Okay, mama—your baby is turning ONE?! How did that happen so fast?! I know, I know… you blinked and somehow your tiny newborn is suddenly babbling, crawling, and smashing food like a full-blown toddler. That first birthday is such a huge milestone—not just for them, but for you, too. And honestly, what better way to celebrate than with a cake smash photoshoot?
As a photographer (and fellow mama), cake smash sessions are some of my absolute favorites. They’re sweet, silly, messy, and filled with so much personality. If you’re thinking about booking one, let me give you the inside scoop on why they’re such a fun (and meaningful!) way to celebrate your little one’s big day.
What Is a Cake Smash Session?
Basically? It’s a photo session where your baby gets their own birthday cake, and we let them go wild with it. Some babies gently poke it, others face plant—it’s always hilarious and adorable either way. We usually start with a few clean, pre-cake portraits, then dive into the mess. You’ll walk away with a full gallery of milestone moments that are cute enough to frame and perfect for party invites or social media.
How We Make It Special
Every cake smash session is customized to fit your style. Want something soft and neutral? We’ve got it. Prefer bold colors, themed outfits, or fun props? Let’s go! I’ll work with you to plan the vibe, coordinate the backdrop, and make sure everything feels true to your little one’s personality.
Sessions can be done in one of our go-to Capital Region studios (perfect for clean setups and unpredictable weather) or outdoors at local spots like Halfmoon Town Park or Round Lake Preserve if the season’s right.
What to Bring (And What I Provide!)
You bring:
- Baby (obviously!)
- The cake (we’ll chat about size and style)
- Any favorite outfits or accessories
I’ll provide:
- The setup (backdrops, props, balloons—you name it)
- A clean-up station for post-smash messiness
- A full gallery of edited photos
- All the smiles and hype to help your babe feel like the star of the show
Why It’s Totally Worth It
The first year is filled with so many “firsts,” but that first birthday hits different. It’s the close of the baby chapter and the start of toddlerhood. A cake smash session freezes that in-between moment perfectly—the curiosity, the joy, the chaos. It’s fun, low-pressure, and something you’ll never regret documenting.
Plus, they make for adorable party decor, thank-you cards, and photo books. And let’s be real—these are the photos that will live on in every birthday slideshow for the next 18 years.
Ready to Celebrate?
If you’re in the Capital Region and looking for a fun, laid-back way to celebrate your little one’s first birthday, I’d love to help you plan the perfect cake smash session. We’ll create something that’s just as unique (and cute!) as your babe.
Let’s smash some cake and make some memories!
xo,
Dana
