Preparing for your baby's Cake Smash session!

Elegant white birthday cake decorated with peach and cream roses sits next to someone wearing a tulle dress.

Oh, how time flies!


This last year sure flew by, didn't it? One moment, your baby fits perfectly, bundled into the crook of your arm. Then, before you know it, they're toddling around, and you find yourself investing in childproof cabinet locks and planning your baby's first birthday party...


Let's celebrate this milestone with some timeless portraits, followed by a little documentation of the first time your baby gets their hands on a cake!

Close up view of a baby's face showing blue eyes, a delicate nose, and soft skin against a neutral background.
A tender moment captured in soft light as parent and baby in matching white outfits share an intimate bonding moment.
A small baby in a white tulle dress and bow headband holds onto adult hands while standing on a light background.
Baby in white outfit wearing delicate white headband poses for series of sweet expressions against light backdrop.

What to bring:

  • The cake!
  • A special outfit or two for baby if you have one you'd like photographed. I also have some on hand at the studio.
  • Any balloons, streamers, banners, etc, that you'd like to use for decor.
  • A fresh outfit to change into after cake.
  • Any of the usual equipment you'd need for baby (diapers, snacks, bottle, etc...)
A white buttercream cake decorated with delicate peach-colored roses and green foliage against a light neutral background.

The Cake


When choosing a cake for your baby's cake smash, I recommend getting something simple. A plain white cake however, will easily get lost on the cream colored backdrop that I photograph cake smashes on. Little leaves or rosettes, some sprinkles, or even just some dollops of pastel colored frosting make for perfect cake smash portraits. I recommend getting a 6 inch cake, like pictured, but any size will do depending on your preference!


Things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid vibrant and black frosting - these colors will stain your baby's face and clothes.
  • Avoid dark colored jams as well.
  • Avoid anything baby could choke on.


The session


We'll begin your session with some simple, classic portraits of baby. There will need to be lots of appeasing baby at this time. We'll be singing favorite songs, playing with toys and taking lots of snack breaks if needed. We'll also have time for an outfit change if you have more than one outfit you'd like baby photographed in. I also love to take a few family/parent photos at this time as well.


Then, about an hour into your session, we bring out the cake. We'll sing Happy Birthday and then we'll set baby down with the cake and we'll let what happens, happen. Some babies LOVE their cake. Some babies could care less. Some babies are STRONGLY opposed to the cake. We never really know until we set that cake down in front of them. But whatever happens, there will be some really adorable pictures!

Small child in cream-colored romper sits on white surface while adult hand offers food.
Small child wearing a light yellow sleeveless top looks down pensively against a white background.
Baby in white onesie lies on light background next to first birthday cake in neutral color palette.
A white wedding cake sits on a plain backdrop with delicate frosting details and edible pearls.

Let's have a blast!


First year milestone sessions are meant to be a fun, party-like session with lots of singing, clapping and cheering baby along. Please fill out this form to help me know the best way to make your baby's day:

Baby in pink dress sits on white background with small floral cake during cake smash photo session.

Thank you!

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