Mia’s Lifestyle Newborn Portraits: A Quiet Family Chapter
A look at Mia’s newborn portraits, from family cuddles to tiny details, plus planning ideas for newborn photography in Mission Viejo and South Orange County.
A newborn gallery can remember more than how small your baby was. Mia’s portraits bring together tiny features, soft wraps, and the way her parents hold her close. These photographs tell a family story through quiet connections as well as individual portraits of their newest arrival.
Photographs with the people who love her
In one family portrait, Mia rests in a pink wrap between her parents. The room around them gives the photograph context, while their attention stays on her. These are the kinds of images that make lifestyle newborn photography feel personal: a small moment together, with the newest family member at the center.
You do not have to know how to pose before your session. We can talk through the photographs you would love, make space for portraits together, and work around the moments when your baby needs a little break.
Making room for the little details
Mia’s individual portraits sit alongside her family photographs, preserving the delicate details that can change so quickly. A simple wrap and a closer composition keep the focus on her face. Including both wider family portraits and close baby photographs gives a gallery different ways to remember the same early chapter.
A moment with mama
The mother-and-baby photographs bring the story back to connection. The way you cradle your baby is part of their beginning, too. It is one reason I encourage parents to be in their newborn photographs rather than only choosing images of the baby alone.
Planning newborn photographs in South Orange County
I’m based in Mission Viejo and photograph growing families across South Orange County, including Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, and surrounding communities. Select Los Angeles dates are also available.
If you are expecting, reach out during pregnancy to discuss your due date and the style of session you have in mind. We can plan for family photographs, talk about clothing, and leave room for your baby’s needs. For preparation ideas, read my newborn session guide below.
Explore newborn session details →
Christian’s Colorful Caterpillar Cake Smash
Christian’s storybook-inspired first birthday pairs colorful caterpillar details with portraits and cake moments. Explore custom cake smash photography for South Orange County families.
Bright green balloons, a smiling sun, and a familiar little caterpillar set the scene for Christian’s first-birthday portraits. His gallery brings a favorite storybook theme into a playful birthday celebration, with simple portraits before the cake and frosting-filled moments afterward.
A storybook-inspired birthday setting
The green balloon garland curves across a clean white backdrop, with red fruit details and illuminated ONE letters adding to the celebration. Christian’s green birthday outfit ties the colors together, while the open space around him keeps the focus on his face and expressions.
A custom setup can reflect a book, a color palette, or something your family loves. The goal is to give the photographs a personal setting while leaving your child at the center of the story.
Portraits before the cake
A first-birthday gallery can hold more than the cake smash itself. Christian’s seated portrait gives us a clear view of his smile and the little details of his birthday outfit. These portraits make a lovely companion to the cake photographs and give families variety when choosing images for prints or birthday displays.
A little birthday discovery
With the cake in front of him, the session moves into a different part of the story. The cake photographs preserve those curious expressions and little discoveries that make each child’s celebration their own. There is no need for every baby to react in the same way; the photographs are about remembering this age and personality.
Planning a cake smash in South Orange County
I’m based in Mission Viejo and serve families throughout South Orange County, including Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel, with select Los Angeles dates. We can discuss a birthday theme, outfits, and the kind of portraits you would love to have before planning your session.
If you would like photographs ready for invitations or birthday displays, reach out early so we can plan the session and image delivery around your celebration.
Amelia’s Floral First-Birthday Portraits
Soft flowers, pale pink details, and portraits full of personality: a look at Amelia’s first-birthday session, plus ideas for your own celebration.
Soft pink flowers, a comfortable chair, and delicate outfit details give Amelia’s first-birthday portraits a gentle, garden-inspired feel. This recent cake smash gallery brings together simple portraits of Amelia and a floral birthday celebration, with her expressions at the heart of the photographs.
A soft floral setting
The portraits pair pale pink and cream tones with greenery and flowers. A seated portrait gives us a chance to see Amelia’s face and the little details of her outfit, while wider views show how the floral styling frames her without taking the attention away from her.
That balance is what I love about a thoughtfully planned birthday set: the details help tell the story, but your child remains the focus.
