Prep Guide for 
Cake Smash/First Birthday Photoshoot

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What will happen during my cake smash photoshoot?

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To begin I will welcome you into my studio and give you a few moments to settle in.

Then we will begin with some family photographs. So you have the memories captured of your little ones 1st birthday milestone all together, before the mess begins!

Then I will take a few photographs of the birthday boy or girl on their own, or with a few toys. 

Then we bring in the cake and make a little mess!

Afterwards if there is time we will clean up, and your little one can have a little bubble bath in the tub before being wrapped in a snuggly towel before travelling back home. 

 

Choose the Right Cake

​(Please let me know if you would like to bring your own cake, or if you would like me to bring one along to your photoshoot.)

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If you would like to bring your own cake here are a few tips on what to choose:

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• Simple is best: Soft frosting, minimal decorations, and no hard toppers. No hard icing!

• Smash-friendly size: Usually a 5–6 inch cake is perfect.

• Please let me know about any allergies ahead of time.

• Colour tip: White cakes will look the best in your photographs! However light or pastel frosting photographs beautifully as well and won’t overpower your baby’s expressions.

• NO BROWN CHOCOLATE - this is really important as once the cake gets smashed and smeared the brown chocolate can start to look like something else!

 Pick the Outfit (and a Backup!)

• I fully encourage parents and siblings to get in the photos too! So it's important that every family member considers carefully what they will wear in the photoshoot.

• White clothing (for everyone) is highly recommended and will look best in your photographs! However if this is not possible, neutral colours are best; creams, beige, light grey etc.

• Try to choose clothes that work nicely and compliment each other. But they do not need to match each other.. 

• Avoid logos and busy patterns if possible.

• For the birthday child; Choose something comfy that allows movement—rompers, bloomers, tutus, or overalls work great (Still try and stick to white or neutral colours.).

• Bring at least one backup outfit (cake gets everywhere).

• Bare feet are encouraged—they’re cute and less slippery.

• Adults - please bring the shoes you want to wear with you (make sure the bottom of the shoes are clean) and put them on in the studio. This is because the white floor can get dirty VERY quickly if you wear the shoes you have walked outside in.

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Prep Your Little One

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• Plan for a full tummy before arriving (but not too full).

• Try to schedule around naps. Well-rested babies = happier photos.

• If possible, let your child taste cake or frosting beforehand so it’s not a total surprise.​

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Pack a Small Bag

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Helpful items to bring:

• Baby wipes & a towel

• Water or milk (if using formula please bring ready made) 

• A favorite small toy or comfort item

• Clean clothes for after the session

• Anything else you would normally take out the house with you

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During the Photoshoot:

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Stay Relaxed

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Babies pick up on energy. If you’re calm and happy, they’re more likely to be too. There’s no “right” way for a cake smash to go.

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Encourage, Don’t Force

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• Let your baby explore the cake at their own pace.

• Clapping, cheering, and silly faces work wonders.

• If they’re unsure, we can gently guide a hand into the frosting, but no pressure.

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Trust the Process

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Some babies dive right in. Others poke, taste, or sit back and observe. All of it is normal and all of it photographs beautifully.

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Expect the Mess

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Frosting on fingers, toes, hair, and maybe eyelashes? Totally part of the fun. Bring lots of wipes and remember to bring spare clothes.

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After the Session

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• You'll have lots of time to clean up and change your little one.

• Feel free to reward them with cuddles, snacks, or a nap, they’ve definately earned it!

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Final Tip 

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Every cake smash is unique. Whether your baby smashes, smears, or politely refuses the cake, the goal is to capture their personality—and that’s always a win.