Your baby’s first birthday is one of life’s biggest milestones, and it deserves to be celebrated.
Whether you dream of timeless birthday portraits, a fun cake smash or a bubbly splash bath session, I’ll create beautiful photographs that capture your little one’s personality and this unforgettable stage of their life.
Based in Melrose, I welcome families from across the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Northumberland and beyond to my warm and relaxed studio.
Every First Birthday Session can include one or more of the following:
🎈 Birthday Portraits
Simple, timeless portraits celebrating your baby’s first birthday.
🎂 Cake Smash
A fun and messy celebration full of laughter, curiosity and lots of cake!
🛁 Splash Bath
A warm bubble bath after the cake smash, creating adorable smiles and the perfect way to finish the session.
Choose one experience or combine all three for the ultimate first birthday celebration.
Every First Birthday Session can include one or more of the following:
🎈 Birthday Portraits
Simple, timeless portraits celebrating your baby’s first birthday.
🎂 Cake Smash
A fun and messy celebration full of laughter, curiosity and lots of cake!
🛁 Splash Bath
A warm bubble bath after the cake smash, creating adorable smiles and the perfect way to finish the session.
Choose one experience or combine all three for the ultimate first birthday celebration.
🎂 A relaxed, baby-led session
🎈 Beautifully styled setup
📸 Professionally edited high-resolution images
🖥️ Private online gallery
❤️ Gentle guidance throughout the session
💚 A friendly, welcoming studio experience

Enjoy a 30-minute session of cake smash photography, perfect for capturing those milestone moments in first birthday photography. You'll receive 5 professionally edited digital images chosen from an online gallery, along with 5 matching prints. The setup includes the use of study props and a simple arrangement, all tailored for your needs. Additionally, there's an online viewing gallery for you to explore, with the option to purchase extra images for £15 each. This is a wonderful experience for Melrose photography enthusiasts!

Enjoy up to a 1-hour session of fun and laughter with our cake smash photography, perfect for celebrating your child's first birthday. You'll receive 10 professionally edited digital images, carefully chosen from the gallery, along with 10 matching prints. There will be plenty of time for settling in, play, and of course, cake smashing! We provide a selection of studio props and a simple backdrop to enhance the experience. You'll also have access to an online viewing gallery to relive these precious moments. Plus, there's an option to purchase extra images for just £15 each. This is a memorable way to capture the joy of first birthday photography in Melrose.

Enjoy a 90-minute cake smash photography session that captures the joy of your child's first birthday. You’ll receive all the best edited digital images (typically 30+), along with 20 matching prints. Our relaxed, child-led session ensures there’s no rush, allowing for natural moments. We also provide the use of studio props and styling to enhance your experience. Plus, you’ll have access to an online viewing gallery to share these precious memories. This is Melrose photography at its finest!
• Smash cake sessions are suitable for first birthdays and milestones • Parents provide the cake (guidance provided after booking) • Sessions are mess-friendly and stress-free • A £50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking • Remaining balance is due on or before the session date
❤️ Relaxed sessions designed around your baby
🎂 Beautiful, personalised styling
📸 Natural, timeless editing
⚡ Fast turnaround
⭐ Trusted by hundreds of happy families across the Scottish Borders
I recommend booking your session 4–8 weeks before your baby’s first birthday, especially if you’d like your photographs ready for birthday celebrations.
You’re welcome to bring your own cake, or I can recommend talented local cake makers who create beautiful cakes perfect for cake smash sessions.
Simple outfits photograph beautifully. If you’re having a cake smash, I recommend bringing a second outfit for the splash bath afterwards.
Absolutely! We can begin your session with a few family photographs before the birthday fun begins.
Your baby’s first year is filled with incredible milestones, and their first birthday is the perfect time to celebrate just how much they’ve grown.
Let’s create beautiful memories you’ll treasure for years to come.
M BANKA Photography
2 Station Gate, Melrose td6 9ps