New Hampshire Cake Smash Photographer
A fully planned first-birthday session with classic portraits, a cake smash and a bubble-bath finale.
Your baby is turning ONE!
Cake-smash sessions are designed to document your baby at one year old—not only the cake. We begin with clean first-birthday portraits, move into the cake smash and finish with a bubble bath in the studio’s miniature clawfoot tub.
The session includes a simple cake and balloon garland, so you do not need to coordinate multiple vendors or arrive with an entire setup. Before the session, we will discuss colors, clothing and any food allergies or dietary considerations that could affect the cake.
I have photographed babies and families throughout Southern New Hampshire and the Greater Boston area since 2005. Sessions take place in my private Salem studio and are guided from beginning to end.
Three Parts of a Cake-Smash Session
1. First-Birthday Portraits
We begin before the cake is introduced. This gives us time to photograph your baby in a clean outfit and create classic first-birthday portraits that are not centered around a theme or cake.
Depending on your session plan, these photographs may include sitting, standing, crawling, close-up details and a small number of parent or family portraits.
2. The Cake Smash
Next, your baby is introduced to the cake. Some babies immediately begin eating and exploring, while others approach it slowly or prefer playing with the decorations. There is no required reaction. I photograph your baby’s genuine expressions and allow time for them to become comfortable.
3. Bubble-Bath Finale
After the cake, we finish with warm water and bubbles in the studio’s miniature clawfoot tub. This creates a final set of playful portraits while also helping remove frosting before you leave.
- Clean first-birthday portraits
- A simple smash cake
- Coordinated balloon garland
- Cake-smash photographs
- Miniature clawfoot-tub portraits
- Bubble-bath cleanup
- Professional posing and direction
- Online proofing and image selection
- Final retouching of selected images
Splish + Splash Bath Time!
In the blink of an eye, they grow, but the memories of their first moments stay forever.
After all that messy cake fun, we finish with the cutest part—a bubbly bath in an adorable mini clawfoot tub! Your little one will love getting cleaned up in warm water filled with bubbles, and it creates the sweetest candid moments.
Giggles, splashes, tiny toes kicking in the water, soapy bubbles everywhere—these bath shots are always a hit! Plus, it's the perfect way to make sure your baby leaves fresh and clean after all that frosting-filled fun. Trust me, you'll love these photos just as much as the cake smash ones!
My Process
1. Tell Me What You Are Planning
Complete the contact form with your child’s birthday, preferred session timeframe and any initial color or setup ideas. I will confirm availability and answer your questions.
2. Reserve the Session
Cake-smash sessions can take place before or shortly after the first birthday. Contact me early enough to allow time to coordinate the cake, balloon colors, clothing and session details.
3. Plan the Details
Before the session, we will discuss colors, clothing, the cake, balloon garland, family photographs and any food allergies or dietary considerations. I will prepare the studio before you arrive.
4. Attend the Session
The session generally lasts approximately one hour. We begin with clean portraits, introduce the cake and finish with the bubble bath. The order can be adjusted based on your baby’s comfort and attention.
5. Review Your Proofing Gallery
A few days after the session, we will meet over Zoom to review your proofing gallery and make your image selections. The gallery will include the strongest variety from each part of the session.
6. Receive Your Finished Images
After your selections are submitted, each chosen image receives final professional retouching. The completed high-resolution image files are delivered through a private online gallery.
From Proof to Finished Images
Your proofing gallery allows you to compare expressions and choose the portraits you would like professionally finished. Once you submit your selections, each chosen image receives final retouching and is delivered as a high-resolution digital file.
Professional print and wall-art options can also be discussed if you would like help displaying your child’s first-birthday portraits.
Every session is unique, and I'd love to create something special for your little one!
View My Portfolio
FAQ
What is included with a cake-smash session?
The session includes clean first-birthday portraits, the cake smash and a bubble-bath finale in the studio’s miniature clawfoot tub. A simple cake and coordinated balloon garland are included. Before the session, we will plan colors, clothing and the overall setup.
Do you provide the cake?
Yes. A simple smash cake is included. You must tell me about food allergies or dietary requirements before the session so we can determine whether the included cake is appropriate. If you prefer a particular bakery, elaborate design or specialized cake, we can discuss whether you should provide it.
Do you provide the balloon garland?
Yes. A coordinated balloon garland is included. We will choose colors during the planning process. The design is intended to support the portraits without overwhelming your baby or distracting from their expressions.
How many outfits should I bring?
Plan for one clean portrait outfit and the outfit your baby will wear for the cake smash. Limiting clothing changes helps us use the session time effectively and reduces the chance that your baby becomes tired before the cake and bath.
What if my baby does not touch or eat the cake?
That is completely fine. Some babies immediately explore the cake, while others need time or prefer not to touch it. The session is not dependent on a particular reaction. I photograph your baby’s expressions and interaction at their own pace.
Do we have to include a cake?
No. A first-birthday session can focus on classic portraits without a cake. Tell me during planning if you prefer a portrait-only session or do not want balloons included.
"These came out SO great, even before editing. It was so hard to choose! Thanks so much for another fantastic shoot with Riley."
-heather
New Hampshire Cake Smash Studio
Cake-smash and first-birthday sessions take place in my private Salem studio, conveniently located for families from Windham, Derry, Londonderry and nearby Massachusetts communities. You can also explore information for Boston-area cake-smash sessions or contact me about availability for your child’s first birthday.
Let's create something special together.
Planning a First-Birthday Session?
Contact me to check availability and begin planning the cake, balloon colors, clothing and portraits you would like included.