
To celebrate one year of their baby, we opted for an at-home cake smash and family session. Your home is a perfect spot for photos so if you’re thinking about booking a one year milestone session for your little one, here are a few things to think about when planning one year photos at home.
Choosing Home for Your Baby’s One Year Photos
Deciding on a location that feels like you and your family is one of the first things we’ll do together. To be honest, having the “perfect” location doesn’t matter nearly as much as choosing a location that speaks to your family. Whether that’s outdoors, in a studio, or in the place you call home. And your home can be a perfect location.
I love photographing families at home, in the comfort of their own space, working with whatever room has the best and brightest light. For this one year milestone session, mom and dad wanted something simple and minimal, and one of their rooms was perfect for that. We stayed in one space, took a variety of photos, and even did his first birthday cake right there. Dad baked the cake and brought it right in, making home an even easier (and sweeter) space to use.
For at-home sessions, there’s a common misconception that your house has to be super bright or that you’ll have a ton to clean before I show up. But the truth is, we’ll schedule your session based on the light of your home, even if that’s just one window and one room (like this session). And no, you don’t need to deep clean anything (please don’t spend your precious time doing this). The things in your home make it your own and if we need to move things day of, it’s easy to do.
A Few Things to Think About When Planning Your At-Home Session
As your Argyle Family Photographer, here’s some of the things we’ll chat about before your at-home session.
I’ll reach out to learn about the lighting in your home and from there we’ll schedule your session time. We’ll also keep your family’s schedule in mind, especially things like baby’s nap time. If there’s anything specific you want captured during your session, or particular rooms you want documented, I love knowing that ahead of time so I can plan for it and adapt the schedule if needed.
I recommend keeping outfits simple, comfortable, and true to you. I’ll help you decide on outfits and send you ideas of what to wear (or you are welcome to borrow from my client closet). And don’t stress over a spotless cake smash. Chances are pretty good that icing will end up in a few different places. A sheet to lay down or high chair can help keep the cake contained to one spot.
Easy clean up made this particular session shown here so much easier for the family. Once the cake smash was done, mom took the baby straight to bath afterward, frosting and all, which made staying home even more worth it. No car seat, no travel time, no stressing over a missed nap time – just a sticky, happy baby heading straight from cake to bathtub.
Booking Your Argyle Family Photographer
As an Argyle Family Photographer, I get to document so many special moments in peoples’ lives and one year sessions are some of my absolute favorites. You’ve made it a whole year as a family – a year of so much joy, so many changes, and a precious little baby about to enter the toddler years. It’s such a beautiful time to document at home or at a location that feels true to your family.
If you’re local to Argyle or the greater DFW area and are thinking about a one year milestone session for your baby, I’d love to help you plan something that feels just like you. Reach out here and let’s chat about your baby’s one year photos.
Want to see more? Check out the posts below:
- What Makes Six Month Photos So Special
- Celebrating One Year: Backyard Photos
- Morning Photo Sessions: Are They Right For Your Family?
Hi! I’m Amber – a family and newborn photographer serving Fort Worth and Dallas areas. I specialize in maternity, newborn, family, and milestone sessions with a relaxed, lifestyle approach that allows families to slow down and simply be together. My work focuses on tenderness, joy, and authentic moments that showcases each family’s story.
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September 13, 2026
