Maternity, Newborn, Baby, and Child Photography

Cake Smash Photography

Post published:April 27, 2022
Post category:First Birthday

Let's talk about first birthday cake smash sessions....

Baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone. Many families schedule birthday session to take 12 month portraits, then to document baby’s reactions when presented with a cake of their very own. Some babies love their cake. Some babies are unsure. Some babies hate their cake. Heck, some even take their time, cry, taste it, cry more, use the frosting as finger paint, eat some cake, and then laugh. They don’t know what to do with it and the results can be hilarious! Take a look at some of these first birthday cake smash photography sessions and see what you think. (No babies were harmed (or left to cry) during their session.)

Happy birthday!

He put the "smash" in "cake smash".

Some babies start eating their cake timidly...

Then they decide its a lot of fun. I think it's safe to say she loved her cake.

It's normal for a baby to be a little unsure at first...

Even after a few bites, he's still a little undecided about it.

Babies can be overjoyed at getting such a sweet treat.

Doesn't everyone smash cake with their feet?

Who wants to actually eat the cake when you can play "pat-a-cake" instead?

Puzzled, he's going in for further investigation.

I don't think he likes it.

This little all-star was all smiles with his first cake.

She was perplexed at first...

Not a fan...

She decided she was done.

Once in a while a baby will completely face plant into their birthday cake.

Only to regret that decision!

She was content with frosting on her fingers.

She delicately painted it onto her leg.

Got more frosting on her hands...

and decided that wasn't ok!

The thought and planning that goes into these sessions always amazes me.

Even with mom trying to help...

She wanted nothing to do with it!

This classic "Winnie the Pooh" setup was so much fun- and he loved his cake too!

Some babies can't get enough of their birthday cake.

This cake didn't stand a chance.

She was curious and started playing with it...

But some babies hate the texture of the sticky frosting.

It can take a minute or two of contemplation.

Really trying to decide if he likes this or not...

Once he made up his mind, this little wild thing liked smashing cake.

Some babies get fairly messy during their cake smash.

But you know it's good if they lick the frosting off their lips.

He hates it...

No, wait! He likes it!

No, he hates it. Lol.

One thing is certain- babies are unpredictable with their birthday cakes!

Here are some tips to try before your cake smash session. Try feeding baby somewhere other than a high chair or kitchen table. Put them on the kitchen floor, or even in the empty bathtub and let them practice with a cupcake. Until now, they probably haven’t had many sweets. They may not like the sticky frosting. They may love it and get it everywhere! Either way, a practice run or two will help them know what to do during your session. Also, if the cake is chilled, please let it sit out for several hours prior to your session time. Cold frosting is hard, and that’s difficult for baby to dig into. It also doesn’t make as much of a mess when they’re eating it. Let be honest here- a frosting covered baby is half the fun. Don’t worry about the mess either- Here at Shot From the Heart Photography, every first birthday cake smash ends with a real bath in a baby-sized clawfoot tub, complete with rubber duckies as part of your session. Baby may not love smashing the cake, but what baby doesn’t love splashing in the tub? Click HERE to plan your custom birthday session. I look forward to creating memories for you and your family.

Malia | Newborn Photography | Canton GA

Post published:March 12, 2022
Post category:Newborn

Professional newborn baby photography session

Newborn photography is among my favorite type of baby photography session. Brand new babies are so small and squishy. They change every day! Your baby is growing and filling out, learning about the world around them. They don’t stay tiny for very long and before you know it, they’re past the newborn stage. Sleepless nights are tough. They make it hard to remember all those delicate details your baby has. Professional newborn photography ensures that even though this stage of life doesn’t last, your memories won’t fade.

This sweet baby girl’s mom is a veterinarian. She requested a set-up that represented her love for animals. I found this little outfit and sweet cuddly critters on Amazon and couldn’t resist! I love how it turned out.

