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First Birthday

First Birthday Photographer in Pittsburgh

Documenting your baby’s very first year with joyful, relaxed portraits and keepsakes your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Pittsburgh • Mt. Lebanon • Bethel Park • Upper St. Clair

I can’t wait to help celebrate your baby’s very first birthday.

Thinking about photos to celebrate your baby’s first birthday, but not sure how they’ll do in front of the camera?

You’re in the right place. As a mom of three, a Pediatric RN, and a first birthday photographer in Pittsburgh, I completely understand the chaos, the unpredictability, and just how special this milestone truly is.

I’ve worked with babies and toddlers of all temperaments - happy, cautious, curious, wiggly, and everything in between. First birthday sessions are never about perfect smiles or perfect poses. They’re about connection, personality, and those little moments you never want to forget.

We’ll go at your baby’s pace. Sometimes that means starting with a few quiet snuggles before we build up to the cake. Sometimes that means letting them take the lead right away. And yes, parents, you’re welcome in the frame too. These photos are about your family, your journey, and the big milestone you’ve all reached together.

What you can expect:

Child-led approach
Clean, simple sets with optional cake smash
Access to my client wardrobe for babies & parents
Pre-session planning to match your baby’s personality
Gentle direction, lots of patience, and time for breaks
No pressure for “perfect” behavior, just real moments

LOVE NOTE FROM Sara

Kelli was very patient & kind. I love how easily she brought out the smiles & giggles from all of us. The photos are stunning.

What is a Milestone Photographer?

A photographer who captures those precious first years of your child's life. I am a first birthday photographer in Pittsburgh with training and experience capturing babies in their first year of life. First birthday sessions are the most popular but many families opt to capture their child around 6-9 months as well. Sessions are focused on:

Age-appropriate session pacing
Simple, safe cake smash setups
Developmentally aware posing & flow
Pre-session planning based on temperament
Thoughtful lighting, set styling & keepsake options

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Professional Milestone Photographer

Experience, Care & patience

What Makes Kelli Slavonic Photography Different?

I’ve photographed many babies turning one and I still get a little misty during every session. I know this birthday feels big, and you want to do it justice. With years of experience as both a pediatric nurse and first birthday photographer in Pittsburgh, I bring patience, preparedness, and a soft touch to every session.

These aren’t just photos of a baby with a cake. They’re memories of how far you’ve come as a family.

Highlights:

Flexible session flow for fussy or tired little ones
Studio and outdoor options available
Access to client wardrobe and props
First-year story packages available
Calm, loving energy that puts parents and babies at ease

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03. image delivery

02. SESSION DAY

01. BOOKING YOUR DATE

the process

Book your session using the inquiry form. Once your spot is reserved, I’ll send over a short questionnaire to learn more about your baby’s schedule, temperament, and any ideas you have for the session. We’ll talk through cake smash options (or skip it!) and finalize all the details together.

When you arrive, we’ll take our time. I’ll introduce myself to your little one and let them warm up. We’ll start with a few portraits, then ease into play, cake, or cuddles, depending on what your baby enjoys most. The session will feel calm, flexible, and fun.

Within 3–4 weeks, you’ll receive a link to your gallery. From there, you’ll choose your favorite images, and we can begin designing your album, prints, or wall art together. I’ll walk you through all the options so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

frequently asked:

Absolutely. While the spotlight is on your one-year-old, we can absolutely include a few sweet family or sibling shots. These little in-between moments often turn out to be the most meaningful.

Q: Can parents or siblings also appear in the photos?

Not at all. Cake smashes are completely optional. Some families love the messy, fun memories, and others prefer to keep things clean and classic. We can do just portraits, just cake, or a mix of both. It’s entirely up to you.

Q: Do we have to include a cake smash in the session?

I would suggest an outdoor session. The fresh air and open space makes a big difference in how some kids feel at the session. If you let me know ahead of time I can choose a location that best fits your needs and come up with prompts that will work best for your family.

Q. My child has ADHD & has trouble sitting still. What is your approach?

Q: What if my child becomes aggressive?

I have years of behavioral health experience and my calm and welcoming demeanor typically helps kids feel at ease. If you are concerned that your child may become aggressive, please know that there will be no judgment if this happens. I understand that some kids get anxious and irritable in new situations. If your child becomes aggressive, I do ask that you take the lead in helping your child calm down. We can then work together to decide on the best plan for the rest of the session.

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As one of the top first birthday photographers in Pittsburgh, I want to offer a customized, full-service experience because I understand how busy mothers are. I will help you create stunning framed artwork or personalized albums to celebrate the first year of your child's life. These mementos are printed on premium, museum-caliber materials that are meant to last a lifetime.