That first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating in a big way. As a Boise newborn and family photographer, I’ve had the joy of documenting countless babies’ first birthday celebrations through cake smash photography sessions that capture not just the messy fun, but the complete journey of this special day. Professional cake smash photography creates lasting memories of this once-in-a-lifetime moment that families treasure for generations.
The Magic of a Three-Part Cake Smash Session
What I love most about our cake smash sessions at Glean & Co is not just about watching a baby get messy with cake (though that part is pretty adorable). We’ve created this beautiful three-part experience that tells the whole story of your baby’s big day. From those sweet clean portraits to the messy middle and bubbly finish – we capture every giggle, every curious expression, and yes, even those cake-covered eyelashes.
Part 1: Clean Family Photos
We begin every cake smash session with beautiful, clean family portraits. Dressed in their birthday best, we capture those precious family moments before the messy fun begins. This is the perfect time for:
- Classic portraits of your one-year-old
- Family photos with parents and siblings
- Detail shots of tiny hands, feet, and that adorable birthday outfit
- Those heart-melting smiles and expressions that show their personality
These photos preserve the “before” moment and give you timeless portraits to treasure. For this portion, we recommend dressing your little one in something special – perhaps a birthday outfit you’ve been saving for this occasion.
Part 2: The Cake Smash Adventure
Next comes the main event – the cake smash itself! We’ll set up an area that complement your vision, position the cake, and let your baby explore this strange new treat.
Some babies dive right in, creating a gloriously messy scene within seconds. Others approach cautiously, poking and prodding before committing to the destruction. Either way, we’re there to document every delicious moment. (I’ve also found that the way a baby approaches their cake is often a very good indicator of their future personality! My oldest, Crewe, daintily removed the berries from the top of his cake while my youngest, Bowen, was fully covered in chocolate frosting. Crewe is reserved, organized, and reasonably clean 13 year old now while Bowen is a 7 year old wrecking ball who is constantly laughing, telling fart jokes and whose room is constantly a disaster)
This is where a professional photographer truly shines. We know exactly when to click the shutter to capture:
- The curious first touch and taste
- The moment of discovery
- The joyful abandon as they realize they’re allowed to make a mess
- The inevitable cake-covered grins
Part 3: The Bubble Bath Finale
After the cake demolition comes everyone’s favorite part – the cleanup! Our bubble bath finale isn’t just practical; it’s a playful conclusion that creates some of the most joyful images from the session.
We fill the studio tub or a decorative basin with warm water and gentle bubbles, allowing your baby to splash and play while getting clean. The bubble bath photos often capture the most genuine belly laughs and expressions of pure joy. The bubbles provide natural modesty coverage while creating a magical, photogenic scene.
For little girls, we sometimes add floating flowers to the bath. For boys, rubber duckies or other bath toys make perfect props. The result is clean, happy baby photos that complete the storytelling journey of your session.
Studio vs. Outdoor Cake Smash Photography: Which Is Right for You?
At Glean & Co, we offer both studio and outdoor cake smash photography sessions, each with unique advantages.
Studio Cake Smash Benefits:
- Climate-controlled environment (ideal for babies born in the chilly months)
- Consistent, beautiful lighting regardless of weather
- Easier cleanup process
- Access to our client wardrobe and props
Outdoor Cake Smash Benefits:
- Natural, beautiful backgrounds
- Gorgeous natural light
- More space for active one-year-olds
- Opportunity for unique locations that hold special meaning
Whether indoors or out, we ensure each space is prepared to contain the mess while capturing beautiful images that truly showcase your baby’s personality.
For Photographers: My Essential Outdoor Cake Smash Kit
Fellow photographers often ask what I pack for outdoor cake smash sessions. Here’s my must-have list:
- Portable basin tub: Lightweight but sturdy enough for water and a wiggly baby
- Non-slip tub mat: this is an absolute must in case a baby decides to stand up in the tub
- Thermoses of warm water: You need to be able to keep the water warm while you do parts 1 & 2.
