Connecticut Luxury Milestone & Cake Smash Photographer
Thoughtfully documenting your baby's first year
Your baby’s first year is filled with incredible change and wonder. From those early, sleepy days to rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and taking first steps, each stage brings new expressions, new skills, and moments you’ll never want to forget.
Milestone portraits allow you to pause time and preserve all the joy, curiosity, and personality that unfold throughout your baby’s first year — including the excitement and celebration of their very first birthday. A one-year session is a beautiful way to honor how far your little one has come, whether through classic portraits, playful moments, or a joyful cake smash.
Baby milestone sessions are most commonly photographed around 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, though they can be scheduled at any point during your baby’s first year. There is truly no wrong time to capture your baby’s sweet smile and growing personality. When you’re ready to plan a milestone or first-birthday session, I’ll guide you through every detail—from styling and wardrobe to the final artwork.
Booking Milestone/Cake Smash Photography
Looking to capture milestone or first-year portraits of your little one? Sessions are best booked 6–8 weeks in advance to ensure we have time to plan every detail. Once your deposit is received, your session will be reserved on the calendar, and we’ll start planning a session that celebrates your baby’s unique personality and the special moments of this first year.
The Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Experience
The Baby Milestone/Cake Smash Consultation
Before your session, we’ll take care of all the details together at your one-on-one consultation. Once your session is booked and your deposit is received, you’ll be guided through a personalized planning process designed to make your experience effortless and enjoyable.
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Discuss styling preferences, outfits, props, and any custom details you’d love included
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Gain access to our curated client wardrobe and a variety of studio options, with the option to incorporate your own special outfits
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Collaborate on a cohesive first birthday theme, including the cake, props, and color palette, so every detail feels intentional and meaningful
The Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Session
Your Session Day
Baby Milestone Sessions
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Unlimited session time, allowing plenty of flexibility for feeding, soothing, and breaks
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Outfits provided in your baby’s size and within your chosen color palette
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Age- and developmentally appropriate props and backgrounds, thoughtfully selected based on your baby’s abilities (tummy time, sitting, standing, etc.)
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A relaxed, baby-led approach designed to capture genuine expressions and natural moments
Cake Smash & One-Year Sessions
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Unlimited session time so your baby can explore, play, and celebrate at their own pace
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Custom cake created by a professional baker to coordinate with your chosen theme
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Access to our client closet featuring adorable, curated outfits. Outfit changes are encouraged throughout
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Simple, timeless sets using studio backdrops and/or our lifestyle corner to provide variety
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Portraits with props and toys before the cake for clean, classic images
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Optional milk bath add-on, perfect for fresh, natural expressions and a sweet ending to the session
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Family images may be included, celebrating this special milestone together
The Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Reveal Session
After your session, you are invited to a private, guided reveal where your portraits are presented in a calm, elegant setting. This is more than simply choosing images—it’s a curated experience designed to celebrate your little one and preserve this season of life.
During your reveal:
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Personalized curation — Together, we review your gallery and highlight the images that best reflect your baby's personality and beauty.
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Guided selection — I thoughtfully assist you in selecting artwork and products designed to become lasting heirlooms in your home.
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Exclusive presentation — Your portraits are revealed in a private, unhurried 1–2 hour appointment, allowing you to fully experience each image without pressure or distraction.
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Legacy-focused planning — From fine-art albums to custom wall displays, your selections are carefully planned to honor your family for generations to come.
This is the moment where your vision comes to life—transforming fleeting moments into timeless, meaningful artwork. Every detail is approached with intention, ensuring your final collection is as personal and enduring as your family.
Explore Our Cake Smash Session Highlights
Step into our studio and discover how Portraits By Chaya captures the joyful details, delightful expressions, and unforgettable moments of your child's cake smash celebration for their first birthday.
Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Photography FAQs
Interested in hearing more? Let's get in touch!
Thank you for contacting us!
Thank you for inquiring about a photoshoot with Portraits by Chaya!
We will give you a call to discuss your vision for your session and the experience as soon as we can.
Please let us know if there is a particular time that is best to reach you! Looking forward to getting in touch,
All the best,
Chaya
Portraits by Chaya