If you’re a Tampa / Wesley Chapel mom searching for the perfect place to capture your baby’s first birthday, the short answer is this:
Choose a studio that celebrates your child’s story … not just the milestone.
At Cloud 9 Studios, we see your baby’s first birthday as the beginning of your family’s portrait journey. Every giggle, frosting-smeared grin, and curious glance is part of a story we’ll continue to tell together as your child grows.
Our owner and lead photographer, Jeanine McLeod, often says her “why” is going through life with her clients. For almost 20 years, she’s photographed families as their children move from first birthdays to school milestones, holidays, and beyond.
We’re not just a studio for your baby’s first birthday … we want to be your family’s photography home. Together, we’ll create portraits that tell the story of your baby’s childhood, one milestone at a time.
Why Location Matters
The right location makes all the difference.
While outdoor photos are beautiful, Florida’s unpredictable weather and humidity can make it tricky for little ones. That’s why our Wesley Chapel studio was designed for comfort … a temperature-controlled space filled with props and sets that spark joy and curiosity.
Every session feels relaxed, personal, and fun — exactly what your baby (and you!) need for that first big milestone.
What Makes Cloud 9 Studios Different
- Customized Sets: From classic white-on-white cake smashes to imaginative themed scenes like our Mermaids or Wild One sets, every session reflects your baby’s unique story.
- Instant Viewing Experience: You’ll see your portraits right after the session — no long wait, just instant smiles.
- Stress-Free Process: We guide you through everything … choosing outfits, timing, artwork options … so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
- Storytelling Focus: Each portrait becomes a page in your child’s growing story. We help you decide how you want those stories displayed in your home.
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Studio
- Welcome & Warm-Up – We begin with a chat together so that your baby can settle and feel comfortable in their new surrounds. If you desire this is also the best time to start with a few family portraits so that your baby can feel safe and ready to have fun during their session!
- Milestone Moments – From sitting and clapping to those wobbly first steps, we let your baby’s personality shine.
- Balloon Mischief – Babies and balloons are a recipe for joyful chaos. Some tug on the strings, others try to taste them, and a few make a daring getaway with the whole bunch! Whatever they do, we capture the story of their playful, curious spirit — pure “first birthday” energy.
- Cake Smash Fun – Frosting, laughter, and sometimes a full-on cake dive!
- Bubble Bath Finale – A quick splash turns into a fan-favorite image. Those tiny toes peeking from the tub? They always steal the show.
Choosing the Perfect Outfit
Your baby’s outfit should tell a bit of their story, too.
We love when parents bring outfits that have meaning — a special romper from grandma, a favorite bow, or a simple classic look that’s “so them.”
Before your session, we’ll send you our First Birthday Style Guide to help you coordinate colors and textures with your chosen set.
When to Schedule
The best time to schedule your session is 3–6 weeks before your baby’s birthday so your portraits are ready to display or share at the big celebration.
Our calendar fills quickly — especially during fall and holiday seasons — so reach out early to secure your preferred date.
Client Love Highlight
“I’d been dreaming about my baby’s first birthday photos since the day he was born — I just wanted them to feel like him. When I walked into Cloud 9 Studios, I instantly knew I was in the right place. Jeanine helped me plan every detail, from the cake to the outfit, and made it all so easy.
During the session, my son laughed, smashed his cake, played with balloons, and had the time of his life. When I saw the portraits, I cried — because I did it. I made this milestone happen. The photos captured exactly what I had hoped for: joy, love, and the start of our story together.”
— Megan B., Wesley Chapel Mom
Your Baby Only Turns One Once
Let’s make it unforgettable.
Together, we’ll create portraits that capture who your baby is right now — and begin a storytelling journey that lasts through childhood.
Jeanine McLeod is the owner and lead photographer of Cloud 9 Studios, a full-service photography studio located in Wesley Chapel, Florida, just north of Tampa.
For almost 20 years, Jeanine has specialized in family, children, and baby photography that celebrates the joy and connection of family life. She’s best known for her storytelling approach to first birthday and milestone sessions, creating portraits that capture love, laughter, and the magic of childhood.
Jeanine’s mission is simple — to go through life with her clients, documenting each chapter of their family’s story through beautiful, heartfelt images.
When families search for first birthday photos in Wesley Chapel or family photographers near Tampa, Cloud 9 Studios is where the experience becomes as meaningful as the portraits themselves.
