First Birthday Photoshoot Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Cake Smash Guide for Parents & Photographers: Planning the Perfect First Birthday Photoshoot

Why Cake Smash Photography Is a Must for First Birthday Photoshoots

Your baby’s first birthday is a big celebration. It marks a full year of incredible milestones. One of the best ways to celebrate is through a first birthday photoshoot and cake smash.

As a professional photographer in the Nashville area for over 15 years, I’ve captured hundreds of cake smash sessions. They are one of the most requested sessions from my clients. They are also one of the most asked about sessions by fellow photographers.

Parents want to know how to prepare and what to expect. Photographers often ask me about my setup, workflow, and editing process.

Are you planning your baby’s first birthday photoshoot? Maybe you are interested in getting started with cake smash photography. Either way, this ultimate guide is here to help! This guide will give you the best tips for a successful cake smash session.

I am here to answer all your cake smash questions. Whether you’re a parent planning your baby’s first birthday session or a photographer looking to elevate your work.

Inside, you’ll find tried-and-true tips, creative theme ideas, styling advice, and expert insight from years of experience. Get ready to plan the perfect cake smash session!

Here’s why cake smash photos are a popular way to celebrate your baby’s birthday:

Capture Your Baby’s Personality

By the 1st birthday, your baby has developed their own little personality. Cake smashes can really get their personalities to shine. From smiles and curiosity to a little bit of mischief, cake smashes capture all of the expressions.

Perfect for Birthday Invitations and Keepsakes

Cake smash photos are great to use for birthday invitations, party decor, and keepsakes.

It’s All About the Experience

A cake smash at Shannon Payne Photography is more than just cute photos—it’s a fun, relaxed experience for your whole family.

From start to finish, I focus on making it stress-free, joyful, and memorable for everyone involved.

What is Cake Smash Photography?

Cake smash photography started gaining popularity in the early 2000s. Cake smashes were introduced into milestone photography as a creative way to celebrate a baby’s first year. As social media and photo-sharing sites became more popular, it quickly took off.

My son was born in 2006, and we took his cake smash photos at Glamour Shots! At the time, selective color was the trend, so his photo was black and white with only his bright blue eyes and frosting in color. (Yes, we’ve come a long way!)

Today, cake smash sessions come in all styles—from minimalistic setups with just baby and cake, to over-the-top themes with coordinated outfits, balloon arches, and detailed backdrops.

No matter the style, one thing remains the same: these sessions are a joyful way to capture your baby’s growing personality as they turn one.

Babies explore the world through sensory play, and a cake smash offers that hands-on experience in a fun, unforgettable way.

At Shannon Payne Photography, a first birthday session is more than just the cake. Each session includes family portraits, milestone photos, and the cake smash itself.

I always start with family and milestone images first—this helps your little one ease into the experience and get comfortable in front of the camera. We save the cake smash for last because it gets messy (and sticky!) fast.

When to Schedule a Cake Smash Session

The ideal range to schedule a cake smash session is around 11-13 months old. This puts you close to your baby’s first birthday.

If you want to share your photos for your baby’s birthday, I recommend scheduling around 11 months. This allows time to choose your photos or have them printed for invitations and party decor.

Once we set the date for your Nashville cake smash photography session, we will choose the best time. You want to consider your baby’s nap and wake schedule.

When is your baby the happiest? Most babies seem to be in the best mood in the morning. I recommend scheduling a session as soon as they wake up or after their first nap.

How to Plan a First Birthday Photoshoot

One of the first things to consider when planning your first birthday photoshoot is the theme and overall style. Are you throwing a themed birthday party?

You may want to carry that same theme into the photos for a cohesive look. In that case, look for a photographer who offers custom, themed setups.

On the other hand, if you are envisioning photos that can be displayed in your home year-round, you might prefer a more timeless and minimal look.

A clean, simple setup keeps the focus on your baby and ensures the images will never go out of style.

