If you’ve ever seen adorable photos of a one-year-old covered in frosting, laughing with a tiny cake in front of them — that’s a cake smash session! These fun, messy, joy-filled photoshoots are the perfect way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday milestone.
As a fine art newborn and child photographer in the Bay Area, I absolutely love capturing these sessions. They’re playful, expressive, and filled with genuine smiles that parents cherish forever.
What Is a Cake Smash Session?
A cake smash session is a themed photoshoot where your baby gets their own mini cake to explore — by poking, tasting, smashing, and playing! It’s all about celebrating your baby’s first birthday in a way that feels joyful and totally unique to them.
These sessions are typically scheduled around the time your baby turns one. Some families like to do the session a few weeks before the birthday party so they can use the photos for invitations, displays, or thank-you cards.
Every baby reacts differently — some dive right in, others gently poke the frosting first. No matter what, the photos always tell a sweet story of personality, curiosity, and celebration.
How a Cake Smash Session Works in My Bay Area Studio
My Bay Area photography studio is set up to make your baby’s experience easy, comfortable, and fun. Here’s how a typical session flows:
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Classic Portraits First
Before the cake makes its debut, we start with a few simple portraits of your baby. I’ll photograph them sitting, standing (if they can!), and smiling in their special outfit. This part gives us those timeless, frame-worthy shots before things get messy.
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The Cake Smash!
Once we bring out the cake, the fun begins! Your little one will get to explore the cake however they like. Some babies dive right in with both hands, while others are more cautious. I photograph every reaction — from curiosity to pure delight — capturing your baby’s personality beautifully.
I provide a coordinated backdrop and simple props that complement your chosen theme or color palette. Whether you prefer something soft and timeless or bright and playful, I’ll help you create the perfect look.
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Bubble Bath Cleanup (Optional but Adorable!)
Many families love to end the session with a little splash-in-the-tub moment. It’s both practical and irresistibly cute — a quick mini bath helps clean up the frosting while giving us even more sweet smiles to photograph.
Nikon D850
What to Bring for Your Cake Smash Session
To make the day go smoothly, here’s what I recommend bringing along:
- A backup outfit (for baby — and maybe for you, too!)
- Towel and baby wipes for cleanup
- A favorite toy or snack to help keep baby happy and relaxed
- The cake, unless you’d like me to recommend a local Bay Area bakery that makes baby-friendly smash cakes. One local bakery, Mayu’s Cakes and Bakery, located in Pittsburg, has a cute selection of yummy cakes. Another choice is Susie’s Cakes, located in Lafayette and several other locations, has a wonderful selection.
If your baby has any food allergies or sensitivities, we can easily adjust the session — our studio even has a “fake cake” prop for photos and then you can let baby play with frosting or whipped cream instead.
Nikon D850
When to Book Your Cake Smash Photoshoot
The best time to book your cake smash photography session is about 4–6 weeks before your baby’s first birthday. That gives us plenty of time to plan your theme, schedule your shoot, and edit your images before the big celebration.
My studio serves families throughout the Bay Area – Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Antioch, Oakley, Livermore, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Danville and I also offer limited outdoor child sessions for parents who love natural light and golden fields.
Why Parents Love Cake Smash Photos
Cake smash sessions are more than just fun — they’re a meaningful way to celebrate your baby’s first year and all the milestones you’ve shared together. That first year goes by so fast, and these photos freeze those sweet, fleeting moments in a way that feels both joyful and timeless.
Every session is full of giggles, curiosity, and personality. No two babies ever react the same way — and that’s exactly what makes each cake smash session one of a kind.
Ready to Plan Your Cake Smash in the Bay Area?
If your baby’s first birthday is coming up, I’d love to help you celebrate it in the sweetest way possible!
📸 Contact me today to plan your cake smash session at my Brentwood studio or an outdoor Bay Area location. Let’s create beautiful, joy-filled photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
