Curious what happens during a cake smash session? Learn what to expect, from milestone portraits and custom sets to cake smash fun and summer splash sessions.

If you’ve never booked a cake smash session before, you may be wondering what actually happens once you arrive.

Over the years, I’ve learned that many parents picture the session starting with a cake being placed in front of their baby and then hoping for the best.

In reality, there’s a little more to it than that.

The good news is that cake smash sessions are designed to be fun, relaxed, and centered around your child’s personality. Every baby is different, and one of the things I love most about these sessions is that no two ever unfold exactly the same way.

We Usually Start With Milestone Portraits

Before the cake ever makes an appearance, I like to spend some time capturing milestone portraits.

This gives us an opportunity to photograph your baby’s smiles, expressions, and personality without frosting covering everything. These portraits often end up being some of the parents’ favorite images from the gallery because they capture exactly who their child was at this stage.

Whether your little one is serious, silly, shy, curious, or constantly on the move, I want to document that before we move on to the messy part of the session.

Outfits and Sets Are Part of the Experience

One thing parents appreciate is that they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.

I do provide outfits for babies as part of the session, so if you don’t want to spend time shopping for something special, I’ve got you covered. Of course, if you’ve found an outfit you absolutely love or have something meaningful you’d like your child to wear, you’re welcome to bring that as well.

The same goes for the set design.

Whether we’re creating something simple and timeless or going all out with a custom theme, the set is included as part of your session. Designing these setups is honestly one of my favorite parts of cake smash photography and one of the reasons I became known for them in the first place.

Then Comes the Cake

Once we’ve captured milestone portraits, it’s time to bring out the cake.

This is where things become unpredictable—in the best possible way.

Some babies immediately dive in. Some carefully inspect every inch of the cake before touching it. Others are more interested in the balloons, decorations, or trying to crawl off the set altogether.

I’ve learned not to expect any particular reaction because every child approaches the experience differently.

The goal isn’t to force a cake smash. The goal is to capture genuine reactions and document your child’s personality.

Parents Are Never Far Away

Many parents worry that they’ll be sitting on the sidelines during the session.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Mom and dad are often my secret weapon.

Sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement, a funny face, or a tiny taste of frosting from a parent to help a hesitant baby warm up to the idea.

You may find yourself cheering, clapping, singing songs, or making silly noises right alongside me.

It’s all part of the experience.

We Follow Baby’s Lead

One thing you’ll quickly learn about first birthdays is that babies have opinions.

Strong opinions.

Some babies are ready to party the moment they arrive. Others need a little time to settle in and get comfortable.

Rather than forcing a session into a rigid timeline, I prefer to work with the child in front of me.

If they need a break, we take one.

If they want a few extra minutes to explore, that’s okay too.

The best photographs usually happen when babies are allowed to be themselves.

Summer Sessions Sometimes End With Water Fun

During the summer months, outdoor cake smash sessions sometimes include a fun cleanup in my antique wash basin.

Not every session includes this, but when the weather cooperates and the setup allows, it can be a fun way to wrap up the experience.

Babies often love splashing, playing, and cooling off after the cake portion of the session, and those images can be just as adorable as the cake smash itself.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection

One thing I always tell parents before a cake smash session is that we’re not trying to create perfection.

We’re celebrating a milestone.

Some babies leave covered from head to toe in frosting. Others barely touch the cake at all. Some spend the entire session laughing while others are more serious and observant.

Every reaction is perfectly okay.

At the end of the day, the photographs that matter most are the ones that remind you exactly who your child was when they turned one.

Why I Love These Sessions

There is something special about documenting a child’s first birthday.

The first year is filled with so much growth and change, and cake smash sessions are a fun way to celebrate everything your baby has accomplished in those twelve short months.

One day you’ll look back at these photographs and remember the expressions, the smiles, the curiosity, and yes, maybe even the frosting-covered cheeks.

And that’s exactly why I love photographing them.

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