- Baby-safe bubble bath: I use fragrance-free options for sensitive skin
- Battery-operated bubble machine & bubbles: Creates magical atmosphere with minimal effort
- Extra batteries: Because nothing’s worse than a bubble machine dying mid-session
- Photo-worthy towels: Skip the cartoon characters; bring beautiful, neutral-colored towels
- Washable fabric layer: To create a comfortable surface for the baby to stand on barefoot outdoors
- Sturdy cake stand: Elevates the cake and creates a focal point
- Plenty of wipes: Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, all the wipes
- Trash bags: For immediate cake debris containment
- Change of clothes: For the parents and photographer too! We often get as messy as the baby
Outfit Planning for the Three-Part Session
One of the most common questions I get from Boise parents is what their little one should wear. Here’s what I recommend:
Part 1 (Clean Photos): Something special that reflects your style as a family. Many parents choose a classic birthday outfit like a sweet dress for girls or a button-up and bow tie for boys. I always recommend picking something a little more “babyish” because your baby will be a big kid before you know it! This is one of your last opportunities to embrace the baby squish.
Part 2 (Cake Smash): Keep it simple with a diaper cover, bloomers, or a simple outfit that can get messy. Neutral colors often photograph better than bright patterns. For themed smashes, photographers often coordinate this outfit with the overall design. I always think less is more, showing off a little of baby’s skin and also gives you less to have to wash later.
Part 3 (Bubble Bath): Most babies go au naturel for the bath portion, with bubbles providing modesty coverage. The focus here is on those clean, joyful expressions!
Beyond Cake: Creative Smash Alternatives
While traditional cake smashes are popular, more families are thinking outside the box with creative alternatives. Some of my favorite non-cake smashes have included:
- Taco smash
- Donut tower
- Spaghetti smash
- Fruit smash: Healthier option for families with dietary concerns
- Pancake stacks
- Ice cream sundae
These alternatives can be especially meaningful when they reflect something important to your family, like cultural traditions or favorite foods. My nephew was born on 3/14 so he smashed a cream covered pie for his first birthday! It was adorable, quite messy and personal for him.
DIY Tips vs. Professional Cake Smash Photography
For Boise parents considering a DIY cake smash photoshoot, here are some tips:
When DIY Cake Smash Photography Works Well:
- Simple setup magic: A freshly washed blanket against the wall or draped over a chair can create a clean, simple backdrop that lets your baby shine
- Personalized cake choice: Whether you’re a baking whiz or supporting your favorite local bakery, picking out that perfect smash cake is half the fun
- Theme that tells your story: Did your little one love bananas all year? Does your family have Sunday donut traditions? The most meaningful themes reflect your unique family
- Treasure hunt for props: Gather special toys, family heirlooms, or meaningful items that represent this first year of life
- Practice run advantage: You can try a mini smash a few days before the birthday to see how your baby reacts (some babies hate getting messy!)
- Budget friendly
When Professional Cake Smash Photography Is Worth Every Penny:
- Storytelling expertise: A pro captures the complete journey from clean portrait to messy play to bubble bath giggles without missing a magical moment
- Be fully present: Instead of juggling camera settings, cake placement, and an increasingly mobile one-year-old, you get to be in the moment (and preferably in some photos!)
- Light whispering wizardry: Professional photographers know how to handle tricky lighting situations like bright sunlight, indoor shadows, or the dreaded half-shadow on baby’s face
- Gallery variety: Rather than 50 similar shots from one angle, pros deliver a diverse collection showing different expressions, angles, and moments
- Mess? What mess?: Walk away from cake-covered chaos while someone else handles the cleanup (parents of one-year-olds deserve this break!)
- Heirloom-quality preservation: Beyond digital files, professionals help create tangible keepsakes—albums, wall art, and prints that survive technology changes and become family treasures
Remember that first birthdays only happen once. Whether you DIY or hire a professional cake smash photographer, the most important thing is capturing those precious memories in a way that celebrates your baby’s unique personality.
At Glean & Co, we’ve perfected the art of cake smash photography through dozens of sessions. We’d love to help you document this milestone birthday with images you’ll treasure forever.
Ready to book your cake smash photography session in Boise? Contact us today to secure your date – first birthday sessions typically book 2-3 months in advance!
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