Portraits before the cake
A first-birthday session can include more than frosting-covered moments. In Amelia’s gallery, the portraits show her seated, looking toward the camera, and exploring the setting. These quieter photographs sit alongside the birthday details to preserve this stage of childhood.
Planning your own first-birthday photographs
If you love a soft floral look, we can use a similar palette as a starting point and plan a set around your child. You can also choose something brighter, playful, or simple. My cake smash collection includes a customized setup, coordinating décor and props, a smash cake, available client closet outfits, and 8 edited digital images for $500.
I’m based in Mission Viejo and serve South Orange County families, with select Los Angeles dates. If you’d like images for birthday invitations or displays, plan the session approximately 3–4 weeks before the celebration and reach out early to discuss your date.
Planning Family Photos in Mission Viejo & South Orange County
Plan relaxed family photographs in Mission Viejo and South Orange County, with advice on locations, outfits, timing, and choosing your session.
Family photographs are a chance to remember your family as you are right now. If you’re planning a session in Mission Viejo or the surrounding South Orange County communities, start with the experience you want: time to play outdoors, a relaxed walk together, or portraits in a place that feels meaningful.
Start with your family, then choose the location
Tell me your children’s ages, what helps them feel comfortable, and the look you love. We’ll choose the setting together based on the season, available light, and your family’s needs. You don’t need to arrive with a perfect location already picked out.
I’m based in Mission Viejo and serve families in Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and nearby communities. Specific locations and any applicable access or travel details are discussed during planning.
Choose the pace that suits you
A petite family session offers approximately 30 minutes and 5 edited digital images for $350. A full family session offers approximately 60 minutes and 8 edited digital images for $500, allowing more time for family combinations, siblings, and individual portraits. Both include immediate family members, location planning, styling guidance, and personal printing rights.
Dress for connection and comfort
Clothes that let you sit, cuddle, and move comfortably make the experience easier. Start with a few coordinating colors and textures rather than identical outfits. I’ll help with wardrobe guidance so the photographs feel cohesive while still reflecting your personalities.
Leave room for children to be themselves
You don’t need to rehearse smiles. My sessions combine gentle direction with movement, laughter, snuggles, and play. A little flexibility lets us capture classic portraits alongside natural interactions.
Plan around the light
Outdoor session times vary with the location and season, often taking place in late afternoon or early evening. When you inquire, share your preferred dates and any schedule needs, and we’ll discuss the best option. Select Los Angeles dates are also available.
Colorful birthday celebration for claire’s first birthday
There’s nothing quite like my cake smash sessions! It’s a perfect way to celebrate your little one’s first milestone. From the vibrant decorations to the messy, frosting-covered smiles, these sessions are filled with unforgettable moments.
Setting the Scene
Claire’s cake smash starts with a fun and colorful setup! Whether you opt for pastel hues, bold brights, or a theme inspired by your little one’s favorite characters, the backdrop sets the stage for adorable memories. Balloons, banners, and a beautifully decorated cake bring everything together.
Smiles on her first birthday
Giggles to celebrate her first birthday
Choosing the Perfect Cake
The cake is the star of the show (aside from your little one, of course)! A small, soft cake with fluffy frosting is best for easy smashing and messy fun. We chose colors that pop and coordinate with the theme. Your little one will enjoy filling their hands with frosting and trying to get their fingers into their mouth.
Cake smash photos in Glendale
One year old photoshoot
The Cake Smash Experience
Your set will be ready when you arrive, once Claire was changed it was time for the fun to begin! We took portraits, and changed for the cake smash portion of the session. Some little ones dive right in, while others need a bit of encouragement. A few tips to make the session a success:
Let your baby explore the cake at their own pace.
Play some favorite songs to keep them comfortable.
Have a few small toys or snacks handy for extra engagement.
I’m always ready, the best shots come when you least expect them!
First birthday celebration
Capturing the Magic
As a photographer, my goal is to capture every giggle, curious glance, and frosting-covered finger. Close-up shots of tiny hands digging into the cake, wide shots of the entire scene, and candid moments of pure delight create a full story of this special milestone.
