A baby’s first year is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a beautifully themed first birthday photoshoot! These sessions tell the story of your little one’s growing personality, their playful curiosity, and all the joy they bring to the world. The giggles, the tiny hands reaching for a cake, the excitement of discovering something new—it’s these moments that make first birthday photography so magical.
We recently had the sweetest little guy in our studio, who wooed our entire Silver Lake team during his first birthday photoshoot and smash cake session. He completely stole our hearts with that handsome comb over and big brown eyes! In one setup, he was the star of his own sports-themed locker room, rocking a tiny blue varsity jacket; a nod to his family’s deep love for the LA Dodgers. Born into a Dodgers household, he’s already repping one of LA’s most legendary teams. Then, we swapped the stadium for the jungle, exploring a custom-designed jungle bubble bath adventure scene complete with plush animals. His eyes sparkled with pure joy as he splashed among the bubbles with his rubber ducky.
Every detail in these sets was custom curated by The Pod Photography artists to tell his story, making the session feel extra special. Shoots like this always remind us how meaningful first birthday photos can be. Not just adorable, but full of personal touches.
Our Favorite Trending First Birthday Themes
Choosing a theme for your baby’s first birthday photoshoot is such a fun experience, but we know it can also feel overwhelming! Not to worry though. At The Pod Photography, we are experts at guiding families through the process, helping to find the perfect theme that’s both on-trend and deeply personal to your baby’s story. And the best part? Every single set we create is fully customizable. No two are ever the same—just like your special little one! Here are some of the top trends we’re loving for 2025 to spark inspiration:
- Rookie of the Year – When we envision this theme, we imagine a tiny MVP stepping into their own sports legacy. Maybe it’s a classic locker room moment, a nod to a beloved hometown team, or a timeless baseball card brought to life. The colors, the jerseys, and even the trophies can all be personalized, because this is just the beginning of their all-star story.
- Wild One Safari – This theme could unfold in so many ways! Lush greenery, soft neutrals, and elegant animal silhouettes, or maybe a bold and playful jungle filled with towering palms and bright pops of color; a whimsical expedition or a luxurious safari lounge.
- One in a Melon – Fresh, bright, and full of joy, this theme might take shape as a dreamy picnic with delicate watercolor fruit prints, a playful citrus grove with oversized tropical leaves, or a vintage fruit stand straight from a sun-soaked market.
- One Small Step – A cosmic journey can be anything from a dreamy celestial wonderland with soft stardust hues to a vintage space-race adventure inspired by retro rockets and metallic textures. Whether it’s twinkling constellations, a custom-built moon landing, or the tiniest astronaut suit, this theme is a launchpad for infinite creativity.
- One Berry Sweet Soirée – This theme might be a countryside picnic with soft florals and woven textures, a storybook garden full of whimsical berry details, or a modern, minimalist take on fruit tones with sleek patterns and delicate details. It’s a sweet beginning, no matter how you style it.
- Some Bunny is One – Soft and storybook-like or crisp and modern, this theme can be a garden tea party with delicate bunny ear details, a Scandinavian-inspired pastel dream, or something with a touch of vintage charm.
- Winter ONEderland – Picture a dreamy snowscape in soft whites and metallics, or maybe a cozy après-ski retreat with faux furs and warm candlelight. Whether it’s classic winter magic or something with an unexpected twist, this theme is perfect for winter babies!
- First Bee-Day – A golden, honey-kissed celebration can take on so many forms. Maybe it’s a soft, floral take with delicate bee and honeycomb motifs, or a bold, high-contrast palette with playful black and gold details. Whether rustic and organic or sleek and modern, this theme can be as sweet and stylish as you want it to be.
- Twinkle Twinkle, Little One – When we picture this theme, we see a dreamy, starry-night celebration—soft, glowing lights, delicate moon and star motifs, and a color palette of deep blues, silvers, and soft golds. This theme is a beautiful way to celebrate a little one’s first trip around the sun.
- A Hole in One – A golf-inspired theme doesn’t have to be traditional! It could be a playful, pastel putting green setup, a sophisticated country club-inspired celebration, or even a stylish take on a Palm Springs getaway with vintage golf aesthetics. This is a choice that begs for attention to personalized details: monograms, miniature putting greens, or classic gingham.
Custom First Birthday Invitations with Stunning Photos
The best part about picking a first birthday photoshoot theme? It can also set the stage for the perfect first birthday invitation! Imagine sending out invitations featuring stunning photos from your session—something family and friends will treasure as a keepsake for years to come.
And if none of these trending themes feel quite right, we can help create something entirely unique to your family! Whether it’s inspired by your family business, cultural roots, favorite places, or meaningful memories, The Pod Photography team offers the best in baby photography and creative brainstorming to turn your milestone into a one-of-a-kind memory.
The Art of the Smash Cake
No first birthday photoshoot session is complete without a smash cake! Watching little hands reach out, squish, and taste their very first birthday cake is one of the most joyful moments we capture. At The Pod Photography, we work with the top bakeries and cake artists in Los Angeles to make sure every smash cake is both beautiful and baby-friendly. Our cakes are made with soft textures, baby-safe ingredients, and free of common allergens so your little one can dig in safely while having the time of their life!
For this recent Silver Lake session, the All-Star cake was an absolute showstopper. Simple yet classic, with sporty details that tied perfectly into the theme.
Why First Birthday Sessions Are So Special
The first year flies by in the blink of an eye. One day, you’re bringing your baby home, and the next, they’re taking their first steps and revealing their budding personality. First birthday photoshoots preserve this fleeting moment, capturing the tiny milestones that make this year so extraordinary. Our Silver Lake team creates a fun, relaxed space where little ones feel at ease in front of the camera. We handle every detail so your little one can have a blast while we capture the laughter, wonder, and joy of their special moments.
Your baby’s first birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and it deserves to be captured by LA’s top luxury baby photography studio. If you’re thinking about booking a first birthday photoshoot, let’s create something magical together!
The Pod Photography serves all of Greater Los Angeles, offering fully customized sets, expertly styled smash cakes, and a joyful experience from start to finish. Give us a call today at (310) 391-4500 to book your session. We can’t wait to celebrate your little one’s big day with you!