Simplicity really helps your new baby be the star. I especially enjoy using neutral, rustic tones like the antique quilt to go with the wooden crate. The little delicate daisy headband is the perfect size for newborns! (Here at Shot From the Heart Photography, clients have complete access to my huge collection of backdrops, props, maternity dresses, accessories, wraps, tiebacks, and more). Isn’t she perfect?

Mom is a veterinarian, and dad is a pilot! We had to do some photography of dad in his pilot uniform with his newborn baby girl. She fit just perfectly in his hat.

This picture is a composite image. That means that I took multiple pictures and pieced them all together to form the final one you see here. First, the hat was placed on a giant bean bag for support before baby was added. Once baby was comfortable in the hat (with wraps to cushion her), she had hands on her back so that if she startled, she wouldn’t move. Then, I took pictures of dad holding the empty hat. The final image is the result of putting all those pieces together in photoshop. Newborn safety is always the priority.

She’s ready to fly the friendly skies! I wonder what places she’ll visit as she grows.

Spring is just around the corner and we used some little cherry blossoms for this setup. I love how baby’s little features shine through, especially those lashes!

Mom and dad with their newborn baby girl.

Sleepy little baby. She is so incredibly beautiful. I just love working with newborns!

Simple, Sweet Cake Smash Session

Post published:September 7, 2021
Post category:First Birthday

Your little one’s first year is jam-packed with milestones. Babies will grow and change more this year than they ever will again. Celebrate baby’s first birthday with a cake smash photography session. No parent ever says “I wish I took fewer pictures” as babies grow and details fade.

Blair is no exception- she has grown so much! Her personality shines and she’s a little love bug. Photographing her first birthday session was a breeze. We always start with a few 12 month portraits so we can document this precious age. Baby photography is my specialty. Her sweet smile and happy-go-lucky personality made my job easy.

baby photography with rustic background

Planning a cake smash session for baby’s first birthday is a lot of fun. You can choose from any of my available backdrop or color options seen here or we can come up with a custom idea just for you! Custom requests do take some time, but at Shot from the Heart Photography I want each and every family to have a custom experience that’s suited perfectly for them.

rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery

rustic neutral 1st birthday cake smash photography session with vines and greenery

After the cake smash, baby can sometimes be a sticky mess. At Shot From the Heart Photography, a real bubble bath (complete with baby-sized clawfoot tub and rubber duckies) is included as part of your session. No parent wants to put a sticky baby in a car seat! (It makes for some of the best smiles and cutest pictures too).

Click here for information on scheduling a first birthday cake smash session for your baby.

Shot From the Heart Photography: Because babies grow up.

baby photography bath clawfoot tub rubber duck

Cake Smash Session- Pretty in Pink

Post published:July 2, 2021
Post category:First Birthday

When you schedule a birthday session at Shot From the Heart Photography, we start with a few different setups of 12 month portraits. We do this before the birthday cake smash, so don’t worry- the sugary stickiness will come later. You get to select the backdrops and setups you prefer. I can also create a custom setup just for your session! The options are limitless.

After 12 month baby portraits comes the fun part- the cake smash!

There are a variety of options when it comes to your smash cake. If you have a favorite bakery in mind, ask them about making a smash cake specifically for a photography session. These are usually a little larger than a typical “smash” cake intended for baby to enjoy at their high chair. This cake came from a bakery in Decatur Georgia, and it turned out absolutely beautifully! If you’re planning a session and need a suggestions, I recommend Tami’s cups n cakes.

Once you’re ready for your cake smash session, let the “face planting into birthday cake” begin!

After every cake smash session, I include a real bubble bath in this baby-sized clawfoot tub. I usually get some of the BEST baby smiles during the bath. I like to tell myself that it’s my feather duster ticklers and rubber chicken squeaky toys, but I know it’s really the sugar from the cake, and splashing in the warm water. In either case, no parent wants to strap a sticky baby covered in frosting into a car seat, so bath time is a great way to finish the morning off right.

