One of the most fun sessions to do in the studio is a first birthday cake smash session! I love watching little ones discover the taste and texture of cake, often for the very first time. Their reactions are so fun and joyful to see… from the curious first taste to full-on frosting face-dives!
Cake smash sessions are such a wonderful way to celebrate your child turning one, filled with giggles, messy hands, and big personality. As an NJ cake smash photographer, I take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun. From choosing the perfect theme to getting your little one camera-ready, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable cake smash session in New Jersey.
Best Time to Book a Cake Smash Session
I usually recommend that parents reach out and book their child’s cake smash session 3–5 weeks before their first birthday. This gives us plenty of time to choose a theme, select the perfect backdrop, and order any props we may need. You’ll also receive your edited photos in time for birthday invitations, party décor, or keepsake prints.
Most sessions take place on weekdays, when babies are well-rested and the studio is quieter. Weekend dates are very limited, so please reach out early if a Saturday or Sunday works best for your family. I only take a limited number of sessions each month, and booking early helps ensure your desired date is available on my calendar.
Ready to plan your baby’s cake smash session? Contact me here!
Next, let’s take a peek at what actually happens during a cake smash session!
What Happens During a Cake Smash Session
Sweet & Simple Portraits First
At the start of your cake smash session, I’ll give your baby a few minutes to explore the set and get comfortable in the studio. Letting them adjust to their surroundings helps the session feel more relaxed, and it usually leads to more natural smiles. They’ll often want to look around, touch props, and show off their growing curiosity!
We always begin with classic portraits before the cake comes out. This ensures we capture sweet, clean images of your little one while they’re still fresh and ready to smile. By the time we move on to the smash, they’re warmed up and excited for the fun ahead!
The Cake Smash Fun
Once we’ve captured a great variety of portraits, we’ll do a quick outfit change (if you’d like) and get ready for the cake. I’ll have my camera ready, and a parent will help place the cake so I don’t miss that very first reaction. This part is always full of giggles, frosting fingers, and big personality. It’s one of my favorite moments to photograph. Watching a child experience cake for the first time is pure joy.
Occasionally, a child may be a little hesitant to touch the cake. That’s completely normal. I have a few tricks up my sleeve and ways we can fake it, just in case. I do recommend that parents do a trial run at home beforehand to help their child get used to the taste and texture of cake. This helps create a positive reaction when it’s time for the real thing.
Tub Time Clean Up
After all the messy fun, we wrap up with a bubble bath clean-up in a cute little tub. It’s not only practical but also a great way to capture more adorable expressions and splashes. Once we finish up this part of the session, your little one will be squeaky clean and ready to go.
The entire session typically takes about an hour, and we’ll capture a wonderful variety of images to celebrate your baby’s milestone in style.
Now for the fun part… let’s plan your theme and styling!
Choosing a Cake Smash Theme
I truly love helping families create a special and meaningful theme to celebrate their child’s first birthday. Whether you already have a vision in mind or need a little help coming up with one, we’ll brainstorm ideas together so it feels personal to your child. You’re also welcome to choose from the many backdrops I already have in the studio, and we’ll make it unique to your child with coordinating props and details that photograph beautifully.
Once we’ve selected a theme, I’ll send a few backdrop options for you to choose from. Planning ahead gives me time to order any needed props so everything is ready for your session. When you arrive, the set will be fully prepared so we can start right away and keep your baby happy and engaged.
What’s Included in a First Birthday Session
Every cake smash session is designed to be fun, stress-free, and fully coordinated so you can enjoy the moment and watch your little one shine.
Each session includes:
- Full set design based on your chosen theme
- Props and decorations that compliment the theme
- Sweet and simple portraits before the cake
- The fun and messy cake smash photos
- Bubble bath clean up with adorable splash images
- Professional editing and retouching of your chosen images
- A private online gallery to view and select your favorites
You’re welcome to bring outfits that coordinate with your theme, and I’m always happy to provide styling guidance if you’re unsure what will look best on camera.
I provide a coordinating cake stand and cake topper to bring the setup together beautifully. I don’t provide the cake due to allergen sensitivities, but I can recommend some wonderful local bakeries that make cakes perfectly sized for little hands and big moments.
Sessions include 15 high-resolution digital images with the option to upgrade your gallery or order printed artwork after viewing the photos.
See more Cake Smash Session Details
How to Prepare Your Baby
I always aim to schedule sessions around morning nap times, usually between 10 and 11 am. It’s important to ensure your little one is rested and fed before you arrive so that we can have a smooth session. If you need to adjust your session time, just let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.
It is completely normal for babies to feel a little shy or unsure in a new environment. We always start by giving them time to warm up, explore, and get comfortable with the studio during your cake smash photoshoot in New Jersey.
Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item can help them relax, and a small non messy snack such as puffs or Cheerios can also be useful. We can even hide a snack behind the cake to encourage those first curious touches. Playing a familiar song or short video on your phone is another great way to get smiles and wiggles.
You can also help your little one feel ready by doing a small practice run at home. Let them explore a cupcake or a small piece of cake with their hands so they get used to the texture and the idea of making a mess. Some babies dive right in and others take a little time, both are completely normal. A bit of practice can help them feel more confident and excited on session day.
Safety During First Birthday Sessions
Your baby’s safety is always my top priority. I make sure the studio is a clean and comfortable space for little ones to explore and play during the cake smash photoshoot. All props, surfaces, and the tub are thoroughly sanitized before and after every session. I also choose sturdy props that are designed specifically with babies in mind.
I am CPR and baby safety certified, and I stay right near your child throughout the entire session to make sure they are supported and secure. Parents are always asked to stay close by as well, which helps your little one feel safe and confident while we capture adorable images.
My goal is for you to feel completely at ease knowing that your baby is in good hands while they enjoy their first birthday celebration.
What Happens After the Session
Within one week of your session, you will receive a lightly edited proof gallery so you can view all the adorable images from your baby’s big day. You will then select your 15 favorite photos and have the option to purchase additional images if you would like.
Once your selections are made, I will complete the final retouching and deliver your finished gallery within 1 to 2 additional weeks. You will be able to download your digital images directly from the gallery and start sharing them with family and friends right away.
You will also have the option to order beautiful keepsakes such as albums, prints, and framed artwork. These are wonderful for displaying your favorite memories from this milestone moment.
How to Book Your Cake Smash Session
I would love to help you celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a fun and memorable cake smash session.
Just reach out through my contact form with your preferred date and any theme ideas you have in mind. From there, I’ll guide you through planning the perfect setup and answering any questions you may have.
Because I only take a limited number of sessions each month, it’s best to book early to make sure your date is available.
I can’t wait to help you create adorable, joy filled memories that you will treasure forever.
