First Birthday Smash Cake Sessions


One Year. One Milestone. One Very Sweet (and Splashy!) Celebration. Your baby’s first year is full of so many “firsts”… and somehow it all leads to this moment.

Turning ONE isn’t just a birthday, it’s a milestone worth slowing down and truly capturing. These sessions are designed to celebrate your little one in a way that feels joyful, meaningful, and completely unique to them from sweet smiles to frosting-covered fingers… all the way to splashing in the tub.

Professional studio portrait of someone in a black suit and tie smiling against a dark background.

Made Just for Your Baby!

No rushing. No cookie-cutter setups. Just your baby being their adorable, messy, one year old self.

We’ll design a simple, beautiful setup that lets their personality shine front and center.

  • Carefully styled backdrops that keep things timeless
  • Time to capture it all, sweet smiles, frosting chaos, and a splashy bubble bath ending
  • A go-with-the-flow pace (because let’s be real… they’re in charge )
  • I’ll guide you through everything so you can relax and enjoy the fun
A young student in a navy blue school uniform dress sits on a white and red chair against a gray backdrop.

The Experience

We begin with simple, sweet portraits those “how are they already this big?” moments you’ll never want to forget.

The the cake makes its entrance. Let the smash begin.

Some babies dive right in. Some take their time. Some just enjoy the frosting in their own unique way. However it unfolds, we capture it all the giggles, the curiosity, and that perfectly messy magic that makes this stage so special.

And then… the grand finale. A ducky bubble bath!

After all the frosting fun, your little one gets to splash, play, and reset in a warm bubble bath surrounded by adorable rubber duckies. It’s the sweetest way to wind down and often where we capture some of the biggest smiles of the entire session. And yes… you leave with a clean baby. You’re welcome!

A child in a lace dress sits on a vintage white and red step stool against a dark backdrop.

Session Details & Investment

Your baby’s first birthday session is designed as a full experience from planning to final artwork so you can simply show up and enjoy every sweet (and messy) moment.

Session Fee: $325

This reserves your date and includes:

  • Pre-session planning and styling guidance
  • A fully customized, styled setup.
  • Studio session time for portraits, cake smash, and ducky bath.
  • Access to props, simple styling elements, and bath setup.
  • Professional editing and preparation of your gallery.
  • A personalized ordering appointment or online gallery experience.



FAQ

When should I book my baby’s first birthday session?

A.The best time to schedule your session is about 4–6 weeks before your baby turns one. This gives us time to capture the images, view your gallery, and have artwork ready in time for their birthday celebration.

Do you provide the cake?

A.I don’t provide the cake, and that’s intentional!
Having you bring your own ensures it’s safe for your baby especially if there are any allergies or sensitivities. I’m always happy to guide you on what styles photograph best!

What kind of cake should I bring?

A.A small, simple cake works best - think soft frosting, minimal colors, and nothing too tall. Naked cakes or lightly frosted cakes tend to photograph beautifully and are easier for little hands to smash.

What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?

A.Totally normal! Some babies dive right in, and others take their time or skip it altogether.
That’s why we capture a mix of portraits, reactions, and playful moments—so no matter what, you’ll have a full gallery of adorable images.

How do I get my baby to actually smash the cake?

A.Great question—and the honest answer is… every baby is different.

Some little ones dive right in, while others take a more “let me investigate this situation” approach. Both are completely normal and equally adorable.

A few helpful tips:
-Let your baby try a little frosting at home beforehand so it’s not a brand new experience
-Bring a favorite snack or let them see you touch/taste the frosting to spark curiosity
-Don’t worry about perfection—sometimes the tiniest reactions make the sweetest photos
-And don’t stress—I’ll gently guide things along during the session and capture all the personality, whether they go all in or keep it low-key.

What should my baby wear?

A.Simple is best! Neutral tones, soft textures, and minimal patterns keep the focus on your baby.
You’re welcome to bring an outfit change—many parents do one look for portraits and one for the cake smash.

Can parents or siblings be in the photos?

A.Absolutely! We can include a few quick family or sibling shots at the beginning of the session—just let me know ahead of time so we can plan for it.

How long does the session take?

A.Sessions are designed to be relaxed and baby-led, typically lasting about 45 minutes to an hour. We allow time for portraits, cake smash, and the ducky bath without rushing.

Tell me about the ducky bath!

A.Yes—this is everyone’s favorite part 🐥
After the cake smash, your baby gets to splash and play in a warm bubble bath with rubber duckies. It’s the perfect and adorable way to clean up. It's Often where we get the biggest smiles!

How do I choose my photos?

A.After your session, you’ll receive a curated gallery where you can select your favorite images and choose from digital files, prints, and custom artwork for your home.

What if my baby is fussy that day?

A.No worries at all—I’ve got you.
With years of experience (and a lot of patience), I follow your baby’s lead and keep things relaxed. Some of the best moments come from just letting them be themselves.

Do I need to bring anything besides the cake?

A.Just a few essentials:
-Cake + utensils if needed.
-An extra outfit or two for baby.
-an extra out fit for parents too!
-Any special items you’d like included.

I’ll take care of the rest!

When will I receive my photos?

A.Your gallery will be ready within a few weeks after your session, so you’ll have plenty of time to choose your favorites and order artwork.