Cake Smash & Splash Session Guide

Welcome

Your baby’s first birthday is such a special milestone, and cake smash sessions are all about capturing personality, curiosity and joy — with absolutely no pressure for your little one to perform.

This guide will help you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare so your session feels calm, fun and stress-free.

Session Flow

1. Arrival & Settling In

We begin with a few minutes for your baby to settle, explore the space and feel comfortable. This is completely normal and helps them relax.

2. Clean Portraits (Before the Cake)

We start with a few clean, timeless portraits before the cake comes out — these often become parents’ favourite images.

3. Cake Smash

Your baby is gently introduced to the cake and allowed to explore at their own pace. Some babies dive straight in, others take a little time — both are perfect and photographed beautifully.

4. Splash Session (Full Sessions Only)

For full cake smash & splash sessions, we finish with a warm bath and bubbles to clean up and capture happy, splashy smiles.

Cake Information

• Parents provide the cake.

• Please choose a soft sponge cake with buttercream (fondant is best avoided). Sainsburys have a great selection including this one: Sainsbury’s 1.45kg Vanilla Naked Cake and Sainsbury's 1.2kg Rainbow Layer Birthday Cake

• Light, neutral colours photograph best.

• If your child has allergies, dairy-free or vegan cakes work beautifully. Sponge offer great dairy, vegan and gluten free options.

Please let me know in advance about any allergies so I can prepare the session safely.

What to Bring

• Cake

• Wipes & towel

• Spare nappy

• Outfit for after the session

• Favourite comfort item (if needed)

Outfits provided by the studio are for photography purposes only and fit most 1-year-olds.

After the Session

Your images will be edited in my signature style — calm, soft and timeless.

Your gallery will be delivered via use.session, where you can:

• Download the images included in your package

• Upgrade to the full gallery for £85 if you wish

Sharing & Reviews

If you share your images online, I’d love for you to tag me — it helps my small business more than you know.

A Google review is also hugely appreciated and supports future families finding me.

Final Notes

Every baby is different — there is no “right” way for a cake smash to go. My goal is to follow your child’s lead and create images that feel natural, joyful and meaningful.