First Birthday Cake Smash Ideas || Howell Michigan Child Photography Session

Cake smash photography sessions have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. The photoshoots provide a fun and memorable way to celebrate your child’s first birthday and capture those precious moments on camera. However, coming up with ideas for your cake smash session can be a challenge. I am including some recent cake smash sessions I have helped create for my clients so you can draw some inspiration and start planning.

Theme it up!
The first step in planning your cake smash session is choosing a theme or color scheme. If you have any special requests or want to bring your own items please let me know at booking so we can be sure to have everything needed for your session.

Keep it simple
Remember that your child is the star of the show, so I keep the background and props simple to avoid distracting from their cuteness.

Let them eat cake!
The centerpiece of any cake smash session is, of course, the cake. I recommend choosing a small, simple white buttercream cake. This cake is timeless and goes with any theme. I also find the buttercream is more desirable to the kids because it is easy to dig into. I do not provide the cake due to allergens but I recommend getting the white Biil Knapps cakes from the grocery store or ordering one from your favorite baker.

Dress them up
Dressing your child up in a special outfit can add an extra level of cuteness to your cake smash photos. A tutu, bowtie, or onesie with a cute slogan can all work well. Just make sure the outfit is comfortable and easy to move around in.

Get messy
The whole point of a cake smash session is to get messy and have fun, so don’t be afraid to embrace the mess. Let your child explore the cake, get their hands dirty, and even taste it. Some of the best photos come from capturing those messy moments.

Timing is key
Plan your cake smash session for a time of day when your child is most alert and happy. Make sure they’re well-rested and fed before the session to avoid any meltdowns. Also, consider scheduling the session a few weeks before their actual birthday to allow plenty of time to order prints.

K&D Photography LLC • 248-882-3351 • [email protected]

Serving clients in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Howell and the entire Metro Detroit area.