6 month Sitter Session: Baby Photography

Post published:June 4, 2021
Post category:Sitter

Babies grow so incredibly quickly! While it may seem like pregnancy and it’s 9 months takes a long time to pass, once your new baby arrives, time flies by. Before you know it they are no longer a tiny little wrinkly newborn. They start filling out and getting chunky. They sleep a little longer. They stay awake a little more. Then you start getting those gummy grins and babies start making noises and babbling. Next comes rolling over and discovering the ceiling fan or the family pet. Tummy time and sitting up happen before you are ever ready.

As a parent, you want time to slow down so you can savor each and every day. Babies are only babies for one short year. The days may drag on, but those years fly by!

As a baby photographer, the 6 month, or “sitter session” is one of my favorites! Not all babies sit right at 6 months, so it’s ok if it’s 7 months, but I love to capture the stage where baby is sitting up well on their own (but not yet crawling. Once baby is crawling the photography game changes!)

Just look how much personality is already packed into one little tiny person. I love babies at this age. They are so expressive!

Babies are even adorable when they’re chewing on their toes.

Shot From the Heart Photography: Newborn Sessions

Post published:July 21, 2020
Post category:Newborn

What to expect during your session.

If you’re expecting a baby, you’re probably perusing Pinterest to get all sorts of ideas of cute pregnancy announcement ideas You might be viewing gender reveal inspiration or looking for pregnancy dresses for your Maternity photo shoot (I have a huge selection for you to use!) Maybe you’re even saving your favorite ideas for your newborn photography session because you want to remember the best ones.

Perhaps you’re looking at some of your local professional newborn photographers. I recommend taking a close look in order to see their work and get a feel for their style. When looking at newborn baby photography, it’s also important to choose a professional who is fully licensed and insured!

Family and Parents

At Shot From the Heart Photography, I usually document images of mom and dad individually with baby then parents together with baby. I also offer images of “just the kids” ( big siblings) as well as the whole family together.

Baby

After that, there are usually 2-3 different setups of your newborn baby with props. This can be anything from a small basket or crate, something that pays homage to a favorite sport or team, sentimental items, and silly setups. (Yes, I do have a leg lamp and baby sized pink bunny costume). The options are limitless when it comes to newborn photography! (Well, mostly limitless- newborn safety comes first and no matter how cute or trendy size image may be, I won’t use glass bowls or any other potentially dangerous props.)

Your session usually also includes 2 different setups with baby on the giant beanbag. With these poses, your newborn is the star of the picture. You only see a colored blanket that fades into the background. (Don’t worry, I have a ton of these for you to choose from as well. I usually suggest one in a neutral color like and one in a color of your choice. Maybe even something that matches the nursery or your home color scheme.)

Overall

Your newborn photography session usually includes anywhere from 4-6 different setups of just baby, and several setups of family and siblings. I quote 25-30 images in your final gallery and often over-deliver. You are trusting me to select the very best images (and I can tell the difference between a fake smile and a real one- the eyes always give it away), but I won’t eliminate image #31 just because I said 25-30. I always include any hilarious new baby expressions. Sometimes an “outtake” becomes a favorite.

If you’re considering scheduling a newborn photography session, I highly recommend booking early! Here’s a little preview of a typical newborn session.

I look forward to working with you and your growing family. Schedule your session here.

alert newborn baby in white wrap photography

big sister in white dress holding newborn baby child photography

big sister in white dress pushing newborn baby in antique pram

big sister in white dress pushing newborn baby in vintage antique pram stroller

newborn baby photography in vintage antique pram stroller

newborn baby in purple wrap with antique quilt and rustic backdrop hydrangea

Newborn baby in purple wrap with hydrangea flowers on rustic backdrop

professional child photography girl in white dress wearing princess crown tiara

Birthday Session: Cake Smash

Post published:July 16, 2020
Post category:First Birthday

Baby’s first year is full of so many milestones! Firs smile, rolling over, learning to sit up, clapping, peek-a-boo, blowing kisses, learning to crawl, starting to stand, cruising, and even baby’s first steps. This session was exceptionally special to me because I’ve been working with this family since they were expecting their first (who is now the ripe old age of 6). I’ve had the privilege of watching their boys grow and their family change. I’ve been able to get to know their kids as they are newborns, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and now big kids. Heck, big brother just lost his first tooth and it made me a bit teary-eyed thinking about the milestones this family has coming their way.

