Your baby’s first birthday is just around the corner, and if you're like most parents, you're probably looking for a fun and memorable way to mark the occasion. Cake smash photography has quickly become a favourite tradition, and for good reason. It’s a joyful, light-hearted way to capture your little one’s personality at this age; messy hands, curious looks, cheeky smiles, and all.

As a photographer in Dubai who’s specialising in newborn and baby photography, I know how much thought goes into planning these shoots and how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by all the options. From choosing a theme to finding the right time of day, there’s much more to cake smash photography than meets the eye.

In this blog, I combine all the practical tips and creative ideas to help you plan a beautiful and enjoyable session for you and your baby.

Creative Theme Ideas for Smash Photo Shoot

Girl-Themed Ideas

• Floral or Fairy Tale

This is one of the most loved themes because it’s simple, soft, and always photographs well. You can use flowers (real or fake), wooden crates, a soft-coloured backdrop, and a pretty headband. Some parents add butterflies or a small crown for that fairy tale touch.

• Unicorn Dream

This one’s a bit more playful. It’s great if you love soft pastels like pink, lavender, and baby blue. You can have a unicorn cake, a pastel backdrop, and maybe a little headband with a horn. It’s a happy and colourful setup that’s still easy on the eyes. Babies often react well to the fun shapes and colours.

• One-Derland Princess

This theme celebrates turning one in a more magical way. Think of soft white backdrops, gold details, and simple princess touches, nothing too fancy or over-the-top. A “One” banner, a little crown, or a sparkly dress can bring it all together. 

• Ice Cream Parlour Setup

If you want something a bit different from the usual pink-and-flowers theme, this is a fun option. You don’t need real ice cream, just a cake shaped like one, pastel props, and a cute little outfit that fits the theme.

Boy-Themed Ideas

• Superhero Smash

This one’s always a favourite. You can go for a general superhero look with bold colours like red, yellow, and blue, or add a small cape or mask for a little extra touch. A simple cake with stars or lightning bolts works great, too. The idea is just to make your little one feel like the hero of the day.

• Construction or Little Digger

This theme is perfect for babies who love trucks or anything with wheels. You can bring in toy diggers, use yellow and black colours, and even have a cake that looks like it’s been scooped by a tractor. It’s playful and easy to set up, and it usually gets a good reaction, especially when they start smashing “through” the cake like a digger.

• Petit Prince

If you’re after something softer and more classic, this is a lovely option. It’s usually styled with soft blue, white, or gold. A small crown, a star-shaped cake, or simple props like a banner can give it that special feel.

• Fisherman Theme

This one has an outdoorsy feel and works well if your family enjoys nature. We usually use a blue backdrop, fish props, a toy fishing rod, and a crate or stool for the baby to sit on. You could dress your little one in a bucket hat and denim shorts. 

Gender-Neutral or Unisex Ideas

• Pancake Breakfast Bash

This is a fun take on the classic cake smash, using pancakes instead of cake, sometimes with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream on top. It’s a cosy setup that feels like a weekend morning at home. We often dress babies in simple PJs or a vest and shorts, and use soft morning light to make the photos feel real.

• Wild One Jungle Safari

This theme is great for babies who like to move and explore. We use jungle colours like green and brown, with toy animals and leaves to decorate the space. The cake might have little paw prints or animal faces on it.

• Tutti Frutti Market

Bright and cheerful, this one uses fruit as the main idea. You can include things like lemons, oranges, strawberries, and even a fruit-themed cake. The setup usually has colourful props, a simple background, and maybe a basket or two.

• Classic Minimalism

If you prefer something simple and timeless, this is a great option. We keep the colours very soft, like white, cream, or grey, and add just one or two little props, maybe a balloon or a wooden toy. The cake is usually plain, with a bit of texture. 

• Donut Grow Up

We use doughnuts instead of cake, or sometimes make a cake that looks like a big doughnut. We can stack them, place them around the baby, or hang them on a little stand. The colours are often pastel or soft brights, and the setup feels happy and playful without being too bold.

Cake Smash Photography Tips

Planning the theme and setup is one part of a cake smash session, but how the photos are taken is just as important. These tips are based on experience and are meant to help you get the best out of the session.

• Pick the Right Time of Day

The best time for a cake smash is when your baby is well-rested and fed. Usually, mid-morning works well. Try to plan the session after your baby’s first nap, when they’re still alert. Avoid times when they might be tired or hungry, as this can lead to fussiness or short attention spans. A happy baby makes for better photos.

• Use Natural Light

Whenever possible, use soft natural light instead of harsh flashes or intense indoor lighting. Set up near a large window or in a bright room during the day. Natural light creates a softer, more flattering look in the photos and helps capture your baby’s skin tones and expressions more clearly. It also avoids startling your baby, which can sometimes happen with flash.

• Focus on Candid Moments

The best cake smash photos are usually the unplanned ones when your baby is exploring the cake, laughing, or even just pausing to look around. Don’t worry too much about getting perfect poses. Let your baby take the lead, and stay ready to capture their reactions.

• Zoom in on Details

Don’t forget the little things. A close-up of tiny icing-covered fingers, toes curled on the floor, or crumbs stuck on your baby’s face can add a lot of feeling to the final set of photos. These details help bring back the full memory of the day, not just how it looked, but how it felt.

• Shoot Before and After Clean-Up

It’s a good idea to take a few photos before the cake comes out, when everything is still clean and tidy. You’ll capture your baby’s outfit and setup, and maybe a smile or two, before the mess begins. Afterwards, consider snapping a few more shots once the cake is cleared and your baby is cleaned up. Some families even add a quick bath photo session to finish, which keeps the story going and makes for some lovely moments.

Styling and Cake Design Tips

• Coordinated Props

Props help bring the theme to life, but it’s important not to overdo it. Too many items can distract your baby and make the space feel crowded. Start by picking a few simple props that match your theme and colour scheme. Keep everything soft, safe, and baby-friendly. Most of the time, one or two well-chosen items are all you need.

When in doubt, less is more. A clean setup helps your baby stand out, which is exactly what we want in these photos.

• Match the Cake to the Theme

The cake is usually the centrepiece of the shoot, so it’s worth matching it to your theme. A simple cake with the right colours or a small detail (like flowers, stars, or animal prints) can make all the difference. If your theme is floral, you might add petals or soft piping. If it's construction, you might go for a crumbly “dirt” look.

Also, keep the size in mind. A small, single-tier cake is usually more than enough. It’s easier for babies to handle, and it keeps the mess under control. And don’t forget to check for allergies before choosing ingredients, especially if you’re ordering the cake from a baker.