THEMED BIRTHDAY SHOOTS THROUGH AGE 5

Have Your Cake, and Wear It too

First Birthday Cake Smash photo sessions are more popular than ever and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you! You bring the baby and the cake (or the tacos, or waffles, or skip food all together for an adorable themed birthday shoot for children under age 5) and we will provide a beautiful set – and clean up the mess after.

We now offer two session types; one using inspiration from photos you see on the site, or a custom creation with backdrops and props purchased just for your celebration. Click here for tips on planning a theme.

Click here for a cake smash FAQ or see Raleigh cake smash availability. Sessions must be scheduled at least one week in advance to allow time for us to build your set. Need theme ideas? Click here!

If you prefer a non-themed, non-cake session, reach out about a Sweet and Simple Mini Session. A deposit is required to reserve your session.

AVAILABILITY

SESSION TYPES

Not sure which session type you need? Contact us and we can let you know if we have your theme available. See our 2023 Bucket List for discounted new themes!

BASIC CAKE SMASH – $425

Choose from themes we have done before, new sets we have planned OR a party set of your choosing.– Set, Backdrop, Props and Clean Up After
– 45 minute session (one theme), weekdays only
– Clean photos (pre-cake), messy photos, and bath photos
– Digital Files Included (30-35 images)
– Add a mini shoot on a white background for $40 (can include parents)

DELUXE CAKE SMASH – $485

A custom portrait session designed for your little one.
Have a unique theme in mind? This session includes a custom setup with a background/props not used before.
– Custom Set, Backdrop, Props and Clean Up After
– 1 Hour Session (one theme), weekends additional fee
– Clean photos (pre-cake), messy photos, and bath photos
– All Digital Files Included (45+ images)
– Add a mini shoot on a white background for $40 (can include parents)

PLANNING FOR YOUR

BIRTHDAY SHOOT

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING

SCHEDULING & BOOKING

The window of happy time is short with babies so there is no time to waste. Your set will be waiting and ready when you arrive. We will start with images pre-cake on the set, keeping things moving quickly and keeping baby entertained. Then we bring out the cake and see what happens! Don’t be surprised if your baby isn’t a huge fan of the cake, many aren’t but the photos are still adorable. The bath is both adorable but if you’re little one is nervous around water, skip this part.

I recommend only 1 or two easy outfit changes, every outfit change takes up some of that precious happy baby time! If it has 57 buttons, this is not the outfit! Soft, comfortable clothes that cover the diaper completely are best.

THESE SESSIONS MOVE FAST

WHAT TO EXPECT

We typically get 30-45 minutes of happy time (sometimes even less), but don’t worry – that is enough! The goal is to stay calm, quiet and keep things moving before baby gets frustrated. I have lots of props, chairs and benches to use during the shoot.

I will give you plenty of tips for making the best of you session time so be sure to read through them. If you are not seeing emails before your session, check spam. Stranger danger is common around this age, especially for babies that are not used to meeting new people.

I always try to add a social media sneak peek after your shoot. Your final images will be ready for download in 7-10 days. Additional prints, albums and collages are available for purchase. Most importantly, relax and enjoy this precious time – it’s fleeting!

Now the fun part:

CHOOSING YOUR THEME

After years of shooting cake smash sessions I have created many (many, MANY!) looks and collected a ton of backdrops and props. Browse our gallery to get an idea of what is already available, keeping in mind that no two sessions are alike, even using the same backdrop. Basic Cake Smash Sessions can include most sets you see on the site, reach out to see if yours is available.

Don’t see what you’re imagining? I will do my best to create a custom set just for your little one with the Deluxe Session. Send us your thoughts and vision and we will brainstorm on how to turn that into a design created just for you. While Pinterest and Google can be helpful it can also cause planning overload. View this page for tips on how to plan your cake smash theme.

I recommend 1-2 outfits only for your little one, too many changes eat up your happy baby time. See tips on choosing an outfit here. I am happy to help in that part of the process as well!

FAQs

rookie baseball cake smash — HOW TO PICK A THEME

THE SWEETEST LITTLE PHOTO SHOOT YOU’LL EVER HAVE.

These creative and FUN photos will be treasured for years to come. Please reach out with any questions you may have, browse my Instagram for behind the scenes stories and I hope to meet you and your little one soon for their very own celebration!