Birthday photoshoot
One year old birthday celebration
First birthday cake smash session
Book Your Cake Smash Session Today!
A first birthday cake smash is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of your baby’s first big year AND you making it one year as a parent! If you’re ready to create lasting memories with a fun and unique session, let’s chat! Contact me today to book your little one’s cake smash experience.
One year old enjoying her cake smash and letting her fur-sibling get a taste.
Let’s make some sweet memories together!
An extra special cake smash for one year old, Riley
Riley celebrates her first birthday with a cake smash, but before she gets messy she wore her traditional Chinese and Korean dresses.
One year old in her traditional Chinese outfit
One year old in her traditional Korean outfit
Cake smash portraits are an all inclusive session, I provide the themed decor, outfits and smash cake. This particular set spoke to me, I enjoyed creating it and love how it turned out.
One year old celebrating her first birthday with a cake smash
I’ve photographed hundreds of cake smashes and I would say I’ve seen it all, but this little girl surprised me. I’ve never seen a smasher lay on her side to eat - this was too cute!
Cake smash portraits have a special place in my heart, and its definitely one of my clients favorite sessions! I am so happy to be able to create these sets and celebrate with all of you. Reach out if you have an upcoming birthday to celebrate!
Newborn baby boy, Andrew, completes their family of four!
I had the pleasure of photographing big brother a couple of years ago, and now I had the opportunity to photograph baby brother as he completes this wonderful family of four! Baby Andrew was just 9 days new.
I was incredibly proud of how well big brother loved and cared for his baby brother, it was the sweetest thing, and my mommy heart was exploding for mom! Sibling portraits can be difficult to navigate and sometimes they require a little extra bribery to accomplish them, fortunately this big brother was willing to do so on his own.
Snuggled in dad’s arms at just 9 days new.
Little baby toes are so delicious!
Another sibling portraits where they rocked it!
We couldn’t resist getting these adorable smiles from big brother.
The days are long, but the years are short. We all need this as a daily reminder, because time moves so quickly and we must cherish all of it, even the difficult days. I’m so honored to be a part of capturing each of your family’s story.
Glowing mom to be, captures her final days before baby girl arrives!
Nothing can express the love our heart feels the first time we meet our baby. For this mom-to-be it won’t be much longer! I am so excited to capture the miracles our bodies create, motherhood is a beautiful journey and I am here for all of it.
Mom to be, maternity portraits
Baby girl is on her way!
As a mom of two, I cherish “breaks” at photoshoots, posing mom and dad without s squirming toddler hanging from them, but those cuddles, holding their little hand in yours and the love overflowing from your heart will never be able to keep me from all the challenging moments. It’s all worth it.
Where their story began, and whom they will turn to, when those first moments at home, keeping a new baby alive gets tough. Sending them wishes for a safe and healthy delivery!
Baby girl joins me for a sitter portrait session to show off her new skill, sitting unassisted!
Cherishing these mid-year accomplishments with my newborn clients! Arden is baby number 3 and she held off on siting for some time, but it was worth the wait!
I love a naked baby, I think it is the most perfect way to capture them at this stage!
First time mom celebrates her journey into motherhood with maternity portraits.
Glowing first time mom celebrates her journey into motherhood before she welcomes baby girl with her husband.
Baby girl is already so loved!
Soon to be three!
I am so honored to be a part of capturing this special time in their lives, thank you for working with me to celebrate your new addition!
Identical twin baby girls show off their new accomplishment, sitting unassisted!
Identical twin girls visit me for their sitter portraits to show off their new skill - sitting unassisted! For me, it’s always a treat to see my newborn clients mid year, I never get over how much they’ve changed since birth! Check out the image below to see Millie & Fiona at their newborn portraits and now at their sitter session.
Newborn identical twin girls
Infant identical twin sisters at their sitter portraits
Look at their beautiful faces and that smile!
That sisterly bond, looking and interacting with one another during their session. In true sibling fashion that did include pulling on their clothes and headbands ;)
The tongue. It. Is. The. Cutest. Throughout the session their little tongues kept popping out!
These colors looked great on the girls and the pastel colors got me so excited for Spring, it’s right around the corner!! Thank you for visiting me girls!
