Cake Smash & Splash

What is a cake smash?

A "cake smash" is the name give to a popular trend in portrait photography where babies are photographed with their birthday cake. These sessions are typically styled with fun and festive setups and typically scheduled just before their first birthday. It's a fun way to commemorate this big milestone! Its called a cake smash because babies are allowed - in fact, encouraged - to smash their cake! Sometimes they get really into it and cake ends up everywhere. Other times, babies may need a little bit of encouragement to get going. No matter what they do, we capture adorable photos of it all!

What is the splash part?

The part that ALL kids love. The BATH! I try and encourage them to splash as much as they can and I love getting their hair and eyelashes all wet and there is nothing better than seeing a baby splashing around and enjoying themselves! A perfect opportunity for your baby to get clean after their messy cake smash and often were the best smiles are seen. I also include a bubble machine for extra bubble fun!

I've spent a year making sure my baby is healthy eating, why should I let them eat cake?

The amount of cake that actually gets eaten during a smash session is usually pretty small. Baby takes little nibbles, the occasional crumbly mouthful, but really it’s about seeing them take those first few tastes and capturing their reactions. Some babies aren’t actually all that keen, so for those babies it’s more about exploring and playing than eating. Plus, it’s definitely a one-off – please don’t worry, you’re not going to change your child’s healthy habits with an hour of cake tasting!

Surely I could just get normal pictures instead?

Well, you could have a birthday session without smashing a cake. But for me, a cake smash is the perfect trio opportunity of a portrait session, cake smash an then splash. It’s a celebration, a milestone, so why not make it something different and special? Why not include balloons and a cake? Plus, of course, with a cake smash session you can make the set personal for you and your baby by choosing a theme which reflects the little person he or she is becoming. And honestly, babies aren’t very good at sitting and posing for normal pictures – they’ve just found their feet, and they want to be on the move! So if you want them to sit still for any length of time, then you better put a cake in front of them!

How to book a cake smash & splash

To book a Cake Smash session with me, first you’ll pay a retainer fee to secure your date and begin the planning process. Our time together will include a design consultation, personalised styling and your custom portrait session. After the shoot you’ll receive a proofing gallery to view all of the images from your session. Simply choose your favourites.  Every image that you select comes with the edited high resolution digital file with printing rights. The whole process is easy and I walk you through every step of the way.

Is it only exclusive to one year olds?

Absolutely not! We can celebrate any birthday with a cake smash! In fact, check out little Elsie below, turning 2! (Ft. our gorgeous crown that we have available for you to use).

We may not be able to use the bathtub for the splash part (depending on age/size of child).

What should I bring?

• Clean outfit
• Cake Outfit
• Cake
• Towel
• Change of clothes for child to go home in
• Change of clothes for parents to go home in (just incase)
• Toys/Teddies you want to include
• Snacks and drink for child