At Shannon Payne Photography, my style is clean, classic, and baby-focused. I love creating timeless setups that highlight your little one without overwhelming props or bold backdrops.

My simple cake smash style aims to keep the attention on your baby’s personality and expressions. This approach ensures your photos will look beautiful on your walls for years to come—never trendy, always timeless.

Here is a sample schedule of what the timing for a studio cake smash session looks like.

9:00 AM – Arrival + outfit selection
9:15 AM – Family + milestone photos
9:35 AM – Cake smash fun
9:55 AM – Cleanup and wrap-up

How to Choose the Perfect Smash Cake for Your Baby’s First Birthday Photoshoot

The next step in planning your baby’s first birthday photoshoot is deciding if you will have a cake smash. Since I specialize in cake smash photography, this is my favorite part!

The first question I ask is if your baby has any allergies or dietary needs. Our partner bakery, The Rolling Pin, can work with any dietary needs such as – sugar-free, vegan, and egg or dairy free.

Once dietary needs are confirmed, we’ll start planning the fun details of the cake!

I work with you to choose a design that coordinates with a specific outfit, the studio backdrop, or your preferred theme. You can choose from semi-naked cakes, smooth buttercream, textured frosting, or even floral accents.

Frosting style matters, too! Some babies love digging into fluffy, soft icing, while others prefer less mess.

If you have a specific look in mind—like a boho, vintage, or whimsical theme—we’ll help you match the cake design to your overall aesthetic.

Planning ahead ensures your cake looks beautiful in photos and encourages your baby to explore and have fun.

Naked Smash Cake

Fully Frosted Cake

Textured Frosting

Floral Smash Cake

Themed Smash Cake

This cookie cake smash was inspired by mommy’s craving during pregnancy. She always craved chocolate chip cookies, so Gavin got a chocolate chip cookie cake for his cake smash!

Ombre Smash Cake

Sprinkle Smash Cake

Floral Frosting Design Smash Cake

A Touch of Greenery for a Rustic Smash Cake

You can visit this blog post for more inspiration on first birthday photo shoot cakes. You can also visit my Pinterest board for more ideas and inspiration for cake smashes.

Popular First Birthday Photoshoot Themes & Trends for 2025

Looking for the perfect theme for your little one’s first birthday photoshoot? Here are some of the most popular and on-trend ideas for 2025 to give you some 1 year birthday photo ideas:

For Girls:

• Boho Rainbow

• Little Miss Melon

• Painted Strawberry: Berry 1st Birthday

• Summer Garden Party

• ONEderland (Winter Wonderland)

• One-der the Sea party (Mermaids, sea animals)

• Minimal Neutrals

• First Bee-Day (Bee themed)

For Boys:

• Wild One (Safari/Woodland theme)

• Barnyard Bash or Little Farmer

• Rookie of the Year

• First Trip Around the Sun (Space theme)

• Vintage Airplane

• Nautical Blues

While themed setups are a fun way to celebrate your little one, some of the most elegant and timeless first birthday photos come from minimalist designs.

An all-white set with soft textures, subtle greenery, or delicate florals creates a classic look that never goes out of style.

These clean, neutral setups keep the focus on your baby’s personality and sweet expressions—perfect for heirloom-quality portraits you’ll treasure forever.

First Birthday Photoshoot Props and Outfits

My Client Closet includes a thoughtfully curated collection of outfits in a range of styles—minimalistic, boho, feminine, classic, and more. So you can choose the perfect look that reflects your vision for the session.

Minimalistic

Boho

Feminine

Classic

Traditional

First Birthday Photoshoot Posing Ideas and Shot List

First birthday sessions are all about your baby, their personality, and your relationship together. A great 1st birthday photo shoot will include some posed photos as well as candid photos.

Here’s a go-to shot list I use for my first birthday sessions:

1. Family

The family portion will include photos of the whole family, baby with each parent, and siblings.

