SO MUCH FUN TO BE ONE

NJ CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHER

A SWEET CELEBRATION

Custom Cake Smash Photography in New Jersey to Celebrate Baby’s First Birthday in Style.

Baby boy in astronaut outfit eating cake during outer space themed cake smash with balloon arch, moon, stars and planets.
Smiling baby girl in pink dress during cake smash session with clouds and pink and gold paper hot air balloons in backdrop.
Smiling baby boy in suspenders and a furry crown during a "Where The Wild Things Are" themed cake smash photo session.
Baby boy in jeans and suspenders smiling during cake smash; festive backdrop of orange, blue, yellow, and green decorations.

THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY ONLY HAPPENS ONCE

There is no better way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday than with custom cake smash pictures. These sessions in my New Jersey studio provide parents with a wonderful keepsake of their baby’s first taste of cake. And they are so much fun! Whether you prefer something minimal and timeless or a playful and colorful look, we’ll work together to create a setup that perfectly celebrates this sweet milestone. You’ll want to capture images of your baby at this fleeting moment in time – there is no other birthday quite like their first!

CELEBRATE WITH ME

Smiling baby boy in a golf-themed cake smash session, sitting up and holding a mini golf club while looking at the camera.

What is a Cake Smash anyway?

A JOYFUL FIRST BIRTHDAY TRADITION

A “cake smash” is the name given to a popular trend in portrait photography where babies are photographed with their birthday cake. These sessions are typically styled with festive setups and scheduled just before their first birthday. It’s a fun and unique way to commemorate this big milestone!

During the session, your little one gets to explore, smash, and enjoy a birthday cake while I capture their adorable reactions—whether it’s curiosity, excitement, or full-on messy delight! These sessions are all about letting your baby’s personality shine, making for priceless and joyful memories.

Baby boy in jeans and red suspenders about to dig into cake during rustic red-and-black plaid winter-themed cake smash shoot.
Baby girl in peach romper sitting and eating cake during cake smash session; floral garland and balloons on cream backdrop.

Styling Your Baby’s Cake Smash Photos

SWEET DETAILS AND PLAYFUL DESIGNS

Smiling baby boy sitting in a little bed prop wearing a blue onesie with number 1 during a first birthday milestone session.

1. THE CLEAN SET

Classic First Birthday Portraits

Your cake smash experience begins with clean, classic portraits of your baby, similar to a baby milestone session. Using a neutral backdrop, simple props, and a few toys, I capture timeless images you’ll truly cherish. For this portion, parents may choose an outfit from my studio wardrobe or bring a favorite from home. My collection includes unique and handmade outfits and accessories for boys and girls, typically fitting babies 6–18 months.

2. THE SMASH SET

Styled Cake Smash Setups

The second setup is for the actual cake smash and is a lot more colorful and festive! I provide a styled backdrop, custom banner, cake stand, and a selection of classic props in your chosen color palette. If you have a specific theme in mind, you’re welcome to bring additional decorations or request a custom set. Parents supply the cake and smash outfit, which can be anything from a diaper cover to a onesie, dress or suspenders and bowtie. Visit the blog to explore past cake smash setups for inspiration.

Baby girl in red and black tutu dress standing holding onto a small chair during cake smash; garland and balloons behind.

How it Works

An Easy and Guided Experience from Start to Finish

Smiling baby girl in pink dress surrounded by pink, blue, and green flowers during floral-themed cake smash photo session.
01.

INQUIRE AND PLAN

Begin by submitting an inquiry. I’ll follow up with details and, once booked, thoughtfully plan a session tailored just for your baby.

02.

YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION

Relax and enjoy a fun, baby-led experience. With the details planned in advance, you can simply enjoy the moment while I capture natural expressions, personality, and your baby’s reaction to their cake.

03.

IMAGEs AND ARTWORK

After your session, you’ll receive an online gallery to select your favorite images and explore options for digital collections and professionally printed artwork for your home.

Baby girl with frosting on face crawling over cake during a pink-and-white floral cake smash session with beige backdrop.

When to Book your Baby’s Cake Smash Session

PLAN AHEAD FOR BABY’S BEST YEAR

Your baby’s first birthday arrives faster than you expect, so it’s best to book your cake smash session early. Securing a date in advance allows plenty of time to plan the theme and details as the session approaches. My calendar fills months ahead, and most families want their images ready to share by the birthday. For best availability and planning, I recommend reaching out when your baby is between six and nine months old.

Toddler brother and preschool sister dressed in white sit on bench clapping and smiling at each other in a studio portrait.
Studio milestone portrait of parents embracing baby girl in center, all smiling at camera; on a light brown backdrop.

Family Portraits at your Cake Smash Session

YOUR NEW FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTO

Your baby’s cake smash photo session is a wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful new family portrait! While your baby’s first birthday celebration will be the primary focus of the photoshoot, you also have the option to add family portraits. We can photograph just the siblings, turn it into a mommy-and-me experience, or make it a full family session. I’ll take care of posing everyone in a fun and relaxed manner. We’ll be sure to capture an amazing portrait that everyone is going to love!

How to Display your Cake Smash Photos

DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH LOVE

The studio offers a variety of stunning printed artwork options to complete your portrait experience. Whether you prefer a large wall piece for your home; a collection of smaller prints that can be distributed and enjoyed in multiple places; or an album that you can flip through to relive the story of your baby’s big day. I handle all of the design and ordering details, and I work with the best professional print labs in the industry. Your printed pieces will be absolutely beautiful so you can cherish them for years to come.

Flat lay of baby boy cake smash matted portraits displayed in a black gift box, showcasing professional print products.
Open photo album featuring joyful mother and baby portraits; showcasing professional artwork available through the studio.
Baby boy in green romper laughing and digging into cake during boho cake smash with greenery and rustic brick wall backdrop.

Baby’s First Year Portrait Plan

DOCUMENT ALL THE SPECIAL MOMENTS

I love helping families document their baby’s early days in a meaningful, beautiful way. If you’ve already worked with me for a newborn or milestone session, we can bundle those images into a First Year Portrait Plan along with the cake smash—but if you’re just finding me now, it’s not too late. Your plan can include the cake smash and an outdoor family session or a studio session.

Plan members enjoy a series of consistent, thoughtfully designed images that reflect their baby’s personality, along with priority booking for special events and promotions. Each plan also includes your choice of a gallery box filled with matted prints or a custom hardcover album—a timeless keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Pricing for Cake Smash Photography

BECAUSE THIS MOMENT IS TOO SWEET TO MISS

A $200 deposit secures your session and begins the planning process. Most sessions begin at $690, with your total investment reflecting the options selected. I’ll take time to learn your preferences and thoughtfully design a cake smash experience that’s styled to reflect your baby and your vision. Your session fee includes a curated set of high-resolution digital images with print release. Additional options are available to expand your digital collection or invest in professional print products.

YOUR SESSION INCLUDES:

  • Design Consultation
  • Props and Styling
  • Custom Photo Shoot
  • Online Gallery
  • Professional Retouching
  • Digitals with Print Release
Baby boy in blue suspenders and bowtie sitting with cake during blue-and-grey cake smash; banner and balloons in background.

Get in Touch

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Simply fill out the inquiry form to get started. Please let me know your baby’s birthdate, any theme ideas you have in mind, and any other details about your baby and family that you would like to share. From there, I’ll look at availability and follow up with more information—I look forward to connecting!

Happy baby girl in pink dress with arms raised and big smile; floral hoops and beige backdrop in studio cake smash session.