1st Birthday Cake Smash Ideas & Tips for a Fun Photoshoot

Discover everything you need to know about planning the perfect cake smash photography session to celebrate your baby’s first birthday milestone!

Cake smash ideas guide

What Is a Cake Smash Photography Session?

A cake smash photography session is a playful and messy way to celebrate your baby’s 1st birthday. We set up a themed backdrop, bring in a cake (or alternative), and let your baby explore, smash, and taste—while capturing every joyful moment.

I have photographed cake smash sessions for the past 12 years and learned a ton. I will share with you some tips and tricks, as well as how I photograph my cake smash sessions.

First Birthday Photoshoot Ideas to Celebrate the Milestone

Planning your baby’s first birthday photoshoot? Here are some creative options that go beyond the classic cake smash.

1. Classic Cake Smash

This is the most popular way to mark a 1st birthday. We use a beautiful 6” cake or a giant cupcake, and your baby gets to dive in, play, and taste (if they want to!). This setup always creates adorable, candid memories.

Cake smash ideas guide

Looking for a more minimal or natural option? Try our:

Mini Cake Smash with Yogurt & Berries

A perfect choice for parents who want to avoid too much sugar or food waste. We use a small sponge cake topped with whipped yogurt and fresh berries. It’s organic, simple, and loved by babies!

2. Fruit Smash Photoshoot

Healthy, colourful, and fun! A fruit smash photo session features a watermelon cake or a fruit-tasting bowl.

By 12 months, most babies have tasted a variety of fruits—so why not turn that into a celebration? One of my favorite alternatives is a Watermelon Cake: sliced watermelon stacked into a cake shape, topped with berries and whipped yogurt.

Just a heads-up—this one can get very messy! The juice creates puddles, and your little one might end up sliding around in fruity chaos (which makes for adorable photos).

Another fun idea is a fruit tasting bowl—a colorful selection of berries and sliced fruits, even a slice of lemon for a funny reaction!

3. Spaghetti Bolognese Smash (Savoury Alternative)

This one’s still on my bucket list, but I’m dying to try it! The idea came from families telling me their babies prefer savory food. A few times, parents have even added spaghetti on top of the cake to get their baby involved!

The concept: a big bowl of baby-friendly bolognese, with long spaghetti strands they can pick up and play with. It would make an awesome (and hilarious) photo session—especially for boys who love a good mess!

4. Baby Painting Session


Not a fan of food? Let your little artist loose with a baby-safe painting session! It’s messy, creative, and can include adorable handprint or footprint art for keepsakes. I did this many years ago, and I loved how family was involved. Each of us did a little story in the drawing, along with the baby’s hand and footprints. Nice piece to frame later and keep as a memory.

funny cake smash photos with baby crying

Cake smash theme ideas.

Cake smash fairy background idea

With a cake smash theme, you can be as simple or as complex. Keep in mind that more busier and contrasty your background is, the more it takes away attention from your baby. To me, cake smashes are more about the baby and personality rather than how fancy the background is.

Of course, parents would always have the last say :)

You can have a simple banner background or you can build a whole prop set . Here are some ideas I offer to my clients.

What Happens During a Cake Smash Session?

I structure my cake smash sessions in three stages:

Baby Portraits & Family Photos

We ease into the session with simple portraits. This helps your baby get used to me, the studio, and the lighting. I’ll gently guide them through some of their milestones—like standing up or sitting proudly.
We also take a few relaxed family photos. This stage usually lasts about 20 minutes. I like to keep it short so your baby still has energy for the cake!

Cake smash Peter Rabbit theme with baby in kilt

The Cake Smash

Here comes the fun (and the mess)! Some babies are immediately into it; others need encouragement.

With 12+ years of experience, I have plenty of tricks to get hesitant babies involved—like hiding favorite snacks behind the cake or introducing a wooden spoon for those who dislike sticky fingers.

Siblings and parents are welcome to jump in too—it often leads to the best, most natural photos!

fun during cake smash photoshoot

Bubble Bath Cleanup

The session ends with a splash! Babies usually love the bath and bubbles. And yes, it’s a real bath—no photoshopped bubbles here.

Parents often tell me this is their favorite part. Some even request just the bath session as an update to baby’s portraits.

Just be aware: once babies get into the bath, they rarely want to get out. Cue the giggles… and sometimes a tantrum when it’s over!

Cake Smash Planning Tips

BEFORE THE SESSION

  • 1. Choose your setup style: Simple banner or fully themed set? Keep in mind that fewer props = fewer distractions.
  • 2. Test cake taste: Try a plain cupcake at home to see how your baby reacts to cake and icing.
  • 3. Schedule before baby starts walking: Sitters are easier to keep in place and more focused.
  • 4. Book early: I recommend scheduling your shoot a few weeks before the birthday to have photos ready in time.
  • 5. Pick the right time of day: Mornings usually work best, right after nap and snack. Avoid nap time!
  • 6. Discuss allergies: Let me know if there are any dietary needs so we can plan accordingly.

During the Session

  • 1. Don’t overdo the portrait stage—save energy for the cake!
  • 2. If your baby is too focused on props, simplify the setup mid-session.
  • 3. Let baby explore the cake. Sit nearby and show them it’s OK to touch and taste.
  • 4. For hesitant babies: hide snacks in the back of the cake or use a spoon to play with it.
  • 5. If baby is a clean eater, a few icing smudges on the cheeks help create that “smashed” look.
  • 6. Let your baby lead the experience—some will smile, some will focus. Both make great memories.
  • 7. Stay relaxed! If you’re laughing and having fun, your baby will too.
  • Cake Smash Ideas Guide 45
  • Cake Smash Ideas Guide 46
  • Cake Smash Ideas Guide 47

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident and excited about your baby’s upcoming cake smash session. It’s a joyful, messy, unforgettable way to celebrate a big milestone.
Thanks for visiting—and let’s make some magic!

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