A cake smash is one of the most fun photoshoots your baby will ever have.
It is a celebration of their very first birthday, and it usually involves three parts: portraits in a birthday outfit, a beautifully decorated cake they get to dig into (and destroy), and a bath splash to clean up the mess afterwards.
If you have never booked one before, the whole thing might seem a bit daunting. What kind of cake do you need? What should your baby wear? What if they cry? I photograph cake smash sessions every week in my Rugby studio, and I can tell you this: they are always brilliant.
Even the babies who are unsure at first come around once they taste the icing.
Here is everything you need to know before you book.
What Actually Happens in a Cake Smash Session
The session runs for about an hour and follows a natural flow from clean to messy.
We start with the clean portraits before any cake appears. This is your baby in their birthday outfit, looking their absolute best. I photograph them sitting, standing (if they are pulling themselves up), and playing with simple props like wooden toys or balloons.
Then the cake comes out. I set it up on the studio floor with a coordinated backdrop, and your baby gets free rein to poke, prod, squish, and taste it. Some babies go straight in with both hands. Others take their time and need a little encouragement. Both approaches produce amazing images.
The final part is the bath splash. I set up a little metal tub with warm water, and your baby gets to splash and play while I capture those joyful, messy, water-everywhere moments. Parents always say the bath splash is their favourite set of images.
When to Book a Cake Smash
The ideal time is around your baby’s first birthday, any time from about 11 months to 13 months old.
At this age, most babies can sit up confidently on their own and are starting to explore food, which makes the cake part much more natural and enjoyable.
I recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks before their birthday.
My weekend slots fill up quickly, especially during spring and summer when birthday season is in full swing. Getting in early means you will have the images back in time for the party too.
About the Cake
You do not need to worry about the cake. I provide it as part of every cake smash session. It is always a simple, baby-friendly sponge with buttercream icing, and I can accommodate dietary requirements.
If your little one has allergies, just let me know when you book and I will make sure the cake is safe.
If your little one has allergies, just let me know when you book and I will make sure the cake is safe.
The cake is made by a local baker and is designed to look beautiful on camera and to be easy for small hands to grab and smash. It does not need to be a masterpiece because your baby is going to destroy it within minutes, and that is exactly the point.
What to Bring
Keep it simple:
- A birthday outfit (optional). I can provide them – but if you want – bring something special for the clean portraits at the start. A tutu, a romper with their age on it, or a simple vest and bloomers all work well. Avoid anything too bulky or complicated to get on and off.
- A smash outfit (optional).Some parents bring a separate outfit for the cake part, maybe just a nappy cover or a simple vest that can get messy. Plenty of babies do the cake smash in just a nappy, and that looks gorgeous too.
- Nappies and wipes. I have some in the studio, but it is always good to bring your own.
- A towel and change of clothes. For after the bath splash. A warm, fluffy towel and something comfortable to go home in.
- Their favourite snack or toy. Useful for keeping them happy between the different parts of the session.
What If My Baby Cries or Will Not Touch the Cake?
This happens less often than you would think, but it does happen. And it is completely fine.
Some babies are cautious around new textures, and a big squishy cake is a new experience. If your little one is hesitant, I have plenty of tricks: I might put a tiny bit of icing on their finger, place a small piece of cake in front of them, or give them a spoon. Sometimes just watching the icing squish between their toes is enough to get them curious.
If they really are not feeling it, we adapt. The portraits and the bath splash are often the highlight anyway, and the images are always beautiful regardless of how much cake actually gets eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cake smash photoshoot cost?
Cake smash sessions at Oana Photography start from £350 for the Cake Smash Session package, which includes the cake, the bath splash setup, and 20 edited digital images. The full pricing is on my pricing page.
Do I need to bring my own cake?
No. I provide the cake as part of every session. Just let me know about any allergies or dietary requirements.
What age is best for a cake smash?
Around 11 to 13 months, timed close to their first birthday. At this age, babies can sit up, interact with the cake, and enjoy the bath splash.
How long does a cake smash session take?
About two hours, sometimes a little longer if we need extra settling time. There is never any rush.
When will I receive my photos?
Your online gallery will be ready within 2 to 3 weeks after the session.
Ready to Book Your Cake Smash?
If your baby’s first birthday is coming up, get in touch to reserve your session. I book limited cake smash sessions each month, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
You can see my full portfolio of sessions and clients below.
*Oana Maria is a newborn, baby, and family photographer based in Rugby, Warwickshire. Her bright, airy home studio is the perfect setting for cake smash, bath splash, and first birthday portraits. She serves families across Coventry, Leamington Spa, Northampton, Daventry, and the surrounding areas.*