Simply styled first birthday photos—cake included
Your Cake Smash Experience with Shannon Payne Photography
Milestone + Family Photos
Outfit and Styling
Custom Cake
All cake smash sessions include milestone photos without the cake and an option for family and sibling photos. We follow baby's pace for a relaxed, baby-led session.
You will have access to all outfits from my curated Client Closet. No planning, no last minute shopping, and a birthday photoshoot that feels effortless.
Together we will plan the perfect cake for your baby. All cakes are provided by our partner bakery. Everything will be coordinated for a classic, elevated look.
Your Cake Smash Photoshoot Includes....
Make It a Milestone to Remember
The Flow of your Cake Smash Session
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This is more than just a photo session—it’s a milestone celebration, and it's so much fun!
We’ll start with a few clean, timeless portraits while your baby is happy and fresh. Then comes the best part: the smash! This is where I'll capture every adorable reaction—tiny bites, big smiles, funny faces, and the occasional tears. Every reaction is priceless!
From the professionally styled set to the custom cake and outfit coordination, every detail is taken care of so you can relax, laugh, and enjoy the moment. Let’s create an experience you’ll never forget and images you’ll treasure forever.
INVESTMENT
Cake Smash sessions at Shannon Payne Photography are designed as a full-service experience and celebration —from the day we start planning until the day of your session.
A $250 retainer is required at booking to reserve your session date and custom cake. This fee is applied toward your chosen cake smash package. Retainers are non-refundable.
Baby only cake smash packages start at $650 with most families investing $800–$1,000.
Cake smash sessions are best booked 6–8 weeks in advance to reserve a weekday morning spot.
I recommend scheduling your session about 2–3 weeks before you need your photos back.
Sessions take place weekday mornings, which tends to be the happiest time for little ones and works perfectly around naps.
When to Book Your Baby's Cake Smash Session
What if my Baby Doesn't Like the Cake?
This is one of my most frequently asked questions. Don’t worry—I’ve photographed hundreds of first birthday sessions, and every single baby reacts differently to the cake. Some babies dig right in, and we have to take the cake away! Other babies are hesitant, and some cry when they touch the frosting. We want to embrace every reaction - no matter if they are smiles or tears! Regardless of the reaction, I will keep things fun, relaxed, and baby-led. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to help warm up hesitant babies. My priority is to make sure you leave with sweet images—no matter how your baby feels about frosting.
Helpful Blog Posts for Planning Your Baby's Cake Smash Photoshoot
