CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY
Is Your Baby About to Turn ONE?
We know planning your child’s First Birthday is a lot of fun, and so is planning their First Birthday Portrait.
This portrait experience is a gentle, joyful way to mark this milestone with artwork that brings warmth into your home.
Your baby’s first birthday has a way of creeping up quietly and then arriving all at once. One moment you’re helping them find their balance, and the next you’re planning a celebration for a child who suddenly feels so much bigger than they did even a few weeks ago.
A First Birthday Portrait experience gives you the space to enjoy who they are right now – their curiosity, their spark and the way they take in the world at their own pace. We follow their lead, moving gradually through a few simple looks so you can enjoy a blend of playful expressions and beautifully understated portraits before the cake is even introduced.
Everything stays calm, unhurried and centred entirely around your child’s personality. Nothing theme-heavy or overwhelming – just an experience shaped around who they are, and a chance for you to slow down, breathe and really see them.
Your First Birthday Portrait Experience
Includes:
First Birthday Portrait Experience
A heartwarming photographic session, starting with an cute outfit, playing with balloons and finishing with them smashing their cake!
Private viewing of your photos
Personalised cinematic prdering appointment.
There is no obligation to choose anything other than what you love on the day.
BONUS: Cake & Balloons included!
Let’s face it, you have plenty to worry about. I will provide the cake and balloons for your session!
BONUS: £50 Studio credit
to use towards the purchase of your favourite portraits.
Book your session today for only £75!
How it Works
How to Book Your Bespoke Cake Smash Portrait Photography Experience
STEP ONE
Book Your Call
A simple, relaxed conversation where we explore what you want your little one to feel when they see themselves celebrated through your artwork, and what matters most to you as you mark their first year.
STEP TWO
Enjoy your experience
A gentle, playful time that lets your baby be fully themselves. Whether they’re exploring their cake, interacting with a simple first birthday prop or balloon, or simply enjoying the attention.
The experience is designed to reveal their personality in a way that feels genuine and beautifully understated.
STEP THREE
Design & Order
Together, we look at the portraits created and shape pieces that feel true to your family.
You choose what speaks to you, and we design Wall Art Collections or a Print Treasure Box that reflects your child’s spirit and the love you’re building around them.
STEP FOUR
Feel the joy everyday
When your artwork is up at home, it becomes part of your everyday rhythm.
As you walk past it on your way to make breakfast or settle in after work, you’re reminded of this chapter – curious, expressive and growing so quickly.
It’s a quiet reminder that you’re creating a childhood filled with warmth and connection.
LET’S MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
I’ve spent years photographing little ones at this beautifully tender age, and I never stop being moved by how quickly they grow and how deeply parents want to hold onto who they are right now.
My work is built around slowing things down for you – creating a calm space where your baby can settle, explore and show you sides of themselves you don’t always get to see in the busyness of everyday life.
I’m guided by a simple belief: these portraits should help you feel proud of the family you’re building and confident in the love you pour into your child. Every choice I make – lighting, styling, the gentle pace we follow – is there to honour your baby’s personality and give you artwork that feels true to your home and your heart.
This experience isn’t about perfection. It’s about noticing the tiny expressions, the spark in their eyes and the connection you’ve been nurturing since day one. My role is to guide you through it with care, so you leave with artwork that reminds you of the parent you’re becoming and the child who is growing right in front of you.
My Studio at Parndon Mill
My studio sits within Parndon Mill — a peaceful, riverside creative community on the Herts/Essex border.
It’s quiet, easy to reach, and offers the headspace parents often don’t realise they need.
From the moment you arrive, everything is unhurried, gentle and fully guided.
First Birthday Portrait Experience FAQ’s
What to bring
Just the essentials:
- A simple outfit you already love seeing them in
- A pair of shorts or vest for the messy part & wipes!
- A spare outfit for the journey home
Babies don’t need anything more complicated than that. I provide the cake and balloons, and together we keep everything easy and relaxed so you can simply enjoy the experience.
What is included in a Cake Smash & First Birthday Portrait Experience?
Your portrait experience includes time in the studio for your baby’s first birthday portraits, starting with simple, classic photographs before cake is introduced. The session is child-led and unhurried, with guidance throughout, and you’ll return for a viewing and design appointment to choose the portraits and artwork you’d like to order.
Does it have to be a full “cake smash”, or can it just be first birthday portraits?
It’s entirely up to you. Some parents prefer a full cake smash, others just want relaxed first birthday portraits with a small nod to cake. We can keep things simple and focus on your baby’s expressions, or include cake for a playful finish – we’ll decide together during your planning call.
Do you provide the cake?
Yes – I provide a shop-bought cake that works beautifully for photographs. If you’d prefer to bring your own because of allergies or a specific look you have in mind, that’s absolutely fine too. I can share guidance on size, colours and simple decorations so the cake photographs well and suits the portraits you’d like to create.
What actually happens during a First Birthday Portrait experience?
Your baby leads the way. I’ll gently guide them through a series of simple setups that let their personality shine. Once they’re settled and happy, we introduce the cake so you can enjoy those playful reactions as they explore it in their own way.
What if my baby doesn’t want to engage with the cake?
Every child responds differently, and that’s absolutely fine. I move at their pace, and you’ll still have a beautiful collection of portraits from the earlier parts of the experience. The focus is always on who they are – not on how messy they get.
How long does the experience take?
Most families spend around an hour with me, but the pace is gentle and child-led. If your little one needs a break, we follow their rhythm. The aim is never to rush – it’s to create artwork that feels genuine and true to your family.
Can siblings be involved?
Siblings are such an important part of family life, but not for this experience. First Birthday Portraits work best when the focus stays on your little one, giving them the space to settle, explore and enjoy their moment without distraction.
Do you offer digital files, or just printed artwork?
Printed artwork comes first because it’s the easiest way to enjoy your portraits every day at home. You can choose from wall art, storyboards and mounted portraits in a Treasure Box. Digital files are available too, once you’ve chosen your printed favourites.