Cake Smash Photography: Celebrate the Messy and Cute Magic of First Birthdays!
From carrying your baby in your womb to birth, from tony toes to wiggly giggles, your little one is turning ONE!!
This first birthday is a huge milestone, not just for your child, but for you, mom and dad. You did the bleary-eyed nights filled with diaper changes and burps, witnessed the first wobbly attempts of sitting, crawling in your living room and maybe the very first steps, you were there every step of the way!
Entire first year filled with countless “firsts” is full of unconditional love, strength and patience. You have nurtured your child and celebrated every tiny moment.
Today is the day to celebrate your child and YOU. Your child is the beautiful reflection of your love!
These precious moments can seem to pass in a blue and that's where cake smash photography comes in!
What is Cake Smash Photography
Cake smash photography is a photoshoot designed to capture the fun and messy moments of your baby’s first birthday.
It is about celebrating the love between parent and child.
Capturing the pure joy and wonder on your little one's face, those candid moments of laughter, curiosity, and pure love that make this milestone so special.
Love and fun filled photos:
Cuddling with you, mom and dad
Getting countless hugs and kisses
Reaching for the first bite of cake ever!
Exploring the cake and having fun
When to do the Cake Smash Session
Ideal time to schedule a cake smash session is at 11 months of age so that you get the photos on time for the birthday and celebrate with these photos the birthday of your little one with your friends and family.
If you plan to host a birthday party, print them and show your little BIG ONE or display them on the screen along with the other photos throughout the first year.
I encourage parents to think about a cake smash session when the baby is about 8-9 months, talk to a cake smash photographer near you who would love to work with and celebrate your little ones BIG ONE milestone!
Where to do the cake smash session
I believe it's best to do the cake smash outdoors or in a simple studio setting. You want your little one to be the focus and not the props and stuff around!
In the Bay Area, CA, weather is amazing most of the year and it's great to do a cake smash in a beautiful outdoor location for your little one to explore, run around, get those true and happy smiles.
Where to buy smash cake
I love for parents to get a classic white cake and add a topper and some florals to it to make it truly special and unique. The goal is to have fun with your little one and to see the cute reactions while having the cake for the first time. These make really cute cake smash photos.
Pro tip - Top the cake with colorful fruits that your little one loves and add some finger foods alongside - you will get beautiful cake smash photos of your little one exploring these yummy textures and enjoy a post shoot family feast with the leftover cake!
You can get a smash cake nearby from your local bakery (Paris Baguette, Whole Foods, Safeway etc.) or order it from a baker you love.
To make it easy for you, I recommend you how to style/dress the family along with your little one.
What to wear for cake smash photos
Rompers are a great outfit for 1 year olds. You can adjust the layering for the weather.
For girls, explore adorable handmade rompers on Etsy. Add a headband or crown for a touch of extra cuteness.
I like to keep the colors neutral and avoid dark blue or pink colors for boys/girls.
Are cake smash photos worth it?
Absolutely! Cake smash Photography gives you the moments that you will cherish and creates a lasting record of your child's first birthday magic.
P.S. Even if you didn't capture your newborn yawns or milestone moments, a cake smash session is a great way to create beautiful toddler memories for your little one! Don't miss out on this chance to capture their laughter, curiosity, and pure joy at turning one.
Birthday Party Photos or Family Portraits?
Most parents have a question, do I prioritize candid party memories or professional portraits of my child and family?
I always recommend parents to do professional family and cake smash photos v/s the party photos as family portraits have your immediate family only. You are completely focused on your little ones.
It’s stress free, you can relax rather than focusing on the party logistics like food, decorations, or guests.
During the photo session you play with your little one, cuddle, hug and truly be present for getting a combination of candid and posed photos that you will cherish forever.
Include grandparents: If grand parents are visiting, they are welcome to join the cake smash and family photo session for some beautiful multi-generational photos of grandparents, parents and grandchildren photos.
While family portraits are a great, parents still might want to capture the first birthday, consider the following options:
Short party photo session: Capture key moments without the full cost of a party photographer.
Ask a family or friend member : someone at your party with a good camera, they might be happy to take some casual party photos.
The best choice is on your budget and priorities. But a professional cake smash and family session offers a unique opportunity to capture the joy and love of your family in a controlled, stress-free environment.
Conclusion
Cake smash photography is a celebration of your child’s first year milestone. It’s capturing the beautiful bond, candid moments and to create heartfelt lasting memories to cherish forever. These photos are filled with laughter, love and wonder or your little one’s first birthday celebration.
Happy 1st Birthday to your incredible little one, here is a lifetime of many more messy and magical memories yet to come!
Check out my Upma Sharma Photography’s cake smash portfolio. I’d love to connect with you and create something absolutely special for you and your little one. As a cake smash photographer, I have had the privilege of working with many cute little babies and their families to celebrate the first year's birthday milestone!