Spring is (almost) in the air, baby girl celebrates her first birthday with a cake smash
Lucy came to celebrate her first birthday with me and she had so much fun - as so did I! I know I often say I love the set, but I especially loved this set!! The lemon theme gave me all the spring feels and with the 80 degree weather we’ve been having, it felt perfect.
We started on set with portraits and we had so many smiles and laughs!
Baby girl turns one with a lemon theme cake smash
Smash cake for baby girls first birthday
Once Lucy got started with the cake there was no stopping her.
Lucy having a great time smashing!!
There was cake in in her hair but that little frosting face is irresistible!
Thank you for choosing to celebrate your first birthday with a cake smash session with Ashley Walker Photography!
A Very Hungry Caterpillar cake smash for baby boy, Greyson, for his first birthday
I photographed Greyson for his newborn portraits and like most babies he doesn’t look anything like the images from his newborn session. Mom chose the theme A Very Hungry Caterpillar to celebrate his first birthday!
Newborn Greyson at 11 days new
Greyson celebrating his first birthday at his cake smash
Many times at cake smash sessions we will capture firsts; standing unassisted, taking their first steps, and I am always at the ready to capture those treasured moments!
The smash cake for Greyson. It took a moment but once he realized how fun it was to smash the cake, he enjoyed it!
I love capturing moments like the one below, drinking his bottle. Seeing Greyson take a moment to nourish his body, slow things down and just be comfortable enough to do all this on the set felt like a special moment. Plus holding their own bottle is the cutest!
These frosting covered smiles always get me!
The cake after Greyson smashed.
I appreciate every opportunity to work with your families to capture these special moments - I love being busy doing what I love!
Twins, Andy and Bonnie, turn one with a wild one cake smash portrait session
I had so much fun celebrating with twins, Andy and Bonnie, who had even more fun smashing their cakes!! As you can see below, cake was had, thoroughly tasted and enjoyed by both.
Twins first birthday wild one cake smash
They were definitely some of my best ‘smashers’! Before we put down the cakes we took portraits of the twins, separately and together.
One year old girl celebrating her first birthday
One year old boy celebrating his first birthday
The before image of the twin’s cakes.
Sister, Bonnie, was very interested in brother, Andy’s cake, and initially grabbed his!
Once she realized she had her own, she wasted no time, picking the cake up right to her mouth and biting into it!
There were so many frosting covered smiles between bites.
The after image. No standing cake to be found, everything was smashed - frosting covered the twins from head to toe.
Thank you for celebrating your first birthday with me - this session was one for the books! Happy birthday, Andy and Bonnie!!
Boho minimalist cake smash for baby girl, Lyla's first birthday
Lyla celebrates her first birthday with a cake smash session! Some of my clients missed their newborn portraits during the pandemic and aren’t willing skip the birthday celebration - and they aren’t wrong! I always encourage clients to choose a cake smash portrait session over doing it at the first birthday. Their first birthday is a HUGE celebration for all, but lots of people and new faces can be overwhelming for baby, especially pandemic babies. Other benefits include; having the decor, smash cake and outfits done for you with proper lighting sans distraction in the background. Keep your focus on hosting and schedule your cake smash in advance, then you can use the images to display at the party or in the invite.
Baby girl, Lyla, celebrating her first birthday
Mom liked a combination of two images, one of my previous sets and an inspiration image I sent her, so we combined the two sets to make the perfect theme for Lyla. I love the colors, delicate and minimal design, for a classic set that withstands time.
All of these gorgeous smiles didn’t last when we put down the cake but she sure made us happy with these smiles!
Lyla high kicked it off the set when we put her down with the cake!
And she wasn't too happy to be put back down to enjoy her cake.
With some snacks and hugs from mom Lyla sat back down to try again.
Lyla looking at the big mess from the cake, before she decided to be done. Cake smash portraits are a fun experience even if we need a little help warming up to the cake. Cake smash portraits should be booked two months before their birthday, contact me to book your session now!
Barnyard cake smash for baby boy, Kian's first birthday!
Kian joined me for a cake smash to celebrate this first birthday! What a special milestone this is - one that should be captured, especially for these pandemic babies who survived all the craziness in their first year.