2. Milestone/Baby

The photos are just focused on your baby and the milestones they have reached. We will include activities such as sitting, crawling, standing, pulling up, walking, clapping, etc.

If your baby isn’t standing independently, I have props to help them pull up.

3. Cake Smash

We will start with photos of baby’s first reaction to the cake. Usually at this stage I try to get a smiling photo of baby before things get messy or the topper gets pulled off.

Next, we’ll get a variety of shots as baby explores the cake — tapping it, poking it, and eventually digging in. I love capturing those tiny frosting-covered fingers and curious expressions.

Once baby is fully engaged, we’ll move on to the messiest (and most fun!) part of the session: big smiles, frosting on the face, and funny, messy expressions.

I’ll photograph baby from several angles — overhead, straight on, and close-ups — to document all the sweet chaos.

We’ll wrap up with a wide shot of the full scene to capture the aftermath. These are always a favorite for storytelling in your final gallery!

Locations for First Birthday Photoshoots

There are 3 main locations to consider when planning first birthday photoshoots: studio, at home, and outdoors.

Studio:

All of my cake smash sessions take place at my Hendersonville baby studio. There’s a reason for this – your experience matters!

My studio is equipped with everything you need for a cake smash. I stock a variety of cake stands, toppers, and wooden utensils for the cake.

My Client Closet includes outfits for baby boys and baby girls in sizes 3 months – 2T.

You don’t have to worry about a thing. I also offer wardrobe options for moms, dads, and siblings, so your whole family can look coordinated and camera-ready without the stress of shopping.

Why I Only Offer Studio Sessions for Cake Smashes

I believe the full studio experience is essential to creating beautiful, stress-free, and timeless cake smash portraits.

When you book me as your Nashville baby photographer, you’re not just getting a photoshoot—you’re getting a customized, fully prepared experience that’s been perfected over years of working with babies and families.

The result? Stunning photos and happy memories.

In Home:

Some photographers offer in-home sessions. These sessions may still be styled as studio sessions.

Photographers will bring in props and equipment to replicate the studio look. These sessions may be more expensive because photographers have to travel to your home.

Another option for in-home sessions is the lifestyle look. With lifestyle photography, photographers will use your home as the setting.

Cake smash photos may take place in the baby’s high chair. Milestone photos may take place in the nursery.

In-home sessions can be more convenient, but they do present challenges.

First, your home must have enough space for equipment or enough windows for natural lighting. Second, props and clothing may be limited because photographers can bring a full studio of choices. I do not offer in-home sessions

Outdoor:

Another option for a first birthday photo shoot is an outdoor session. Outdoor sessions take place 1 hour before sunset when the lighting is soft and golden.

Outdoor sessions are a great way to get family photos in a natural setting. With an outdoor session, you would not have access to my Client Closet and props.

When I first began photographing cake smashes back in 2009, before I had a studio, I hosted a few sessions outdoors.

It was a fun experience, but I quickly learned that the combination of cake, bugs, and unpredictable weather can make things tricky.

That’s why I now keep all cake smashes indoors, where I can create a cleaner, more controlled environment for your baby’s big day.

How to Prepare for Your First Birthday Photoshoot

Now that you have decided to have a studio 1st birthday photoshoot, it is time to start planning.

The more prepared you are for your photo session, the less stressful it will be. I am here to help you plan every step of the way.

What to Bring

Your baby! Seriously, that is all you are required to bring for a first birthday photoshoot at SPP. I will provide the cake, cake stand, decor, outfits, accessories – everything!

There are a few things that you can bring to help keep your baby happy: snacks, a pacifier/bottle, and favorite toys.

I also recommend bringing puffs snacks, Cheerios, or some other familiar finger food. We can use these foods to encourage your baby to try the cake if they are timid.

Parents…. you may want to bring a change of outfits as well. The cake part can get messy!

Preparing Your Baby

In preparation for your cake smash, I recommend introducing your baby to finger foods before your session.

Typically, babies that have more experience with finger foods tend to do better with the cake smash.

