First Birthday Photography

Cake Smash Photographer Cambridge

Cambridge & Cambridgeshire

Baby's First Birthday, Beautifully Documented

A cake smash session is one of the most joyful things a photographer gets to do — pure, unscripted delight as a baby discovers that they are allowed, for once, to make as much mess as they want. The faces are extraordinary. The frosting is everywhere. The photographs last forever.

I photograph cake smash sessions in Cambridge and across Cambridgeshire — at your home, in your garden, or at a rented studio. The sessions are fast, flexible, and designed around your baby's routine rather than a rigid schedule.

How It Works

What to Expect at Your Cake Smash Session

Before: Setup

You set up the cake and any decorations in a clean, well-lit space. I arrive 10 minutes early to assess the light and set up my position.

Clean portraits first

We capture the baby looking gorgeous before the cake — outfit portraits, family shots, birthday sign. These go in the album too.

First contact

Baby meets cake. Some babies dive straight in; others approach with suspicion. Both approaches produce brilliant images — I'm ready for either.

Full smash

Hands in, face in, full destruction — this is what everyone comes for. Fast shooting to capture every expression and flying frosting.

Splash finale (optional)

A mini paddling pool 'clean-up' splash session is beloved by babies and makes extraordinary images. Bring a towel.

Packages

Cake Smash Photography Packages

Cake Smash Session

£195

1 hour · 30+ images

On-location or at home
Baby portraits + cake smash
Clean and messy stages
30+ edited images
Online gallery in 7 days

Tips for the Best Cake Smash Session

Book 4–6 weeks before baby's first birthday — popular dates go quickly

Schedule the session during their best time of day (usually mid-morning)

Don't feed a big meal right before — a mild hunger helps engagement with the cake

Choose a smash cake that looks good for the portraits but is safe for baby to eat

Have a towel, spare outfit, and wipes on hand

Simple, plain-coloured outfits photograph better than busy patterns

Cake Smash Photography FAQs

Where is the session held?+

Sessions are held at your home (most popular — familiar environment, baby is relaxed), at an outdoor location in Cambridge, or at a rented studio space. We'll discuss what works best when you enquire.

What type of cake should we use?+

The most popular choice is a basic Victoria sponge with smooth buttercream icing — it photographs beautifully and is safe for babies to eat. Smash cakes are usually 6-inch round. Your local baker can make a simple smash cake; many won't charge much for a small undecorated one.

What if baby doesn't want to touch the cake?+

It happens! Some babies are cautious at first. I'm patient — we let them approach in their own time. Sometimes a finger of icing breaks the barrier. Even a reluctant baby usually engages within 10 minutes of encouragement.

How messy does it get?+

Very! Icing ends up everywhere — face, hair, ears, floor, occasionally the photographer. Lay down a plastic sheet or old blanket under the cake. Plan for a bath immediately after.

Can older siblings or family be included?+

Yes — the Cake Smash & Family and Full First Birthday packages include family portraits. Siblings are often the best actors in the cake smash sequence: their reactions are priceless.

Do you cover areas beyond Cambridge?+

Yes — I cover Cambridge and all of Cambridgeshire including Ely, St Neots, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and surrounding villages. For sessions further afield, a small travel supplement applies.

Book Your Cake Smash Session

Tell me your baby's birthday, your location in Cambridgeshire, and your preferred timing — I'll check availability and confirm details within 24 hours.

Yana Skakun

Baby's First Birthday, Beautifully Documented