My girls are almost grown (one in college, one a high school graduate, and one in her final year of middle school, so I’m in the home stretch). I love getting to “see” babies growing up through my clients. My clients become my friends, then might as well be family. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being a part of your story.

Shot From the Heart Photography. Because babies grow up.

12 month portraits

Three brothers in khaki and white on neutral backdrop

During their session, baby Greyson took his first steps!!! We captured it on camera. Mom was so excited. He’s now taking several steps at a time consistently.. It was such a neat moment to capture for the first time, especially for the baby of the family. There are only so many “firsts” for baby, and when it’s your last baby, each “first” is also a “last”.

babys first steps, family photography, brothers, child photographer

We also got a couple portraits of big brothers to capture their personalities. Parker is getting so big! His personality is larger than life and he’s such a witty little guy. I love getting to spend time with them.

child photographer, canton Georgia. Boy on tan backdrop.

Logan is growing up too fast. He just lost his first tooth. He is caring and kind, helpful and thoughtful. This boy has a heart the size of Texas and I can’t wait to see the young man he grows up to be.

boy on tan background, canton Georgia child photographer

Greyson is now 1. He is just as sweet and smart as his big brothers, and he is trying his best to keep up. He is going to be equally sweet, smart, kind, and thoughtful as his big brothers. Happy first birthday little guy.

first birthday portraits. baby in red rocking chair on navy blue backdrop.

first birthday portraits. little boy in red rocking chair on navy backdrop.

The Cake Smash….

On to the cake smash! This little dude was borsht on the 4th of July, so we had to go with a patriotic theme for his birthday photo shoot. Rustic yet simple, these images will be cherished for years to come as he grows up. Happy birthday Greyson.

first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash.

first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.

I think it’s safe to say he enjoyed his birthday cake! He went face first into it several times. Atta boy!

After the cake smash, we always include a rubber ducky bubble bath as part of the session. This means you don’t put a frosting-covered baby in a car seat, and you get a few more images with your session. Yes, it’s a real bath! Greatest photography session ever. I usually get the best smiles during the bath (the sugar from the cake is in full effect and babies usually love splashing in the bath). To schedule your cake smash session click here.

Cleaning up.

bubble bath after cake smash photography session, first birthday

Newborn Session: Little Sister

Post published:July 13, 2020
Post category:Newborn Sitter

After two boys, welcoming a baby sister can be an adjustment. These big brothers are great helpers to mom and dad, and enjoy helping with their new baby.

Two brothers holding newborn baby sister professional photographer canton Georgia

brothers with newborn baby sister photography.

Newborn baby girl in tiny bed, professional newborn photographer Alpharetta Georgia

newborn baby girl in tiny bed, professional newborn photographer near Alpharetta Georgia

After sibling shots we got some details. Newborn babies have such adorable features! I love to capture macro (close up) images of their lips with little milk blisters, their wrinkly little baby toes and baby feet, and more.

Detail macro photography newborn baby lips face Alpharetta Georgia

Seriously. Aren’t baby feet adorable? I dislike feet in general, but theres just something about the teeny tiny tootsies of a brand new baby that makes them cute.

