Celebrating One Sweet Year: What to Expect from a Cake Smash Session

I love watching a baby dive into their first birthday cake, wide-eyed, curious, messy, and completely joyful. As a photographer, cake smash sessions are some of my absolute favorites to capture. They’re playful, unpredictable, and filled with personality, making them the perfect way to celebrate your little one’s first big milestone.

Why Do a Cake Smash?

The first year goes by in a flash. A cake smash gives you a moment to pause and celebrate everything your baby has become in just twelve short months. Whether they delicately poke at the frosting or go face-first into the cake, the results are always photo-worthy (and usually hilarious).

Not only do you walk away with adorable memories, but cake smash sessions also make for great images to display at your baby’s birthday party or use in thank-you cards. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like frosting-covered fingers and big gummy grins.

What Happens During a Cake Smash Session?

When you book a cake smash with me, I come to you. I bring everything we need: backdrops, props, and my camera, so your little one can stay in their most comfortable environment: home.

Here’s how it usually goes:

• Portraits First: For the cake smash experience, I start with some sweet, clean portraits of your baby. Think neutral backgrounds, simple props, and all the focus on their one-year-old personality.
• Let the Smash Begin: Then, it’s time to bring out the cake! Whether you go with something pastel and pretty or bold and bright, baby is sure to love it!

• Clean-Up: I always recommend having a warm washcloth and some paper towels nearby. I bring seamless paper, so it's an easy cleanup. I just roll the paper up and put it in the garbage.

Tips for a Great Cake Smash

• Keep the cake simple: Soft frosting (no fondant) is best for easy smashing.
• Dress for mess: Go with a cute outfit you don’t mind getting covered in icing or opt for a diaper cover or tutu.
• Relax: Babies pick up on our energy, so if you’re excited and relaxed, they will be too.

Cake smash sessions are one part celebration, one part sensory play, and a whole lot of fun. I will capture every sticky, silly moment.

If you're thinking about booking a cake smash session, I’d love to chat and help you plan it out. These sweet milestones only happen once—and they’re absolutely worth remembering.