FIRST BIRTHDAY

THE ULTIMATE CELEBRATION

I’m blown away with how beautiful they are!

Helen was so lovely and managed to get the sibling photos we were so desperate for despite a reluctant 6 year old. She was so patient with him and won him round in no time.

We couldn’t decide between the photos so ended up with them all!

Bethany S.

MULTI AWARD-WINNING

ESSEX
CAKE SMASH
PHOTOGRAPHER

Elsenham | Bishop’s Stortford | Dunmow
Stansted | Saffron Walden | Braintree
Chelmsford | Sawbridgeworth | Hertford

Stunning first birthday and cake smash photography on the Essex – Hertfordshire border


Time slow down

People always tell you that children grow up too fast, but it’s hard to truly comprehend that until you see first hand how quickly your baby changes.

Since having my boys, a year no longer feels a long time at all. Each 12 months seem to pass immeasurably quicker than the previous dozen, and my own “firsts” these days are rather less exciting discoveries such as a first grey hair.

But a year in the life of a tiny human is a big deal: it deserves to be celebrated! And it also deserves to be recorded for all posterity.

Life is for celebrating

Giggling, exploring, causing total chaos – that’s what life is all about when you’re little! Curiosity and sheer joy in some of life’s simplest pleasures.

And I believe that should shape what a birthday celebration and cake smash photoshoot looks like.

Some babies love cake, others don’t want to get their hands dirty! I make it my mission to capture you little one exactly as they are right now, their cheekiness, their innocence and their personality in all its glory.

After all, these are the details, the moments, that you don’t want to miss documenting as parents.

And Discover your Cake Smash Photoshoot

OUR MISSION

A year’s gone by
how time has flown
We can’t believe how much you’ve grown

Smash, splash or classic portraits?

I offer a range of fun activities, edible and otherwise, to pique your baby’s interest while they’re enjoying their moment in front of the lens. Maybe they love to get messy or perhaps they’re more at home splashing in the bath. Sometimes, formal portraits are perfect too.

You know your baby better than anyone, so I’ll work with you to design a session to suit your ideas and your little one’s personality.

We’ll also make sure to capture images that are truly meaningful to you., whether that means including a beloved sibling or a favourite toy, or even createing an image to match one captured at your newborn session.

Either way, I will pour my heart and soul into creating a showstopping gallery for you.

Luxury First birthday and CAKE SMASH Photography in Essex

HOW IT WORKS

The FIRST BIRTHDAY Experience





A few details about your first birthday cake smash photoshoot…

I’ll always try to fit you in if I can, regardless of when you book, but bear in mind I need a bit of lead in time to order your cake from my professional baker.

And if you would like a particular themed set up, the more notice you give me, the more creative I can be!

I am renowned for creating exquisitely beautiful styled sets, and you are welcome to choose from one of the themes I have designed or request something personal and bespoke.

You can also have a classic plain background, for a true blank canvas.

Some of my clients choose to bring their own outfits – there’s time for one change during your session if you would like – and the studio wardrobe is also at your disposal.

And if you would like some assistance choosing, I am always happy to help.

Everyone deserves to have cake on their birthday! “Let them eat cake,” as the saying goes!

So I have partnered with an incredible professional baker who makes simply stunning edible masterpieces. If you have dietary requirements, just let me know and we’ll do our very best to cater for them.

Helen Carpenter Photography | Your cake smash photographer in Essex | Bishop’s Stortford


Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake.

CURATED COLLECTIONS

Pricing

FIND YOUR PERFECT PACKAGE


FONDANT FANCY Collection

This dainty collection includes 5 beautiful images of your little one, showcasing their personality and celebrating their big birthday with aplomb.

  • 5 STUNNING DIGITAL IMAGES

Session Fee

100

Images

299


CHEEKY CUPCAKE Collection

This magical collection is an excellent choice to mark your little one’s milestone birthday, so that you can enjoy these memories of their infectious happiness around your home, day after day.

  • 10 STUNNING DIGITAL IMAGES

Session Fee

100

Images

399


GORGEOUS GATEAU COLLECTION

This exquisite collection tells the full story of your little one’s first birthday. They will adore looking back at these memories of their big ONE celebrations with you, and know how special and loved they are.

  • A STUNNING STYLED SET
  • A TIMELESS SIMPLICITY SET
  • 20 STUNNING DIGITAL IMAGES
  • £100 TOWARDS WALL ART/ALBUM

Session Fee

100

Images

499


SIGNATURE Collection

This magical collection is an excellent choice to mark your little one’s milestone birthday, so that you can enjoy these memories of their infectious happiness around your home, day after day.

  • A STUNNING STYLED SET
  • A TIMELESS SIMPLICITY SET
  • ALL STUNNING DIGITAL IMAGES
  • LUXURY BOX OF PRINTS
  • HD REVEAL SLIDESHOW
  • LUXURY ALBUM
  • £100 TOWARDS WALL ART

Session Fee

100

Images

799



TESTIMONIALS

Warm Words

We all want photographs of our little ones smiling. My sessions take their cues from baby – If they’re happy and having fun, that’s when we get images you’ll recognise and love, so it’s all about having a good time!

Here are a few excerpts from my cake smash photography clients to vouch for the joy you can find here in our Essex studio.

Helen has been so wonderful to work with

She really listens and understands what we want to achieve. She is so patient and we loved the photos so much.

Cherie A.

Will be using for any photography needs!

Helen is fabulous, amazing at engaging with my unstoppable toddler and managing to get the most gorgeous photos!

Eloise L.

Such a lovely experience!

We had our 1st birthday cake smash shoot and Helen has been incredibly accommodating, she clearly has a way with babies!

Kristina M.


Giggles and smiles, hugs and kisses
Teddies, toys and birthday wishes!

The Studio

Nestled in the heart of the countryside on the Essex and Hertfordshire border, the studio is a haven of happiness.

A vast collection of backdrops await, together with coordinating props and accessories, and a range of dinky outfits to perfectly accentuate the look.

It’s warm and cosy, with uber-comfy sofas and we’ll break out your little one’s favourite tunes too.

Discover CHILDREN’S Photography

06 CONTACT US

I’d love to be part of your story

Let’s chat

photo of cute smiling baby boy