ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience in Orange County Simple, Timeless First Birthday Photography
Your baby’s first birthday is a meaningful milestone — and there’s no single “right” way to celebrate it.
Some families love the playful fun of a traditional cake smash. Others are drawn to something quieter, more minimal, and timeless. Both are wonderful options, depending on what feels right for your family.
The ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience was created for parents who want a calm, beautiful way to mark this moment — focusing on their child’s personality and expressions, without distractions or themed setups.
At C&C Meraz Photography, in Irvine, CA, our ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience celebrates your baby exactly as they are in this fleeting season, creating timeless first birthday portraits that feel just as meaningful years from now.
What Is the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience in Orange County?
This first birthday portrait session is intentionally simple and thoughtfully designed, with an emphasis on your baby — not the setup.
Instead, the experience centers on:
Your baby’s natural expressions
Simple, timeless styling
Clean, neutral backdrops
A calm, baby-led studio environment
The result is a classic, heartfelt first birthday portrait that highlights who your child is at this stage of life.
Cake Smash or ONE Portrait Experience? Both Are Beautiful Options
Traditional cake smash sessions can be a fun and joyful way to celebrate a first birthday — especially for Southern California families who love playful energy and don’t mind a little mess.
Both cake smash sessions and minimalist first birthday portraits can be meaningful ways to celebrate your baby’s first year.
The ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience simply offers another option.
Many families choose a ONE experience when they:
Prefer a clean, modern aesthetic
Want portraits that feel timeless rather than trend-driven
Have a baby who may be shy or easily overstimulated
Want a calm studio experience
Plan to celebrate their baby’s birthday in other meaningful ways
Some families even choose to do both — classic ONE portraits for heirloom artwork, and a cake smash at home or during a birthday celebration.
There’s no wrong choice — only what best fits your family and your baby.
Who Is the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience Perfect For?
The ONE experience is ideal for families who:
Love simple, neutral imagery
Value timeless, emotional portraits
Want a short, stress-free session
Prefer a minimal approach to milestone photography
Are looking for a beautiful introduction to professional portraits
If simplicity, intention, and emotion resonate with you, the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience may be the perfect fit for your family.
When Should You Book a First Birthday Portrait Experience?
The ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience is typically photographed when your baby is:
Between 11 and 14 months old
This age range allows us to capture your baby’s personality, expressions, and mobility — whether they’re sitting, standing, or taking their first steps.
ONE experiences are offered on select dates each month, with limited availability to keep the session relaxed and personal.
What’s Included in the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience?
Each ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience is designed to be simple, meaningful, and beautifully guided from start to finish.
A guided studio portrait session
One fully retouched digital image
One fine art mounted print (8×10)
A guided image selection experience
Additional images and artwork are available to purchase for families who wish to grow their collection.
What Should My Baby Wear for the ONE Portrait Experience?
Styling for the ONE experience is intentionally simple.
We recommend:
Neutral or soft tones
Comfortable clothing that allows movement
Minimal patterns and logos
This keeps the focus on your baby — their expressions, curiosity, and personality.
Why Families Love the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience
Parents often share that they love the ONE experience because:
The session feels calm and unrushed
Their baby stays relaxed and engaged
The portraits feel timeless and emotional
The images grow more meaningful with time, becoming lasting reminders of this special first birthday stage.
These portraits aren’t about doing more — they’re about preserving this moment thoughtfully.
Booking the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience in Irvine & Orange County
The ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience is offered monthly at our Irvine studio, with limited availability for each session date.
If your baby is approaching their first birthday and you’re exploring different ways to celebrate, we’d love to help you decide if the ONE experience is the right fit for your family.
👉 Learn more about the ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience
👉 Ready to reserve your ONE First Birthday Portrait Experience? Inquire here
We’re Carlos & Cristina Meraz, the husband-and-wife team behind C&C Meraz Photography. Based in Orange County, CA, we specialize in maternity, newborn, and family portrait photography, creating timeless images that celebrate love and connection. With over a decade of experience, we are passionate about capturing life's most cherished moments and mentoring fellow photographers. Thank you for being here—let’s create something beautiful together!