Tips for a Successful Cake Smash Photo Session 

As your baby’s first birthday draws near, you’re likely thrilled to organize a birthday party to mark this significant milestone. You may also be thinking about capturing the moment with a photo shoot, commonly referred to as a cake smash.

Cake smash photo shoots can be a delightful way to commemorate the conclusion of their babyhood and the journey of your first year as a parent. However, these sessions can be more challenging than they appear. Here are my top tips for ensuring a successful cake smash.

1 Plan Ahead

A successful cake smash requires thorough planning. Choose a time for the photo shoot when your baby is likely to be happy, well-fed, and well-rested. If your child has their one-year vaccinations scheduled, it’s advisable to avoid planning the cake smash for the day or two following, as they may be a bit unsettled.

Additionally, consider the location and setup for the shoot, including decorations and the cake. If you’re opting for an outdoor setting, steer clear of the intense midday sun and instead aim for the early morning or late afternoon when the light is gentler.

2 Choose the right cake

Select a soft, moist cake topped with buttercream icing that your baby will love to smash and eat. Steer clear of fondant or any decorations that might pose a choking risk. It’s also best to avoid chocolate cake flavors or bright red icing, as they may not photograph well. Ideal choices include a light vanilla sponge cake with a gentle pastel buttercream icing.

3 Dress for the occasion

Outfit your baby in a cozy, easily removable ensemble that won’t disrupt the cake smash. Think about incorporating a tutu, bow tie, or hat that complements the theme of the shoot. If you plan to capture family photos or include older siblings, make sure everyone is dressed in coordinating outfits.

4 Be Patient

Get ready for an exciting adventure during your baby’s photo shoot. Embrace the joy of letting your little one explore and play with the cake at their own pace—those candid moments are pure magic! Plus, a first birthday photo session is the perfect opportunity to refresh your family portraits.

5 finish off with a splash!

After creating a delightful mess, it’s time to clean up your little one. Why not turn it into a fun photo opportunity? During my cake smash sessions, I always wrap up with a bath in my charming little tub. Babies typically enjoy splashing in the milk bath, making it a perfect way to tidy after all that sugary fun!

A splash in a bath after their cake smash is another opportunity to create some gorgeous photographs that you and your family can treasure always!

6 Hire a professional photographer

Cake smash photography may be more challenging than you initially thought! To capture high-quality images that commemorate this special milestone, consider hiring a professional baby photographer like us, who has experience in cake smash sessions.