Your baby’s first birthday deserves more than a quick photo session – it deserves a celebration! As a professional smash cake photographer, I specialize in creating timeless, joy-filled birthday portraits that capture your baby’s personality, curiosity, and pure delight.

From custom styling to a relaxed, baby-led experience, every detail is thoughtfully designed so you can simply enjoy the moment – and walk away with artwork you’ll treasure for years.

Why choose a professional smash cake photographer

Cake smash sessions may look simple, but creating beautiful, cohesive images requires far more than a cake and a camera. As an experienced smash cake photographer, I handle every detail so your session feels effortless and elevated.

Everything we need to capture authentic moments and get gorgeous results.

As your smash cake photographer, my goal is to create a seamless experience – from the first contact to the moment your finished prints are in your arms.

If you’re looking for a smash cake photographer who values quality, artistry, and experience, I’d love to chat! Let’s curate the perfect celebration for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

Reach out today to begin planning your cake smash session.

Sara Nuzum is a newborn and family photographer in Newton, Kansas. She is has full-service studio where she guides clients through print orders resulting in beautiful portraits for them to cherish forever.

Want to follow me? Find me on Facebook and Instagram!

The post Wichita’s Premiere Smash Cake Photographer appeared first on SJ Nuzum Photography.

How to Hang Family Photos

When it comes to home decor, how you hang family photos can make all the difference. These portraits are so much more than just memories. Whether you’re working with a small gallery wall or a single striking piece, there are a few key principles to keep in mind that can elevate your décor and create a personal, inviting atmosphere. I’m going to walk you through some expert tips for displaying your prints and making the most of your family photos.

Consider the Placement and Space

Think about layout first. Are you imagining a feature wall with multiple photos, or are you highlighting one large piece? The size of the room and the wall space available will play a huge role in your decision.

• Living Rooms
  • A large print or a small gallery wall can become the focal point of the room.
• Hallways and Corridors
  • These spaces are ideal for narrow clusters or rows of photos, creating a personal path for viewers.
• Bedrooms
  • Personal and intimate images work well here—think wedding photos, special vacation pictures, etc.
• Dining Areas
  • Opt for photos that invite conversation or create a warm, welcoming vibe.
• Take note of furniture placement and other wall features
  • Things like light switches or windows can impact your photo’s visual flow.

Eye Level Is Key

When hanging photos, I like to position the center of the image at eye level for the average viewer. This creates a more balanced, engaging effect. The general rule of thumb is about 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece. The same would go for a collage of photos; I like the center of the whole grouping to be around 57-60 inches.

Oversized Pieces: If I’m working with a larger piece, I hang it slightly lower to avoid creating an awkward visual gap between the artwork and other room elements.

Multiple Photos: For a series of smaller images, I keep the center points aligned or evenly spaced, so the arrangement feels cohesive.

Create Balance and Harmony

Whether you’re displaying a single photograph or a collection of images, creating a sense of balance is important. This doesn’t necessarily mean perfectly symmetrical arrangements, but the overall weight of the photos should feel evenly distributed across the wall.

For Solo Pieces: Pair a large photograph with smaller elements in the surrounding space, such as potted plants or light fixtures, to avoid a lonely, unbalanced feel.

For Gallery Walls: You can mix and match photo sizes, frames, and orientations (portrait vs. landscape), but I like to ensure the spacing between each frame remains consistent. A common spacing is 2-4 inches between photos.

Frame Choice Matters

The frame you choose is just as important as the photo itself. The right frame can accentuate the subject, enhance the mood, and even complement your room’s color scheme. Consider these guidelines:

• Neutral Frames: Black, white, or wood tones are timeless options that suit a variety of styles.
• Bold Frames: For a more eclectic or modern look, colored or metallic frames can make a statement. Just make sure the frame doesn’t compete with the photo.
• Unframed Prints: Canvas wraps or metal prints can offer a sleek, contemporary touch without the need for traditional framing.

Remember, the frame should complement the image but not overpower it.

Avoid Overcrowding Your Walls

While it’s tempting to cover every inch of wall space with photos, less is often more. Overcrowding can overwhelm the room and dilute the impact of each individual photograph. Space out your photos to allow each one to breathe, creating a sense of flow rather than clutter.

If you’re working with a smaller wall, consider creating a clean, minimalist gallery that only includes your top favorite photos. This approach can be just as powerful as a more intricate arrangement, especially when you’re focusing on quality over quantity.

Change it Up!

One of the great joys of displaying photos in your home is that you can always update and rotate your collection. Taking new family photos occasionally and rearranging your displays can breathe new life into your home and keep it feeling dynamic!

When you hang family photos in your home is not just about decoration—it’s about creating an environment that reflects your personality, memories, and style. By carefully considering the placement, frame choices, and overall flow, we can design a photo display that enhances the beauty of your home and allows your cherished moments to shine.

*If you’ve been inspired to get some new family photos to display in your home, check out my work and message me with your inquiry! I’d love to share what I can do for you.*

Sara Nuzum is a newborn and family photographer in Newton, Kansas. She is has full-service studio where she guides clients through print orders resulting in beautiful portraits for them to cherish forever.

