One whole year — already. A cake smash session turns your baby's first birthday into a celebration worth framing, and the best part is that you simply show up. Here is exactly how the day unfolds at the studio, from the first hello to the very last crumb.
Everything is included, truly
Your cake smash is all-inclusive: set design, props, wardrobe, and a simple iced cake are all part of the experience. There is no scrambling to order a smash cake, no hunting for the perfect little outfit, and no wondering whether your decorations will photograph well. When you arrive, the set is already styled and waiting for your birthday baby.
Choosing your set and theme
You can keep things classic and timeless, or theme the session to your child's favorite things. With the Basic experience, we style your session on one of the studio's existing themed sets. With the Custom experience, we design a set of your choosing, built around your vision for this milestone. Either way, cake and wardrobe are provided.
We start with the sweet, clean portraits
Before any icing is touched, I capture your little one polished and picture-perfect on the set. These portraits become some of the most treasured images of the session — your baby at exactly one year old, dimpled hands and all, before the joyful mess begins.
Then comes the cake
Once the cake makes its entrance, your only job is to enjoy the show. Some babies dive right in with both hands. Others study the icing thoughtfully, one careful fingertip at a time. Both make wonderful photographs, and I gently guide the session at your child's pace so the experience stays happy from start to finish.
Yes, we sing Happy Birthday
This is a real celebration, not just a photo shoot. We sing Happy Birthday together, and those in-between moments — the giggles, the wide eyes, the icing-covered grin looking up at Mama — are often the images families love most.
How to prepare your one-year-old
A well-rested, well-fed baby is a happy baby on camera. Whenever possible, schedule around nap time and offer a small meal or snack before you arrive. Bring a change of clothes for the ride home, and consider letting your little one practice with a small treat beforehand if textures are new to them. Beyond that, leave the rest to me.
Your gallery and keepsakes
After your session, you will receive 60 to 80 proofs to choose from, with 15 beautifully edited high-resolution images and a print release included in your package. If you would like to add a fine art set in regular clothing, or bring the whole family into a portion of the session, those options are available as well.
Reserve your baby's big day
First birthdays only happen once, and session dates are reserved with a $100 retainer. If your little one's milestone is approaching, I would love to celebrate with you — icing, giggles, and all.
You can review cake smash packages and the full session experience, or see past smash sessions in the portfolio.
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