Newborn baby toes detail macro image Alpharetta newborn photographer

Little miss decided she was interested in what I was doing and I got some great eye contact! She was bright eyed and alert for a while.

awake newborn on purple backdrop Alpharetta Georgia newborn photographer

alert awake newborn baby photographer Alpharetta

I think I almost got a smile. Almost.

newborn baby photography, awake baby on purple background Alpharetta Georgia

Big yawn! It’s exhausting being this cute! Most newborn photography sessions do include a few awake images. As long as baby isn’t unhappy, we remain flexible and rock on with the session. Swaddling a newborn usually helps keep them happy and comfortable. Sometimes it even helps newborns sleep. That’s a huge win for parents (and newborn photographers).

newborn baby yawning photography with purple background Alpharetta

Blue isn’t just for boys! This robin’s egg blue backdrop is the perfect accent color to go with the little dried floral headbands. All of the wraps, headbands, and props shown are part of my studio collection and are available for client use. Isn’t this a beautiful combination for this sweet baby girl?

newborn baby girl with dried flower help on light blue background Alpharetta photographer

I love newborn babies with cheeks. Chunky ones. They’re so squishy.

newborn baby girl with headband bow on white fluffy background Alpharetta photographer

newborn baby girl in white heart shaped prop with vintage lace boho Alpharetta

newborn baby surrounded by flowers, girly newborn photographer, Alpharetta Georgia,

This rustic bucket is a favorite prop, and allows for easy change of the wrap and headband. This allows for a little more variety during your session without waking a sleeping baby.

newborn baby in rustic bucket prop. Alpharetta Georgia

Newborn baby photography in rustic bucket Alpharetta Georgia

rustic newborn photographer Alpharetta Georgia, newborn baby girl in old bucket prop

Doesn’t she look so comfy and cozy? There’s just something peaceful about sleeping babies…

newborn baby sleeping with gray background, pink wrap, pink sleeping hat, Alpharetta Georgia newborn and maternity photographer

Until they wake up and wonder what on earth you’re still doing there and why there’s a camera pointed at them. Babies make the funniest faces!

funny newborn expression, perplexed confused baby, Alpharetta Georgia photographer

Many of the wraps and headbands seen here are from The Indy Cottage Prop Shop. It’s one of my favorites and has some of the best, softest, stretchiest fabrics I’ve ever found!

To see more samples of newborn sessions, check out my portfolio. If you’re expecting and would like to see some samples of maternity sessions you can find those here, if you’re looking for newborn sessions see them here, and if you’re ready to schedule a session for your family click here. Thanks for choosing Shot From the Heart Photography.

Front Porch Sessions

Post published:May 19, 2020
Post category:Family

Covid-19 has changed something for everyone. For some people, it’s been devastating. For others, a mild inconvenience. A few people may have even found respite in the slower pace of life.

Enter front porch photography sessions. I thought they were such a neat way to photograph families in their own element, while being able to maintain the required distancing.

When the Caywood family asked me to come to their home for a porch session, I knew I was in for a treat! Cass and Haddie are the essence of childhood. They are talkative, inquisitive, active kids who want to go and do and explore and play and don’t want to sit still for pictures. That makes my job tough, but that’s also an excuse for me to play too. And make fart jokes.

Their home is beautiful, with a front porch that allows you to just sit and enjoy the peace of an evening sunset. The trees in their back yard and the pasture beyond are serene. I had to take advantage of the gorgeous light and capture some silly faces, some serious expressions, and kids being kids.

Thank you for letting me be part of your family. I love getting to watch your kids growing up!

family photography session on front porch of home, Cartersville Georgia

family photography session at home, Cartersville Georgia

brother and sister standing in their backyard photography session in Cartersville Georgia

children playing on disc swing, front porch photography session, Cartersville Georgia

Sometimes I love the smiling ones, and sometimes the sincere faces are my favorite.

child photographer, boy in backyard, Cartersville Georgia

smiling boy in grass, child photographer, Cartersville Georgia

I wonder if she’s looking for clovers or catching ladybugs or what.

girl laying in grass, child photographer, Cartersville Georgia

smiling kid in grass, summer, child photography, Cartersville Georgia

Who can resist photographing this adorable face? The newest member of the family, Piper, the boxer puppy.

boxer puppy, Cartersville georgia, professional child photographer

And just for fun, one image that captures how we really feel about the quarantine at times.

front porch sessions, Cartersville georgia, family photographer

Unicorn Cake Smash Session

Post published:May 5, 2020
Post category:First Birthday

It always amazes me just how fast a baby grows into a toddler. Baby’s first year is a blur of sleepless nights, growth, milestones, changes, and personality! Your tiny little bundle quickly grows into a crawling, (or walking and running) toddler who is happy to explore their world and voice their opinion. Baby’s first birthday is a great milestone to celebrate!

