you did it!
Congratulations, you've survived the first year of parenthood! That's a huge milestone worth celebrating! Let me help you capture this special time with an in-home or outdoor family session that ends with a cake smash. Display these images at your baby's one-year birthday party, in your home, and create printed gifts for grandparents. Did I mention I can photograph your special event too!?
Less is more!
Don’t let the thought of planning your baby’s first birthday photo session outfits stress you out—it should be a joyful experience. Remember, the main focus of the session is your baby’s adorable face, not the outfits or props.
For the family photos, what represents your family best? It’s important to love what you wear. While trends in NYC are fun, I suggest going for something timeless and effortless. You don’t want to look back at those photos in 20 years and cringe, right?
For a cohesive look, you can’t go wrong with neutral colors. If you’d like to sprinkle in some color, pastel or jewel tones are lovely and less distracting than bright colors. Consider the colors in your home—will these photos be displayed on your walls?
When it comes to patterns, it’s best to avoid having everyone in them and stay away from small checks, as they can look blurry in photos. And while I know it might be tough for a New Yorker to hear, I’d recommend skipping black for photoshoots. If you wear it, don’t forget your lint brush—pet hair and lint can be sneaky on camera!
Shoes matter! Worn-down, dirty, or scuffed-up shoes can draw attention in a photo, so make sure to pay attention to footwear.
Make sure everyone is well-fed and has enough time to get ready. Avoid pressuring the kids to smile or act a certain way. Keep the atmosphere light, fun, and stress-free, and let the kids be themselves; the less pressure they feel, the more natural and agreeable everyone will be.
cake smash wardrobe
For boys, comfortable outfit options include overalls, shorts, a vest, a onesie, or just a diaper cover. You can add a fun accessory like a hat, crown, or bow tie for an extra touch. Avoid items that bulk up and cover their neck and face once sitting or being held like a blazer.
For girls, it’s best to avoid large outfits that may overwhelm them. A simple romper, tutu skirt, or party dress works perfectly. While accessories can be cute, keep them minimal, as infants can only tolerate so much on their heads. Diaper shots also make for adorable pictures, allowing you to capture their sweet little features and tiny feet.
Still feeling unsure about what to wear? Need help picking the perfect outfit for your baby’s cake smash photoshoot? I’m here to help make this process more relaxing and fun for you. I'll hold your hand, let’s plan something fabulous together!
setting the stage
Too many props can take your little one’s attention away from the cake. I often remove them after a few introductory photos because the close-ups of your baby’s expressions are the ones you’ll treasure the most. If you’re using a cake stand, ensure it’s sturdy and safe—no one wants it tipping over! For my son’s first shoot, I wrapped an empty box to get his little face at eye level with me, and it turned out to be just the right size to keep the cake in place.
For the backdrop of the session, we can set up on the floor in front of a wall in your apartment. Alternatively, you could choose to purchase a seamless backdrop (i'll send you the inexpensive amazon link), although this is not necessary. If you prefer, we can place the baby in their high chair instead of having the session on the floor. I have also conducted sessions outdoors on a picnic blanket or in front of flowers on a sidewalk.
I'm happy to get creative with the environment we're in! If we are doing an outdoor cake smash, I recommend bringing a picnic mat instead of using a thin or knitted blanket. Not only does thin fabric wrinkle with every move your child makes and can blow in the wind, but it also requires washing and stain removal for you to clean at home, whereas a mat wipes clean. Just search Amazon for a waterproof, outdoor picnic mat.
When photographing the session, I prefer to let things unfold naturally and observe how your infant interacts with the cake in front of them. If they need some encouragement, we can step in to help guide them and get their attention with funny faces, noises, and other playful techniques.
sourcing the cake
If you're looking for a fantastic and budget-friendly spot to grab cakes for a cake smash in the city, you should definitely check out Padoca Bakery! They have some delicious options, and the best part? Their frosting surprisingly comes out of clothes, so no need to stress about the mess — trust me, I speak from experience!
I recommend avoiding sprinkles as the texture can be confusing, and we don't want the baby to choke. Also, avoid chocolate for the images, I bet you can guess what smeared chocolate looks like instead of colorful or plain frosting in an image!
And remember, it doesn't always have to be a cake! Some kids have allergies, or parents might prefer fun alternatives like slices of pizza or bagels or just playing with their favorite toy. For my little New Yorker, I decided to go with a cheesecake, and it was a hit!
I look forward to capturing your personal vision and this special time for your family!