Foods such as mashed bananas, avocados, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and spaghetti are all great for getting them used to different textures. You can even practice with a small cupcake ahead of your session.

What Happens During a Cake Smash? 

1. When You Arrive at the Studio

Once you arrive at my Hendersonville studio, you will be greeted with a cute birthday sign for your baby.

We’ll start by selecting a cake stand, topper, and outfits—everything you need is already prepared and waiting.

First birthday photo shoots always begin with family and milestone photos first. If you are doing family photos (which I highly recommend!), we will choose coordinating outfits from the Client Closet.

Then, we’ll select a special outfit just for baby to capture their milestone portraits before diving into the cake smash fun.

2. On to the Cake Smash

Now that we’ve captured those sweet family and milestone moments, it’s time for the main event—the cake smash!

This is where we let your baby take the lead, explore, and have fun with their very own cake. I’ll bring out the cake, and we’ll let your little one explore it at their own pace.

Some babies dive right in, while others may need a bit of encouragement—and that’s totally normal.

Sometimes having a sibling nearby or a parent clapping and cheering helps ease any hesitation. I often invite big brothers or sisters to “sample” the cake or join in for a quick bite to make baby feel more comfortable.

This part of the session is full of laughs, silly faces, and priceless memories the whole family can enjoy together!

3. Clean Up Time

After the cake smash fun, it’s time to get your little one cleaned up. My studio is fully equipped with everything you need—farm sink, towels, and a changing station—to make the transition quick and easy.

I recommend keeping your day pretty low key after this. Cake smashes can be overstimulating!

The time from start to finish of your session is usually about an hour.

What to Expect After the Cake Smash Session

Here is what you can expect in the week after your session:

Proofing Gallery Delivery:

You will receive your gallery of proofs 1-2 weeks after your session.

These proofs will be “soft proofs” meaning they are not fully edited. Once you select your favorites with me, I will complete your final edits.

Image Count:

Your proofing gallery will contain anywhere from 40-80 images depending on the cake smash package you choose.

My cake smash packages include 10, 15, or 25 final edited images. However, you are not limited to only this many files.

You can always upgrade your package or add on additional digital files.

Digital Images, Albums, and Wall Art:

You will receive your final hand edited images in a private, high-resolution online download gallery.

These images have full printing rights so that you can print them as many times and as large as you wish.

For families looking to elevate their experience, I offer a curated collection of heirloom-quality albums and fine art wall pieces such as our first birthday storyboard.

Each product is thoughtfully crafted to preserve your baby’s first birthday in the most timeless, tangible way.

These are perfect for showcasing your favorite images for generations to come.

Photography Setup & Gear for First Birthday Photoshoots

When it comes to cake smash photography, the right setup makes all the difference.

At my Hendersonville studio, I use professional lighting and white seamless paper to create clean, timeless images that highlight your baby and their personality.

My go-to gear includes studio lighting, seamless paper, and a full-frame camera paired with a versatile portrait lens.

For photographers, consistency is key—my lighting setup is set up for perfect skin tones and soft shadows.

For parents, this means beautifully lit images every time, no matter the weather or time of day.

Gear I Use for Cake Smash Sessions

For photographers interested in the technical side, here’s a look at my go-to setup:

• Camera Body: Canon R6 (mirrorless with excellent eye-tracking autofocus)

• Lenses: Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4, Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 (versatile for tight spaces and wide shots)

• Lighting: Einstein with 86″ PLM for soft, even lighting

• Backdrop System: White seamless paper rolls mounted on a wall system

• Light Stand: Manfrotto rolling light stand to make lighting adjustments easier

Consistency, safety, and simplicity are always top of mind when choosing gear.

My setup allows me to stay flexible, respond to baby’s mood quickly, and still deliver polished, professional results every time.

How to Set Up for a Cake Smash

I use seamless white paper not only for a classic look, but also for easy cleanup. Once the baby makes a mess on the paper, we just cut off the end of the roll. Cleanup is that easy!

