Cake smash sessions are one of the cutest and most memorable ways to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. From all the tiny frosting-covered fingers to big smiles, these photoshoots capture real emotions you’ll remember for ages. 

But before all that, planning is crucial, and it’s not just with the theme. You have to prepare the setup, the equipment, the props, and your baby. In this guide, we’re going to share 10 practical tips for indoor studio shoots and creative ideas for outdoor sessions.

5 Tips for Indoor and Studio Cake Smash Sessions

Indoor photoshoots are a great option for cake smash sessions. First, you control the lighting, which is a big plus. Second, you can easily customise the theme to suit your preferences without outdoor elements getting in the way. 

When getting started, here are 5 effective tips: 

1. Hire a Professional 

A pro can help you capture high-quality photos in a creative setup, with all the right lighting, angles, and camera settings. Essentially, we handle everything about the shoot so you can focus on your baby’s adorable poses. 

Our services span the planning stage through the editing process. We make sure you get all the things you want in a cake smash session and receive the beautiful photos for your baby’s first photo album.

2. Use a Theme That Suits Your Family

Select a theme or setup that makes the photos feel more meaningful and intimate, one that your family can relate to. This should be about your baby, so personalisations work best. 

You can choose from simple themes that put your baby in the spotlight or explosive themes that complement your child’s personality. A well-planned theme also keeps the session organised and fun. Match your baby's outfit, background, cake, and props for the most beautiful photos.

If you need help, then check out the packages and collections we have for cake smash photography. 

3. Choose the Right Cake

The cake is your baby’s co-star. Choosing the right one makes a big difference in the flair of the photos. A soft cake with light frosting is easier for babies to smash, touch, and taste without getting overwhelmed. 

It’s also best to avoid hard decorations, thick toppings, and large cake toppers. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid chocolate and red cakes, as they look messy in photos. Opt for lighter ones to keep the mess manageable and adorable. 

4. Be On Standby

During cake smash sessions, your presence is highly important. Stay nearby and keep your baby entertained so we can take the perfect photos. You should also bring essentials such as water bottles, comfort items, and cleaning supplies. 

When you’re there and ready to assist your baby, the shoot runs more smoothly and faster. 

5. Keep It Short

Short sessions also work best for cake smash sessions. Babies can quickly lose interest, especially when they’re confined in a setup. A short photoshoot makes it easier to capture natural smiles, playful reactions, and adorable moments.

This means that perfect planning is essential. Try to plan out the entire flow of the photoshoot with us so we can avoid delays and mishaps. 

Cake Smash: 5 Outdoor Ideas You Can Try 

If you prefer an outdoor baby photoshoot, here are cake smash outdoor ideas to choose from. 

1. Floral

Floral themes are perfect for creating soft and dreamy photos for the album. They provide a fresh and elegant feel that brings a comforting atmosphere to every take. You can use flower garlands, floral arches, or a simple blanket filled with flowers and pets to create a magical space.

This theme works beautifully in natural light because the colors become more vibrant and warm. To complement the theme, dress your baby in a lightweight outfit and place them next to a floral cake. 

2. Sunny Beach

A sunny beach setup is a bright and fun option to take playful photos with a summer vibe. The open space, natural light, and sandy background give every photo a fresh, adventurous feel. 

For this theme, we recommend using beach props such as a small umbrella, a mini chair, seashells, or a beach towel. Choose a cake that won’t melt quickly, so you’ll have more time to take more photos. Because you’re out, be ready with wipes, extra clothes, and towels.

3. Garden Party

For a colorful feel that incorporates greens and flowers, try a garden party theme. This cake smash outdoor idea works great with balloons, mini banners, bright decorations, and anything that pops with flowers and greenery. 

If you want the best results, set up natural plants, flower-filled backgrounds, and a small table with party hats and the cake. You can definitely bring out a sign that says “ONE” to highlight your baby’s first birthday. 

4. Picnic

A picnic cake smash session is simpler and serene, with green grass as the background and the sky and clouds as complementary elements. You can easily set this up with a blanket on the ground with a picnic basket, pillows, soft decorations, and the cake centerpiece. 

To make it more special, you can dress your baby in comfortable clothes so they’ll have the room to play around the setup and with the cake. 

5. Rustic

A rustic cake smash outdoor idea is perfect if you love earthy tones and a natural style. This includes wooden crates, neutral blankets, and simple greenery to give a sense of cosiness. The setup looks amazing in open fields and farms. 

Decorate the cake with soft colors of beige, brown, or cream. For your baby’s costume, you can use a romper, suspenders, or a neutral outfit that fits the theme. Also, be sure to watch out for the golden hour for that beautiful sunlight. 

What Makes a Cake Smash Session Truly Special

A cake smash session captures the very essence of your baby’s personality and expressions. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that covers the first year of their life, with the promise of many more years of laughter, curiosity, and little adventures. 

What makes it even more special is how personalised it can be. From the theme to the outfit, you’ll be in control of everything, allowing your baby to explore the cake however they please. In the end, you’ll be left with timeless and beautiful images you’ll cherish for years to come.