Skip to content
Sign up for my monthly newsletter HERE

Award winning Charlottesville newborn + maternity photographer

Facebook Instagram Google Reviews
  • AboutAngela
  • Tour theStudio
  • View theBlog
Angela McNaul Photography
  • Angela’sPortfolio
  • YourInvestment
  • Let’s ChatContact

Award Winning Charlottesville Newborn & Maternity Photographer

Sign up for my monthly newsletter HERE

Cake Smash Photography

Angela McNaul Photography presents cake smash photography. Serving Charlottesville and Richmond area.

Waynesboro Cake Smash Photographer Baby Owen
Cake Smash Photography | Family Photography

Waynesboro Cake Smash Photographer Baby Owen

Waynesboro Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby Owen’s first birthday   This adorable family just moved to Virginia a few weeks…

View Post Waynesboro Cake Smash Photographer Baby OwenContinue

Charlottesville, Virginia Twin Cake Smash Photographer
Cake Smash Photography

Charlottesville, Virginia Twin Cake Smash Photographer Sutton & Sawyer

Charlottesville, Virginia Twin Cake Smash Angela McNaul Photography Photographing Sutton & Sawyer       These twin baby girls have…

View Post Charlottesville, Virginia Twin Cake Smash Photographer Sutton & SawyerContinue

Charlottesville, Virginia Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby Shelby
Cake Smash Photography

Charlottesville, Virginia Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby Shelby

Charlottesville, Virginia Cake Smash Photographer Angela McNaul Photography Photographing Baby Shelby     When your baby turns one, it is…

View Post Charlottesville, Virginia Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby ShelbyContinue

Richmond Baby Photography
Cake Smash Photography

Richmond Cake Smash Photography Photographing Baby Harrison

Richmond Cake Smash Photography Angela McNaul Photography Photographing Baby Harrison   Harrison has turned one! And with this milestone event,…

View Post Richmond Cake Smash Photography Photographing Baby HarrisonContinue

Charlottesville Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby Amir
Cake Smash Photography

Charlottesville Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby Amir

Charlottesville Milestone Photographer Amir’s Cake Smash Photography Session I have been photographing Amir (and his big sisters) for quite a…

View Post Charlottesville Cake Smash Photographer Photographing Baby AmirContinue

Charlottesville Baby Photographer
Cake Smash Photography

Charlottesville Baby Photographer Photographing Shebly’s Cake Smash

Charlottesville Baby Photographer Photographing Shelby’s First Birthday Cake Smash Celebration I have truly loved watching this girl grow! From her…

View Post Charlottesville Baby Photographer Photographing Shebly’s Cake SmashContinue

