Quick Tips for a Successful Smash Cake Session


Scheduling

If you’d like to use your portraits to display at baby’s birthday party I recommend having your session take place when your little one is 11 months old. This will give you time to make prints and order any products that you’d like to display. However, I would say the majority of my parents like to schedule close to baby's birthday.


Choosing the right time

Choose a time when baby will be happy. Schedule the session when your baby is well-rested and fed (but not too full). A tired or hungry baby may not be in the mood to play.


Leave young siblings home if possible

Siblings, especially those under 4, don’t understand why they can’t have cake too. This session is a special occasion for your little one, so we want to make this day all about baby!


Be prepared to participate

Some babies don’t quite get the hang of the smash right away so you may need to get your hands into the cake to help them get started.


Bring a drink & snacks

Bring some puffs or small snacks that baby likes! This is a great little trick to help us get some great images even if baby isn’t interested in smashing… we just stick them right into the back of the cake! Also, have a sippy cup or bottle nearby in case baby gets thirsty or needs a break. Frosting can make babies very thirsty!


This could get messy

I never know how the session will go. Although I would say the majority of cake sessions aren't super messy I do have the occasional sessions when babies destroy the cake. Be prepared to get messy! You may want to bring an extra outfit for yourself and definitely one for baby to wear home. I have towels and paper towels available for cleanup but feel free to bring wipes.


Try not to stress!

This one is easier said than done but try to avoid stressing and worrying about how your session is going to go. Go into it with excitement so that hopefully, your child will reciprocate that same energy.

A white cake with green decorations sits on a pedestal with safari-themed backdrop and balloons.
A baby in striped romper sits on white cube with safari animal decorations and balloons in background.
A baby in striped outfit sits with safari-themed backdrop featuring elephant and giraffe decorations.
A baby sits in wicker chair with safari-themed backdrop featuring plush animals and string lights.
A baby in striped romper sits beside a white cake with green decorations against safari-themed backdrop.
A baby in olive romper smashes into a white cake with green decorations during a cake smash photo session.
Smiling baby in grey romper sits on floor with decorated cake at first birthday photoshoot.
Baby in striped overalls sitting next to birthday cake with safari animal decorations in background.
Baby by smash cake with safari themed decorations and balloons at first birthday party setup.
Baby enjoying cake smash with safari themed backdrop and green balloons at first birthday celebration.
Close up of messy smash cake with green frosting and scattered crumbs on white surface.
Baby in striped outfit playing with smashed birthday cake on white floor.
Baby sitting on white floor with smash cake and safari themed decorations in background.
Baby in olive romper crawling on white floor with cake crumbs scattered around.
Baby sitting in miniature white bathtub with safari themed party decorations in background.

Book Your Session


If you're looking for a one year cake smash photographer click here to contact me. Serving clients throughout Manhattan and the surrounding areas including Wamego, Junction City, Fort Riley, Abilene and Salina. Studio is located in Manhattan, Kansas.