
Cake smashes are a really common part of first birthday celebrations and a super fun way to both celebrate the day and commemorate the end of a crazy first year.
When you book a first birthday photo shoot with me, you’re welcome to add in a cake smash and a tub splash element to your session – you have time to do both or you can just pick one if you prefer. It’s totally up to you but if you’re cake smashing, then here’s a little bit of advice I’ve gathered together for you.
- You don’t need a professional cake to get great cake smash photos. Of course you can, but if it stretches your budget or you don’t fancy getting in the kitchen yourself , then go for something shop bought. There’s lots of options in the supermarkets. It’s a hassle free solution and all that really matters is that there is a cake to smash.
- When it comes to size, you don’t need a massive cake 6-8″ is fine. If you want to get a bigger cake so you have plenty to enjoy when you get home, then I’m not going to stop you though!
- Whoever is making your cake, buttercream works better than the flat time of smooth royal icing as it is much more smearable and easier for your little one to get stuck into and play with.
- Don’t use chocolate cake. Taste-wise it’s probably better (I think so at least!) but in the finished photo, it can look a bit like poo if I’m being blunt about it.
- If you’re making it yourself, there’s a good chance that you won’t actually eat much of it after it’s been through the mill of a photo shoot so if you’re looking for a shortcut, then shop bought sponge is a great one. Cans of frosting and sprinkles are another one.
- Buttercream however sets like rock in the fridge so take it out a good few hours before your session so that it’s not too solid for them to crack into. We do have a little wooden spoon in the studio that we can use to open it up (plus it looks great in the photos if your baby wants to use it to eat with).
- Candles and toppers are an optional extra – they can add a cute splash of colour and fun. They normally come with a spike in the bottom of some description so we usually end up having to take it out part way through the session to avoid any injuries but they can definitely look cute at the start but truthfully probably not worth a massive investment.
- Got a child that doesn’t like cake? That’s more common than you’d think. It’s likely to be a lot sweeter than anything else they’ve had before. It’s worth having a pot of familiar snacks with you so we can fake it if they don’t want to eat the cake. Raisins hidden in icing? No-one can tell it isn’t cake they’re eating.
- Babies tend not to actually eat a whole lot of cake in a session and if they’re really going to town on it, we will shoot really fast so they don’t gorge and get sick. Still, if you’re not keen on your little one eating a lot of sugar, fresh cream is a good alternative and you can blend fruit into it such as blueberries or strawberries to give it some colour.
- I have wet wipes and a bin at the studio but it’s a good idea to either not plan on going out afterwards or bring a change of clothes for yourself. No-one loves a cuddle more than an icing covered toddler!
Ultimate First Birthday Photo Guide
Make your first birthday photos unforgettable! Discover how to prepare, outfit tips, cake selection hints, and info on what to expect at your cake smash and / or tub splash photo session with my article series…
First Birthday Photo Shoots in East Grinstead
Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a session designed to suit you! Choose the Mini First Birthday Shoot for a simple and sweet session featuring your little one in one outfit against a single backdrop, complete your favourite image for just £45. For an all-inclusive experience, opt for the Full First Birthday Shoot, where we’ll capture your baby’s cake smash, a fun tub splash, and even family or sibling moments, all with three digital images included for £95. Let’s make their first birthday unforgettable—book your session today!