BLOG - Emily Menzie Photography - Menifee Baby Photographer

1st Birthday Cake Smash for 2nd Baby Girl | Temecula Valley Photographer

01.18.2026

One of the greatest compliments as a photographer is when families return again and again. I had the privilege of photographing both of these adorable girls as newborns and again for their first birthday photos. Baby T’s mama was worried she wouldn’t cooperate, but she proved us wrong and packed SO much personality into her 1st birthday cake smash!

If you’re searching for a Temecula Valley photographer, whether it’s for newborn photos, baby milestone pics, 1st birthday photos (with or without a cake smash), in-studio family or maternity photos, check out my booking page or contact me! I would love to help capture a piece of your family’s story.

Now back to these sweet sisters — seeing their bond was the cutest thing ever. I got to capture their interactions, individual portraits of each of them, along with classic first birthday cake smash photos to mark this precious milestone. Enjoy some favorites!

Adorable baby boy’s newborn photos

12.29.2025

Some sessions carry a quiet depth that I’ll never forget. This family is so beautiful and I’m so grateful to them for trusting me to capture their adorable baby boy’s newborn photos. I love that he somehow always looks like he’s smiling — what a handsome little man!

Introducing: Petite Newborn Sessions

12.12.2025

I offer full, mini, and in-home lifestyle newborn sessions, and for the new year I’m introducing a Petite Newborn Session — a sweet, simple, 20-minute newborn session that’s all about baby. No props, no setups, and minimal posing—just pure, timeless baby portraits. It’s a perfect option for anyone wanting an extra-quick, budget-friendly way to capture those precious newborn moments.

This option is for anyone looking for a shorter, minimalist session that highlights your baby’s tiny details, gentle expressions, and pure sweetness. With a simple approach and a short & sweet session, you’ll receive classic images that feel clean, authentic, and forever timeless.

A beautiful choice for families wanting something sweet and straightforward while still preserving these fleeting newborn moments. Head over to my booking calendar to choose the Newborn Session option that works best for you!

A Dreamy Sitter Session in a Flower Crown

12.09.2025

Why 6–8 Months Is the Perfect Age for Baby Photos

There is something undeniably magical about photographing babies between 6 and 8 months old. This sweet “sitter” stage is one of the most adorable milestones—babies are full of personality, learning to sit on their own, and bursting with curiosity about the world around them. They haven’t yet learned to crawl away at lightning speed, which means we can capture precious expressions without chasing them across the studio. It truly is the perfect window for gorgeous baby portraits.

I’m so excited to finally get around to sharing some favorites from the most adorable baby girl’s photoshoot. Her mom brought her in an adorable vintage romper and handmade some amazing flower crowns for the session.

Ready to schedule your own sitter session? Check out my booking calendar!

3rd Birthday Photos: Portraits, Christmas Magic & Milestone Memories

12.08.2025

I’ve been photographing beautiful Kamila since she was only 2 months old, and I love getting to see her grow each year. Her 3rd birthday photos were packed with a little bit of everything — Christmas pics, portraits, showing off her Halloween costume (her birthday is actually in October), and more.

Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday With a Photoshoot

If your child has a birthday coming up, now is the perfect time to schedule a special photoshoot to celebrate. These sessions beautifully capture who they are right now—before another year of growth and change arrives.

3rd Birthday Photoshoot | Menifee Kids Photographer

12.07.2025

One of my favorite things about my job is getting to watch little ones grow. This cutie celebrated her big day with a 3rd birthday photoshoot, and it’s extra special because I’ve been so lucky to photograph her throughout her first year and every year after that—starting when she was just 4 months old. She has the cutest personality and smile and I’m always so excited to capture new photos for her family.

These milestone sessions are a beautiful way to freeze time before the next stage arrives all too quickly. Any parent knows how fast these early years fly, and documenting them consistently makes the memories even sweeter. And for me, being trusted to document these milestones is such an honor.

This little girl’s yearly sessions have become such a sweet tradition—and I love that I get to help preserve her story one chapter at a time.

Handsome baby boy’s smash cake session

12.06.2025

There’s nothing sweeter than celebrating a baby’s first birthday with a fun smash cake session! This handsome baby boy’s photoshoot was the perfect way to mark his big milestone. The setup was clean, classic, and focused entirely on the birthday boy. Soft neutrals and simple props created the perfect backdrop to highlight his adorable personality and oh-so-cute smile.

Book Your Baby’s Cake Smash Photoshoot in Menifee, California

If your little one is approaching their first birthday, now is the perfect time to schedule. Whether you prefer a themed setup, something simple and timeless, or a custom look to match your baby’s personality, I’d love to capture some beautiful photos of your sweet baby.

Sweet & Simple Family Photoshoot | Menifee Photographer

12.05.2025

This was a sweet & simple family photoshoot of such a beautiful family! Whether you’re celebrating a new baby, updating your annual portraits, or simply wanting to freeze this sweet stage of life, a family photoshoot is the perfect way to hold on to these memories.

Capturing Milestones: Sweet & Simple 1st Birthday Photoshoot

11.16.2025

This cute family’s little boys have the BEST curls! I’ve been so lucky to capture their first boy’s newborn and 1st birthday photos, and again when he welcomed his new baby brother, and now baby brother just turned ONE! I loved his sweet & simple 1st birthday photoshoot—he wasn’t too into it at first, but everything changed when the cake came out! I made sure to capture some photos of his big brother too — child portraits are one of my favorite things to specialize in.

Why Keep It Simple?

Simplicity in a baby’s photoshoot ensures the focus stays on your child. Minimal props, soft colors, and natural expressions highlight your baby’s personality and candid moments.

Styling Tips for a Simple Baby Boy Birthday Shoot

Neutral or Soft Colors: Shades like white, cream, beige, and muted colors create a timeless look.
Minimal Props: A favorite toy or a little cake can enhance the scene without overwhelming it.
Comfortable Outfits: Keep your baby cozy in a soft outfit or just a diaper — as simple as it gets!

Why Professional Photos Matter

Hiring a professional photographer ensures that even the simplest setups to capture sweet photos you’ll treasure forever.

Book Your Baby’s Session

Your baby’s first birthday only happens once—capture it with a simple, sweet photoshoot that highlights his or her unique personality. Contact me to schedule!

Vintage Airplane 1st Birthday Photoshoot

11.16.2025

Flying into one year with style! This handsome little guy is celebrating his first birthday today, and I loved capturing his vintage airplane 1st birthday photoshoot. His momma brought the cutest airplane rocker and aviation props.

The birthday boy was beyond adorable as he explored his cake. Cake smash sessions like this one are a fantastic way to celebrate your baby’s milestone while creating fun, playful, and timeless portraits you’ll treasure forever.

A cake smash photoshoot is more than just messy fun — it’s an opportunity to capture your baby’s expressions and curiosity. Adding a themed setup, like this vintage airplane, makes the session even more memorable and gives your photos a unique, personalized touch.

If your baby is turning one, a cake smash session is a fun and memorable way to celebrate and create keepsakes for your family to always treasure.

Book your baby’s first birthday cake smash session!
Contact me to create a personalized photoshoot that celebrates your little one’s milestone in a big way!