Want to follow me? Find me on Facebook and Instagram!

The post How to Hang Family Photos in Your Home: Tips for a Beautiful Display appeared first on SJ Nuzum Photography.

There’s so much pressure to nail your family photo outfits. I’ve got tons of advice, and I walk all my clients through how to put together amazing looks for pictures. Here are some DON’Ts for you to keep in mind as you design your outfits!

Too Matchy

Back in the day it was common to have everyone wear almost the same exact outfit (remember jeans and white t-shits??). That look is super dated now, but some people still get caught up in wearing all the same color, or everyone in jeans, etc. There are so many fun color palettes out there to design your family photo outfits around. Just go to Pinterest and type “family photo color schemes” and pick your favorite! Make sure to add different textures like chunky knits, lace, flowy dresses, and a couple patterns for visual interest.

Poor Fit

There’s a huge difference between good and bad fitting clothes. You can have the cutest outfit in the world, but if it doesn’t fit well it won’t translate to amazing photos! This is especially tough to nail for babies and toddlers (since they grow so fast!). Also for moms while they’re in the growing family stage. Whether you just had a baby or are in between babies, it seems like your clothes sizes change constantly.

If you’re a mom that has some things you’d like to hide (let’s be honest, that’s all of us) make sure you give yourself some shape somewhere else. Or if you have bigger hips like me, go flowy on the bottom and highlight your smaller waist! If you want to hid a post-baby tummy, go flowy on top but show off your smaller assets (legs, narrow shoulders, whatever that is for you!) The worst thing you can do is try to hide everything with super baggy, shapeless clothes from head to toe.

Too Matchy

Back in the day it was common to have everyone wear almost the same exact outfit (remember jeans and white t-shits??). That look is super dated now, but some people still get caught up in wearing all the same color, or everyone in jeans, etc. There are so many fun color palettes out there to design your outfits around. Just go to Pinterest and type “family photo color schemes” and pick your favorite! Make sure to add different textures like chunky knits, lace, flowy dresses, and a couple patterns for visual interest.

Poor Fit

There’s a huge difference between good and bad fitting clothes. You can have the cutest outfit in the world, but if it doesn’t fit well it won’t translate to amazing photos! This is especially tough to nail for babies and toddlers (since they grow so fast!). Also, for moms while they’re in the growing family stage. Whether you just had a baby or are in between babies, it seems like your clothes sizes change constantly.

If you’re a mom that has some things you’d like to hide (let’s be honest, that’s all of us) make sure you give yourself some shape somewhere else. Or if you have bigger hips like me, go flowy on the bottom and highlight your smaller waist! If you want to hide a post-baby tummy, go flowy on top but show off your smaller assets (legs, narrow shoulders, whatever that is for you!) The worst thing you can do is try to hide everything with super baggy, shapeless clothes from head to toe.

Click here to see more of my family photo portfolio

Sara Nuzum is a newborn and family photographer in Newton, Kansas. She is has full-service studio where she guides clients through print orders resulting in beautiful portraits for them to cherish forever.

Want to follow me? Find me on Facebook and Instagram!

The post Family Photo Outfits appeared first on SJ Nuzum Photography.

Wichita Family Photographer – Sara’s Pro Tips

Have you ever paid for a professional photo session and then never did anything with the pictures after sharing on social? Many mamas freeze and can’t make decisions about what to do with their photos, or simply never find time to order. You’re busy! I created this quick list of ideas to help you dream up ways to display those beautiful memories you made. Then when you shoot with me, I will make all your ideas happen for you!

1. Frame them or print on canvas – Imagine walking through your living room and seeing your favorite people in large frames on the wall, reminding you why you work so hard to provide and care for them.
2. Photo albums – Take the best shots and make an heirloom photo book you can keep and pass down for generations. A great conversation piece for your coffee table.
3. Walnut photo display box – Perfect for a dresser or bookshelf, flip back through your photos whenever you need a smile. You could even frame a few and make a gallery wall, then change out the photos occasionally to keep it fresh!

Above you’ll see examples of my walnut display boxes and wall art. These high-quality boxes are STUNNING and so versatile. Frame some of the matted prints in sets of three, four, or even six, then switch them out from time to time! The large prints are so eye catching and they are total statement pieces in the home.

Below, you’ll see some examples of my heirloom albums (images from my lab, not my photos) They have thick, lay-flat pages and the colors are bright and pop beautifully! These are meant to be cherished and passed down for generations.

I hope this gives you some simple ideas on how to use your photos in your home! As a Wichita family photographer, I help my clients with this very thing every day. It’s so rewarding for both me and them to see their family as art. I guarantee you’ll smile as you walk by them every single time!

Sara Nuzum is a newborn and family photographer in Newton, Kansas. She is has full-service studio where she guides clients through print orders resulting in beautiful portraits for them to cherish forever.

Want to follow me? Find me on Facebook and Instagram!

The post 3 Ways to Display Your Photos – Wichita Family Photographer appeared first on SJ Nuzum Photography.