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 relaxed and friendly studio.
Every baby is different, which is why every session is led by your little one.
There is plenty of time for cuddles, breaks and exploring, allowing your child to enjoy the experience while I capture genuine smiles, curious expressions and those wonderfully messy moments.
No pressure. No rushing. Just beautiful memories.
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



• 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, child-friendly sessions
🎂 Beautiful, personalised setups
📸 Natural, timeless editing
⚡ Fast turnaround
⭐ Trusted by hundreds of happy families
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