I use my rolling Manfrotto light stand, Einstein, and 86″ PLM for studio lighting. Sometimes I add a white curtain to filter light and add extra texture to a cake smash.

Want to see how it all comes together? In this video you get a behind the scenes view of how I set up for a cake smash.

Post-Production & Editing Tips

Once your session is complete, please allow me 1-2 weeks to finalized your proofing gallery.

Proofing galleries include the best photos from your session. You will usually receive 40-80 proofing images depending on the package you choose.

All proofs are “soft proofed”. This means that they have been edited for color and exposure. However, they are not fully edited.

Once you select your favorites, I will go back and fully edit each image you choose. Editing plays a big role in the final look of your cake smash photos.

My editing style is clean and timeless. This showcases your baby’s features, true skin tones, and all the fun, messy details.

My Editing Process:

• Presets: I use Smal Presets as the base for all of my edits. I get asked about this a lot! I love how they create a clean look, especially on white backgrounds.

• Skin Tones: I will edit skin including any blemishes, scratches, or bumps and bruises. It never fails that a baby falls the day before pictures!

• Cake Color: I make sure the colors of the cake remain true-to-life.

• Backdrop Cleanup: I remove smudges or unwanted distractions in the background while keeping the natural “mess” that tells the story.

• Consistency: My goal is for the gallery to feel clean, simple, and timeless without looking overly filtered.

Whether you’re editing your own photos or working with me as your photographer, remember that less is often more. Clean edits allow the moment—and the baby—to shine!

Working With Different Baby Personalities

After photographing hundreds of cake smashes over the past 15 years, I’ve learned one thing for sure: no two babies are the same!

As a parent, you already know your baby’s personality, and that helps you know what to expect.

Helping Shy or Reserved Babies Feel Comfortable

If your little one tends to be more reserved or experiences “stranger danger,” I recommend bringing a favorite toy, lovey, or comfort item.

These familiar things can help ease the transition into a new environment.

Starting with Family Photos Helps

Starting with family photos is also a wonderful way to help babies warm up.

If you think your child may need time to adjust, I highly suggest planning to be in the photos—your presence makes a big difference!

Every Cake Smash Reaction Is Unique

When it comes to the cake smash, there’s no one-size-fits-all reaction.

One of the most common questions I hear is, “What do babies usually do during the cake smash?” And honestly—every baby is different! Some dive right in with joyful curiosity, while others hesitate or even shed a few tears after feeling the sticky frosting.

It’s a brand-new sensory experience for them—from textures to smells to taste. Some babies get overwhelmed quickly, and that’s completely okay.

Gentle Encouragement, Never Pressure

The most important thing to remember is: your baby leads the way.

I have plenty of gentle tricks to encourage exploration, but even if your little one isn’t a fan of the cake, I always find a way to capture adorable, personality-filled images you’ll love.

So take a deep breath and know—no matter how your baby reacts—we’ll create beautiful memories together.

“We have had three photo sessions with Shannon. Each has been truly wonderful! She goes above and beyond to capture wonderful, quality portraits. She handles all the small details to where you simply have to just show up. ~Erika, Nashville, TN”

Pricing & Packages: What to Expect

When looking into Nashville cake smash photography, you’ll find a range of pricing and package options.

Most photographers offer tiered packages—ranging from digital-only galleries to options that include professional prints, custom albums, or first birthday wall art.

Pricing can vary based on several factors, including location, the photographer’s experience, session length, and the number of final images included.

Cake Smash Pricing

At Shannon Payne Photography, I offer three cake smash packages to fit your needs and preferences: Keepsake, Timeless, and Simple.

Each package includes access to my studio’s Client Closet, props, and a complimentary cake from a local partner bakery.

The Keepsake and Timeless packages include both baby and family photos, as well as 2–3 outfit changes.

The Simple package is perfect for those who want just baby-focused milestone and cake smash images.