Page navigation

Previous PagePrevious 1 2 3 4 5 … 7 Next PageNext

Let’s Create your dream Photos

Use the contact button to reach out and chat

CONTACT ME

info@angelamcnaulphotography.com

375 Four Leaf Lane
Suite 203
Charlottesville, Virginia

@angelamcnaulphotography
The biggest fear I hear? “What if my toddler does The biggest fear I hear? “What if my toddler doesn’t cooperate?” Let me say this clearly: Your toddler does not need to be perfect. They don’t need to sit still. They don’t need to “hold the baby right.” They don’t need to smile on command. My job is to: ✔️ Keep baby safe ✔️ Guide every pose ✔️ Move quickly ✔️ Make it feel like a game — not a chore I’ve photographed hundreds of growing families. I know when to lean in, when to pivot, and when to grab the shot in two seconds flat. And honestly? The in-between moments are usually the magic. If you’re expecting and nervous about sibling photos, I wrote a full blog post walking you through exactly how I structure these sessions. Comment READY and I’ll send it to you.
Q: What if my toddler won’t cooperate? A: I expect Q: What if my toddler won’t cooperate? A: I expect that. I work fast and safely — and I have tricks 😉 Q: Is it safe for my older child to hold the baby? A: Safety is always controlled. Hands are supported, poses are adjusted, and I never force a setup. Q: What should siblings wear? A: Neutral, soft tones photograph beautifully — and I’ll help you plan it. Q: What if they’re jealous or shy? A: Totally normal. We turn it into a game, keep it positive, and follow their lead. Including siblings in newborn photos doesn’t have to feel stressful. I’m a former NICU nurse and a mom of two — I understand safety and sibling dynamics. Most toddlers aren’t naturally thrilled about a new baby. That’s normal. My job is to guide them gently, safely, and quickly so we capture genuine moments without pressure. If you’re expecting and wondering how this works, I wrote a full blog post sharing: • My safest sibling posing setups • How I prep toddlers before they enter the set • What to bring • What NOT to say before the session • Outfit tips that photograph beautifully You can read it on the blog (link in bio). And if you’re pregnant and want siblings included — tell me how old they are when you inquire. It helps me plan everything.
It always starts out looking so sweet and innocent It always starts out looking so sweet and innocent… Perfect frosting. Perfect setup. Perfect little cake sitting there untouched. And then a one-year-old enters the scene. Cake smash sessions are unpredictable, messy, hilarious, and 100% worth it. The reactions? That’s the magic. Some babies dive in. Some poke it with one finger. Some cry like we personally offended them. And I’m ready for all of it. If your baby is turning ONE this year, this is your sign to book early — my calendar fills faster than this cake disappears. 🎂 Tell me… Team “face plant” or Team “gentle poke”? 👇
Most babies aren’t sure about cake at first. Some Most babies aren’t sure about cake at first. Some barely touch it. Some destroy it. Some cry like you betrayed them. But the splash? The splash is where the magic happens. It resets the mood. It saves the outfit. It gives you those happy, giggly, personality photos. And yes — the cake + splash are included in my full milestone sessions. If your baby is turning ONE soon, let’s plan something fun (and a little messy).
There is something so special about the second bab There is something so special about the second baby. You’re not just becoming parents… You’re growing a legacy. Watching families come back through my studio doors with another little one on the way is never “just another session” to me. It’s trust. It’s history. It’s watching your story unfold in chapters. And let’s be honest… this couple makes really adorable babies. I cannot wait to meet baby number two and see who they look like. If you’ve been here before and you’re expecting again, you already know how this works — reach out early. My calendar fills faster for returning families, and I would love to hold space for your next chapter too.
They weren’t taking a bath. There was no water. N They weren’t taking a bath. There was no water. No bubbles. No rush. Just two babies. Sitting safely. Feeling each other close. This is why I love controlled studio work. You don’t need noise to create magic. You just need intention. Twins are a whole different kind of story — and capturing their bond this early? That’s something parents will treasure forever. Charlottesville twin newborn & milestone sessions Link in bio to plan yours 🤍
This is why I include the splash after the smash. This is why I include the splash after the smash. Because frosting in the eyelashes is cute… but the giggles in warm water? That’s magic. Most babies are DONE after cake. Sticky. Overstimulated. Ready for a reset. And then we bring out the tub. Suddenly they’re calm. Splashing. Smiling again. And parents always say the bath photos end up being their favorites. The cake smash is fun. The splash is where the personality shines. If you’re planning a first birthday — don’t skip this part. (It’s all included in my full milestone experience, cake and splash included so you don’t have to plan a thing.) Would your baby love the cake part more or the bath? 👇🏼
Unpopular opinion: cake smash sessions don’t have Unpopular opinion: cake smash sessions don’t have to be messy to be successful. Some babies: • Poke it once • Cry • Sit and stare • Eat only the icing • Refuse to touch it And guess what? It’s STILL adorable. I follow your baby’s lead. We never force it. Sometimes the magic is in the tiny reactions, not the frosting explosion. Thinking about a first birthday session? I wrote a full guide on what to expect (and how to prepare) on the blog. Comment “CAKE” and I’ll send it to you 🎂 #charlottesvillephotographer #crozetphotographer #charlottesvillenewbornphotographer #angelamcnaulphotography #cakesmash

Charlottesville & Crozet Newborn Photographer
Serving Charlottesville, Crozet, Richmond, Keswick, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Staunton & Lynchburg

Scroll to top
  • Home
  • About
    • Lifestyle Sunset Maternity Sessions
    • Milestone Sessions 3 months & older
    • Newborn Sessions
    • Studio Maternity Sessions
    • Cake Smash Sessions
    • Family Sessions
  • Studio
  • Custom Blog
  • Prices
  • Contact
Search