Emma came to see me for her birthday session. With birthday sessions I usually include 2-3 different setups for families to capture those 12 month portraits, then we do a cake smash (if parents want), followed by a real bubble bath to clean up afterwards. I often capture some of the best baby smiles during the bath. By then little ones are warmed up to me and the sugar from the cake is in full effect (plus, who doesn’t love to splash?)

I think she enjoyed her cake. (This amazing cake is a custom creation made by the lovely and talented Tami at https://www.tamiscupsncakes.com. )

Happy Birthday Emma!

first birthday baby pictures, girl sit-in non white chair with grey background, canton ga baby photographer

As much as I love smiling baby pictures, sometimes the serious, more somber ones speak to my soul. Just look a those baby blues!

first birthday photo session, baby girl wearing aqua teal romper with purple background, canton ga baby photographer

She’s so animated! We had such a good time playing peekaboo and playing with all sorts of noisemakers. I might have even broken out my squeaky rubber chicken. I’m not afraid to be silly if it means getting a genuine smile from your little one.

baby with teddy bears backs on white background during first birthday photo shoot

Seriously, is there anything cuter than baby bum?

Now, on to the cake smash….

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

I think it’s safe to say she likes her birthday cake!

If you drop a piece, you have to find it.

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors. Close up of toes and birthday cake.

I love how excited she gets over the cake. I do too baby girl!

Taking a close inspection. Checking out the unicorn’s ears. (They’re edible too).

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors. Crying baby with birthday cake.

I’m not sure what made her cry. (It didn’t last long, she decided to try some more frosting and was a happy camper again.)

When she made it clear she was done we moved on to the bath. Emma smashed her cake and splashed her bath and had a fantastic time all around. Thanks for celebrating your birthday with us!

Bubble bath with rubber ducky as part of a photo session after a first birthday cake smash.

Let's talk about first birthday cake smash sessions....

He put the "smash" in "cake smash".

Some babies start eating their cake timidly...

Then they decide its a lot of fun. I think it's safe to say she loved her cake.

It's normal for a baby to be a little unsure at first...

Even after a few bites, he's still a little undecided about it.

Babies can be overjoyed at getting such a sweet treat.

Doesn't everyone smash cake with their feet?

Who wants to actually eat the cake when you can play "pat-a-cake" instead?

Puzzled, he's going in for further investigation.

I don't think he likes it.

This little all-star was all smiles with his first cake.

She was perplexed at first...

Not a fan...

She decided she was done.

Once in a while a baby will completely face plant into their birthday cake.

Only to regret that decision!

She was content with frosting on her fingers.

She delicately painted it onto her leg.

Got more frosting on her hands...

and decided that wasn't ok!

The thought and planning that goes into these sessions always amazes me.

Even with mom trying to help...

She wanted nothing to do with it!

This classic "Winnie the Pooh" setup was so much fun- and he loved his cake too!

Some babies can't get enough of their birthday cake.

This cake didn't stand a chance.

She was curious and started playing with it...

But some babies hate the texture of the sticky frosting.

It can take a minute or two of contemplation.

Really trying to decide if he likes this or not...

Once he made up his mind, this little wild thing liked smashing cake.

Some babies get fairly messy during their cake smash.

But you know it's good if they lick the frosting off their lips.

He hates it...

No, wait! He likes it!

No, he hates it. Lol.

One thing is certain- babies are unpredictable with their birthday cakes!

Professional newborn baby photography session

What to expect during your session.

Family and Parents

Baby

Overall

12 month portraits

The Cake Smash….

Cleaning up.

Now, on to the cake smash….

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