13 Questions about Cake Smash Photography: Everything you need to Know About First Birthday Photos

1. What is a cake smash photography session?

Cake smashes started as a tradition at first birthday parties, at home, with family. Parents began sharing videos and photos of their baby’s reaction. Some genius decided this would be an amazing photo session to capture these funny faces and reactions, and a whole new area of photography was born.

A cake smash photo session recreates this in a studio. A scene is decorated similar to a first birthday party and a baby get their own cake. Some babies dive right in, some are cautious, some laugh, and some cry. It’s all about seeing what your baby will do when you put a whole cake in front of them!

2. When should I schedule first birthday photos?

I recommend booking the session about 3-4 months before the date you want to do it. As far as the date, there are two options: do the session at 11 months so you have the photos back for their frist birthday, or, right around their first birthday so you are capturing them right at one.

3. What is included in my cake smash session?

At Ann Lyle Photography, I provide the cake, the decor and the outfit. All you need to do is show up!

4. Do I need to bring the cake?

Did you know: Sometimes babies love to use a spoon instead of their hands to smash. I have multiple colors available and ready!

Most photographers will provide a cake for you or have a recommended baker. At my studio I have 4 cakes for you to pick from - they are all proven winners at cake smash sessions. Many babies are particular about texture and the cakes I offer have special frosting that most babies enjoy.

5. What should my baby wear?

For cake smash sessions, I recommend rompers or dresses that leave little arms and legs free. Once the smashing starts, the frosting usually ends up everywhere, and those messy little hands, feet, arms, and legs are part of what makes cake smash photos so much fun!

6. What's the difference between a Cake Smash Session and a First Birthday Experience?

I have 2 types of cake smash sessions at my studio. The Cake Smash Session includes one decorated setup where we take a few portraits before bringing out the cake, then a series with the cake. The First Birthday Experience includes two sessions in one: two scenes, a classic milestone portrait setup followed by the Cake Smash.

7. Do we take first birthday portraits before the cake?

Yes, of course! I take a whole series of photos before we bring out the cake. You never know what is going to happen when the cake arrives. Some babies love it, some want nothing to do with it, so I always make sure we have a great first birthday gallery for you before it arrives.

8. What if my baby doesn't smash the cake?

This happens! Some babies will not touch the cake, they cry, they won’t even let the cake be near them for photos. But, that’s ok. It’s part of the story. In my sessions, we have already taken a whole series of first birthday photos before the cake comes out, so you don’t need to worry if cake smashing isn’t for them.

At my studio, We will take lots of photos before the cake arrives. If your baby doesn’t like the cake, it’s okay! We already have an amazing gallery of images.

9. What if my baby cries during the session?

In my experience, crying is only temporary. If a baby is shy or not ready to start a session, we wait. There’s no rush. Once they’re ready, then we start the session. If your baby is having a tough day, then we reschedule for another day or I will refund you. No need to make a baby do what they aren’t ready for yet.

10. Should my baby try cake before the session?

Make sure your baby has been exposed to the ingredients in the cake to rule out allergies. Beyond that, it is up to you if their first bite is in front of the camera or at home.

11. Can parents be included in cake smash or first birthday photos?

Of course! I love when parents want to be part of the experience.

12. How far in advance should I book a cake smash photographer?

I recommend booking your cake smash about 3-4 months before the session date you want.

13. Where is the studio?

My studio is located in Framingham, MA. Centrally located in the Metrowest; Perfect for families coming from Boston or surrounding communities.