Maybe you’re wondering why cake smash is a thing… A cake smash is an enjoyable way for your baby to literally ‘smash’ their way into toddlerhood. It is a memorable experience filled with giggles, sugar, and sweetness.

Why do parents go through the ‘hassle’—as some people would say? It’s because first-time parents cannot wait to celebrate their baby’s first year. Plus, their first year of parenthood ticks away quickly, and they want to mark the first year by doing something super fun and memorable – a cake smash photoshoot.

But a cake smash isn’t reserved for firstborns. Parents who do it for their firstborns know how exciting and worthwhile it is, so they carry on the tradition. This is why sometimes parents go for recurring or similar themes for their second child or double down when their baby turns two.

For sure, other parents opt for themes that are as distinct as possible. Either way, a cake smash photoshoot captures delightfully cute scenes of your baby playing and enjoying their very first birthday cake.

Speaking of birthday cakes, there really is no difference between a smash cake and a regular cake. Just keep in mind that the purpose of the smash cake is to be ‘demolished’ by the baby’s tiny hands and feet. And the photographer is there to capture all the laughs and giggles.

If you’re wondering about the size of the smash cake, it doesn’t really matter. The cake just has to be colorful, eye-candy, and sugary—that’s it! Again, your baby will basically destroy it.

14 Cake smash photoshoot ideas for your baby girl

What you need for your baby’s cake smash is to choose a theme that you think best represents your little one. Then, get a cake that fits the theme.

Here’s an article that covers how to choose your baby’s cake smash theme in more detail. But don’t worry about the details too much. The theme, props, and outfit will be thought out during your design consultation, and Stephany takes the ideation process seriously.

This already answers a pressing question – should you do a professional cake smash session?

Absolutely yes. A cake smash is a celebration; it’s a milestone worth capturing—and it’s worth going big about it—because you and your family will have wonderful keepsakes of your baby’s first birthday, among other developmental milestones.

But really, after a year chock-full of baby formula and diapers, you and your baby girl deserve a memorable experience. So, here’s a selection of 15 cake smash photoshoot ideas worth considering:

1. ‘Butterfly princess’ themed photoshoot

Does your baby have a free spirit and a bright personality? Well, why not incorporate that in this special photoshoot? Butterflies symbolize freedom, and your little girl is their princess.

Donned with pompoms, a sparkly little crown, and a puffy dress, she is a butterfly princess in her own fantasy world, ready to throw herself at the mountain of sugar set before her.

Also, did you know that butterflies taste pollen with their feet? Just like them, this little princess—your baby girl—is free to do the same. Without hesitation, she can play with her hands and feet in this sugary fantasy. We’re ready to capture this memorable moment.

2. Candy-themed photoshoot

This theme is so eye-candy—pun intended—that it’s the best way to bring out your child’s inner colors. With a colorful cake with a lot of candies and sprinkles and a fun setting, you can capture your little bundle of joy in her natural element surrounded by the beauty of childhood—color!

Through color, our brains associate different emotions and qualities. So, bright colors hint at the joy of living and happiness—something we want to emphasize with this photoshoot!

Needless to say, this concept is the most suitable way to portray the joy and brightness a child brings into the world.

3. Cottagecore-themed photoshoot

4. ’Little mermaid’ themed photoshoot

5. ‘Santa’s little helper’ themed photoshoot

If your baby’s birthday is around Christmas, ‘Santa’s little helper’ is the perfect theme for your little toddler to embrace the joy that Christmas brings. Candy canes, gingerbread, hot chocolate, cute little Christmas lights, and jolly jingles add to the already cheerful atmosphere.

Plus, it’s the perfect combo of cuteness and magic to ring the bells of toddlerhood.

6. ‘Magic garden’ themed photoshoot

 7. ‘Pixie dust’ themed photoshoot

8. Aquaworld-themed photoshoot

9. Minnie theme photoshoot

10. ’Beauty of spring’’ themed photoshoot

This theme is the most suitable to emphasize the new chapter your baby is about to start. Spring is the season of blooming, with pops of pink that will catch your eye on every corner. Your baby girl enters this new stage with joy and innocence, surrounded by flowers, sparkles, and a sweet-sweet cake.

Spring is often equated to a new beginning. This photo shoot takes it to the next level, where your baby lives life in full bloom, with hope and purpose, with imagination and vision. It’s precisely how Rilke once said, "It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart."

11. Glamping’ photoshoot

‘Glamping’ is a luxury type of camping that’s far more exquisite than traditional camping, all while still being in harmony with nature. With beautiful flowers and a picnic-like scenery, we can portray a moment of bliss and joy. Your baby gets to have fun and enjoy her freedom in a lovely and peaceful setting.

12. ’Fruity world’ themed photoshoot

13. ‘Sunflower field’ themed photoshoot

14. ‘Lovely in pink’ themed photoshoot

Takeaway

We hope these ideas showed you how your baby girl could be the star of her own world—a world you designed for her, where she can shine and have fun.

So, whether you choose an 'aquaworld' theme or 'cottagecore' theme, Stephany will surely capture these beautiful moments of your baby girl enjoying every second of her special day!

Going through these cake smash ideas probably answered your question whether to book a cake smash session or not—right? If we’ve convinced you with these adorable photos, and you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, by all means, get in touch with Stephany and schedule a visit.

The services Stephany provides are high-end. These include fine prints and digital artwork, among other products, such as heirloom albums, keepsake portfolio boxes, modern acrylic art pieces, museum-quality handmade canvases, framed wall art, wood art pieces, and wall collections.

All these to mark this incredible milestone—the first birthday—so that your little one has a memento of this unique experience. 

If you want to read more on this topic, check out these 10 tips for the best cake smash session, or get transported to a galaxy far, far away, and meet little Ezra, the little Star Wars baby featured in this interview.

Let’s keep in touch on Instagram and Pinterest.