Baby boy celebrating his first birthday with a cake smash session
Mom loved the barn theme and I think it fits Kian so well - his smile is contagious and those little overalls complete the set!
Cake smash portraits are fully customizable and when you arrive the set will be waiting for you - just like in the image below.
Cow cake by Cakery Bakery in La Canada
After we take portraits on the set, you’ll have an opportunity to change baby for the smash portion, then we set down the cake.
The first moments of joy don’t always last long when we put the cake down.
We never know how baby will react to the cake, and at this age it can be more of a sensory activity than a dessert. Kian isn’t sure he likes the mess on his hands, and he wasn’t too excited about the cake but he’s so handsome that it didn’t matter.
Thank you for celebrating with me, Kian! Soon you’ll be begging mom for cake, but for now these will be fun memories of your reaction to cake for your first birthday.
Cake smash portraits should be booked about 2 months out, space is limited to only a certain number each month and to ensure we have time to design the set you want. Contact me to schedule your cake smash today!
Newborn portraits for, Georgia, 5 day old baby girl
I met this beautiful little girl for her newborn portraits at just 5 days new. She was so good to me and I had so much fun with her session. The photo below felt so magical and one of my favorite new props - I have a boy version too!
We kept things classic and simple with her styling to keep the focus on all of Georgia’s little details.
Newborn baby girl, 5 days new
one of my favorite colors
and we think Georgia agrees, check out her smile below.
The rest of our session we focused on family portraits, including grandma, big sister wasn’t quite ready to photograph with baby, which sometimes happens and we do our best to incorporate older siblings in a positive way.
Grandma and Georgia, newborn portraits
I’m so lucky to work with these little miracles, and their families! Thank you for checking out my site.
Sitter Portrait sessions, Hallie & Jett celebrate their new accomplishment - sitting unassisted
Today I had two sitter sessions, which undoubtedly are a favorite of mine for many reasons. Most importantly, because I get to see how much my client’s changed since their newborn session AND they aren’t mobile (yet)! IYKYK
I saw Hallie for a Santa mini this Fall, which she did fantastic at, separation anxiety hasn’t kicked in yet. Today we photographed her sitter portraits to celebrate her new accomplishment of sitter on her own and wow how she changed since the newborn portraits - but that girl sass is still there ;) See how much she’s grown below!
Hallie, 7 months at her sitter session
Hallie, at her newborn portraits
At sitter portraits, I bring all the clothes and props for your session. We typically try for two outfits, as long as baby will tolerate us.
Looking up at her mama.
Next, I photographed Jett’s sitter session. He is also a newborn client, and I hadn’t seen him since his newborn session so it’s was a surprise to see how much he’s grown, look at how handsome he is!
Jett, 8 months at his sitter session
Jett, at his newborn portraits
We had the BEARY cutest wardrobe change!
Jett as a fuzzy bear!
Getting up on his knees, it is the beginning of the end, of the life mama knows, we all know this leads to so much movement!
Baby boy, Daniel, celebrates his first birthday with a cake smash
First cake smash of 2022 ~ This sweet little guy came to celebrate his first birthday! He loved his cake and gave me so many smiles while smashing! Wishing him a very happy FIRST birthday!!
When you book a cake smash session with me the set is completely customizable. Mom chose a blue and gold balloon garland with gold and blue stars around the set to highlight how bright their little star shines! When you arrive your set will be ready for you - just bring baby. If you have an upcoming birthday to celebrate don’t wait to reach out - contact me now.
At the beginning of the session we take portraits of baby on the set without the cake.
Then you’ll have an opportunity to change baby if you’d like for the smash portion of the session. Before we set baby down for the cake smash portion I will take portraits of the complete set for your baby book.
Before Daniel runs off the set we put down the cake and let him smash!
and he definitely enjoyed smashing his cake! Happy FIRST Birthday, Daniel!
Thank you for celebrating your first birthday with me, Daniel!
A look at Mia’s newborn portraits, from family cuddles to tiny details, plus planning ideas for newborn photography in Mission Viejo and South Orange County.