Celebrating Baby's 1st Birthday

Cake smash sessions are a popular type of photo shoot, typically held to celebrate a baby’s first birthday. During these sessions, a child is given a small cake to smash, often resulting in cute and messy photos as the child explores the cake in their own way. Here’s everything you need to know about cake smash sessions:

1. The Purpose

• Celebration of Milestones: Cake smash sessions are a fun way to mark a baby’s first birthday. It’s a special occasion for parents to capture their little one’s reaction to a cake and to create lasting memories.
• Adorable Photos: The messier, the better! These sessions are all about capturing the joy, excitement, and innocence of a baby’s first encounter with a cake.

2. When to Do a Cake Smash Session

• Typically done around a child’s first birthday, usually between 10-12 months.
• Some parents may choose to schedule it a little earlier or later, but the first birthday is the most common timeframe.

3. What to Expect

• Setting Up: Cake smash photo shoots are often done in a studio or at home, where the environment can be controlled. Props like balloons, banners, or themed decorations are frequently used to match the birthday party’s theme.
• The Cake: A small, usually single-tiered cake is provided, and it’s typically made with baby-safe ingredients. For example, it might be free from common allergens like eggs, dairy, and nuts.
• Messy Fun: The focus is on the baby’s reaction to the cake and how they interact with it. Some babies dive right in, while others may be hesitant. It’s about capturing those genuine moments.
• Post-Smash Cleanup: Many photographers will have a “bath” portion afterward, where the baby is gently cleaned up in a small tub with bubbles or water. This is also a great opportunity to take more adorable photos.

4. Themed Cakes and Sets

• Decor and Backdrops: Popular themes include pastels, florals, vintage, or characters. The cake and decorations usually match the chosen theme.
• Custom Cakes: Some parents opt for custom-designed cakes that complement the overall theme of the shoot. Cake artists often create cakes with fun colors, shapes, or even edible elements that can make the photos pop.

Some luxury photographers will include the cake as part of your session booking. 

5. What to Bring To the Session

• Outfit: Many parents bring an outfit for their baby that matches the theme, such as a cute onesie or a tutu. Some Photographers also offer outfits or props for the baby.
• Baby’s Comfort: Make sure your baby is well-rested and fed before the session. Comfort is key, as you want them to be in a good mood for the shoot.
• A Spare Outfit: It’s common for the baby to get very messy, so having a spare outfit is a good idea for afterward.

6. Capturing the Perfect Shots

• Photographer’s Role: A professional photographer will guide the session, helping to capture the baby’s best moments while creating a safe and comfortable environment.
• Variety of Shots: The photographer will take a variety of photos of the baby before the cake smash, during, and after (if a bath portion is included).
• Action Shots and Close-ups: Expect both wide shots of the baby exploring the cake, as well as close-ups of their hands, face, and reactions.

Cake smash sessions are a fun and creative way to celebrate your child’s first milestone and create lasting memories. The mess, the joy, and the cuteness all combine for photos that parents will treasure for years!

At Portraits by Chaya, we offer a customized cakesmash portrait experience. We start the process with an initial consultation so that everything is 100 percent customized to your specifications. Your cake is provided by our excellent baker, and various beautiful outfits are in our client closet for your use at your session. 

We capture a robust gallery of images, before, during, and after the cake. We love to mix in some simple monochromatic style images as well! Interested in capturing some family photos while you are here? Family can be added on to any cakesmash session!