a dad and big sister look on at a cake smash photo shoot
a little girl crying dramatically by her cake
a mum tries to encourage a little boy to look at his cake
a dad plays with the cake at a cake smash birthday photo shoot

Let’s be honest—some babies dive straight into their first birthday cake with wild enthusiasm, and some… need a little gentle encouragement.

That’s completely normal.

During cake smash sessions, I’ve seen everything from full-face frosting dives to suspicious side-eyes. And sometimes, a little hand from mum or dad is all it takes to get things going. Whether it’s showing them how to squish icing or just making the whole thing feel like a game, a quick assist can make all the difference.

There’s no “right” way to do a cake smash. It’s just about celebrating one whole year of your baby being here—with fun, mess, and lots of cake crumbs.

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!