Package pricing starts at $650 and goes up to $950, depending on session length and number of digital images included.

All packages come with a set number of fully edited digital files, and additional files can be added for $35 each.

A $250 non-refundable retainer is due at booking to reserve your date. The balance due the week before your session.

Finding a Cake Smash Photographer Near You

There are so many talented photographers out there, each with their own unique style and approach to cake smash sessions.

Some specialize in themed setups with elaborate props, while others prefer a clean, minimal look. It’s important to find someone whose work resonates with your vision and makes you feel comfortable.

As you are exploring options, be sure to ask about what’s included in the session, editing style, and what kind of experience they offer.

Make sure you explore their portfolios, read client reviews, and get a sense of how they interact with little ones. Those personal touches can make all the difference!

Serving Families in the Nashville Area

If you’re in the Nashville area, I’d love to be considered! At Shannon Payne Photography, I offer a boutique experience designed to make your baby’s first birthday session stress-free, memorable, and beautiful—from start to finish.

“I cannot imagine anyone else capturing the most beautiful pictures of our baby throughout his milestones. These are memories

I’ll cherish forever. ~Lauren K., Nashville, TN”

Cake Smash Photos Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

When to do a 1st birthday photoshoot?

I recommend doing your 1st birthday photoshoot around 11-13 months. However, I know things come up and life gets busy. I have photographed one year sessions when babies are as old as 16-18 months.

If you are wanting to share your photos by your baby’s 1st birthday, I recommend about 3 weeks before their actual birthday.

This allows time for photos to be edited and delivered in time. You should book this session 2-3 months in advance.

What is the best cake for a cake smash?

We want the cake to be smashable. So a soft cake with buttercream icing is best. We can also accommodate allergies and special diets.

Allergies such as dairy and nut are no problem. We also have a vegan option cake.

What not to put on a smash cake?

We will avoid dark colors that stain. Fondant frosting is pretty, but it doesn’t smear like buttercream frosting.

We will also avoid chocolate frosting. It doesn’t look too pretty in photos – if you know what I mean!

Can I bring my own cake?

You are welcome to bring your own cake. However, we work with one of the absolute best bakeries in town.

I definitely recommend using our bakery for the style and convenience.

What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?

That’s ok! Every baby is different! Some babies dive right in and love every bite, while others may just poke at the frosting or even avoid the cake altogether. A few babies may cry as soon as they get messy.

We never know what to expect! Even a baby that loves finger foods may decide they don’t like the cake.

A cake smash session is less about the eating and more about capturing your baby’s natural reactions to this fun, new experience. Whether they eat it or not, we always get adorable photos.

Do I need to bring decorations?

I do not recommend decorations for the cake smash. Simple is better for a cake smash.

This allows for less distractions and keeps baby focused on the cake. Too many decorations can be overstimulating for babies.

How messy does a cake smash get—and how do you clean it up?

Cake smash photoshoots can definitely get messy, but that’s part of the fun!

At Shannon Payne Photography’s studio in Hendersonville, everything is set up with cleanup in mind. We provide towels, a farm sink, and a changing station, so you can get your baby cleaned up quickly and comfortably after the session.

I do recommend brining a change of clothes in case your baby decides to climb on you during photos.

As for cleaning up the studio, the cake smash takes place on my white seamless paper. So as soon as we are finished, I just cut off the messy part!

Can we take family photos?

Absolutely! Our first birthday photoshoots include not just the cake smash, but also milestone photos and the option to include family portraits.

It’s a great way to celebrate your baby’s first year and document all the sweet moments in one special session.

Can siblings be in photos?

Yes, we welcome siblings!

Ready to Plan Your Baby’s Cake Smash Session?

Planning your baby’s first birthday photo session—especially a cake smash—should be a joyful and memorable experience. I am here to help in every step of the way!

Ready to start planning your session? I’d love to help you create a fun, stress-free experience your family will never forget. Contact me today to reserve your baby’s spot on the calendar!