Cake Smash Photography
One birthday. One cake. One gloriously messy moment your family will never forget. Let's capture every second of it.
The Best Kind of Mess
A cake smash session is one of the most joyful things we get to photograph. Watching a baby discover frosting for the first time — the confusion, the delight, the full-face dive — it never gets old.
We set the whole scene: themed backdrop, coordinated props, and a setup that photographs beautifully from every angle. You just bring your birthday baby and let the magic happen.
Sessions are relaxed and unhurried. If baby needs a snack break, a nap, or a cuddle — no problem. We follow their lead, just like we do with every little one we photograph.
Themed setups & custom props
Family poses welcome
Post-smash bath portraits available
Relaxed, baby-led sessions
Popular Themes
Pick a theme or bring your own idea — we build the set around your vision.
Classic Birthday
Bright balloons, streamers, and a beautiful smash cake — timeless first birthday fun.
Rainbow & Pastel
Soft rainbow colors and pastel backdrops for a dreamy, cheerful celebration.
Wild One
Safari animals, jungle greens, and earthy tones for your little wild one turning one.
Floral Garden
Florals, soft pinks, and natural textures — delicate and beautiful for baby girls.
Enchanted
Whimsical butterflies, soft lighting, and fairy-tale details for a magical first birthday.
Custom Theme
Have a specific idea? We'll build it. Tell us your theme and we'll make it happen.
From Our Sessions
Real moments from real families — captured outdoors in the Chicagoland area.
Packages & Pricing
Classic Smash
15 edited images
- ✓1-hour session
- ✓Themed setup & props included
- ✓Cake (provided by you or add-on)
- ✓Costume / outfit changes welcome
- ✓Online gallery (90 days)
Smash & Splash
20 edited images
- ✓1.5-hour session
- ✓Cake smash + bath/cleanup portraits
- ✓Multiple themed setups
- ✓Family poses included
- ✓Online gallery (90 days)
First Birthday Collection
30 print-ready edited images + full event gallery
- ✓1.5-hour cake smash session
- ✓2-hour birthday party coverage
- ✓30 fully edited images for printing
- ✓All best party photos with light & color correction
- ✓Multiple setups & outfit changes
- ✓Family groupings
- ✓Premium prints or album included
- ✓Online gallery (90 days)
Planning the whole first year? See our Milestone Sessions & First Year Bundle →
Common Questions
Do I need to bring the cake?
You can bring your own smash cake or we can arrange one for you as an add-on. Just let us know when booking so we can plan the color scheme and setup around it.
What should baby wear?
Anything you love! Many families go with a cute birthday outfit, then switch to just a diaper for the actual smash. We can chat through options when you book.
Is the mess contained?
Yes — our studio is set up specifically for cake smash sessions. We lay down floor coverings and have everything ready for easy cleanup. We even have a little tub on hand for a post-smash bath shoot if you book Smash & Splash.
What's the best age for a cake smash?
Right around 12 months (first birthday) is the sweet spot. Baby can sit up confidently, is naturally curious about the cake, and is at peak adorable. We can also do a pre-birthday session if your date falls mid-week.
Can siblings or parents join?
Absolutely. Family poses at the start or end of the session make for beautiful memories alongside the smash portraits.
Let's Celebrate That First Birthday
Sessions book fast around birthday season. Reach out early to lock in your date.