
Birthday Photos Without a Cake Smash: Creative Alternatives for Your Baby’s First Birthday
Not every first birthday celebration needs a cake smash to be memorable. While cake smashes are a popular choice for marking the milestone, they aren’t for everyone. Whether you’re concerned about the mess, your baby’s allergies, or simply want to try something different, there are plenty of creative alternatives to make your little one’s first birthday photos special.
One popular option is to focus on a beautiful portrait session that highlights your baby’s personality. With a range of props and backdrops available in my Crawley Down studio, we can create a setup that reflects your style. Whether it’s a playful theme featuring their favourite toys, a soft and serene setup with pastel colours, or something bold and bright, we’ll design the perfect setting.
Another alternative is to incorporate a family or sibling photoshoot into the session. These images celebrate the bond between your baby and their loved ones, creating timeless photos that you’ll treasure for years to come. You could also bring along a special outfit or meaningful props, like a favourite blanket, heirloom item, or a themed accessory, to add a personal touch.
If you’d still like an interactive element, consider a tub splash session. This is a fun and mess-free way to capture those adorable giggles as your baby plays in warm, bubbly water. It’s a fantastic follow-up to a traditional portrait session and adds a playful, memorable element to the experience.
Whatever you decide, my aim is to create a stress-free, enjoyable experience that captures this special moment in time. Let’s chat about how we can design a first birthday photoshoot that’s perfect for your family.
Baby Photography
You can book a stand alone baby photo shoot for £95 including three digital images or you can take a look at my Baby Photography Club which includes
- Sessions at 4, 8 and 12 months
- The last session as a cake smash / tub splash if you’d like it (no extra charge)
- Your favourite image from each session in a wall frame at the end of the year OR a free digital image from each session
- Online private image gallery after each session (no sales / viewing appointments)
- £39.95 for the sessions and the wall frame