Ultimate guide to Cake Smash photography: Tips, Ideas, and What to Expect for Your Baby's First Birthday

Your baby’s first birthday is such a joyful milestone — and what better way to celebrate than with a cake smash? These sessions are more than just adorable photos; they capture your little one’s personality, curiosity, and all the messy, giggly fun that comes with turning one. From frosting-covered fingers to those first big smiles, a cake smash photoshoot creates timeless memories you’ll treasure forever.

At my cozy home studio in Montgomery, IL — near Aurora, Yorkville, Oswego, and Batavia — I specialize in creating custom cake smash experiences for families across the Chicagoland area. Whether you dream of a simple and sweet setup, a playful themed design, or bold and colorful décor, I’ll help bring your vision to life. My goal is to make the entire experience stress-free and fun for both parents and babies, so you can simply enjoy the moment while I capture it all.

This Yorkville baby loved every second of their first birthday cake smash photoshoot

What Is a Cake Smash Session?

A cake smash session is a playful way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday by letting them dig into their very own cake while I capture the fun. These sessions are filled with laughter, curiosity, and joy — and no two are ever the same!

Messy hands, frosting smiles — celebrating a first birthday in my cozy Montgomery, IL home-studio

The tradition started as a creative way to mark this milestone, and it’s become a favorite for families across Chicago and the western suburbs who want unique, personality-filled photos. The best time to schedule is when your baby is around 11–12 months old, so you’ll have the photos ready to share at their birthday celebration.

From shy pokes to big belly laughs, Montgomery cake smash photos always capture it all

How to Prepare for a Cake Smash Session

A little preparation makes the session smooth and enjoyable:

• Outfits: Choose comfortable, adorable outfits such as rompers, tutus, or diaper covers. I provide styling guidance and also keep wardrobe options available in my Montgomery studio.

• Cake: Pick a small cake (6in) with soft frosting colors — buttercream or whipped cream works best for messy fun! Avoid fondant or hard decorations that babies may not enjoy.

• Extras: Bring wipes, a backup outfit, a towel and water.

• Baby Prep: A nap and light snack beforehand help keep your little one happy and ready to explore.

Sweet little one from Chicago diving into their cake smash session — what a way to celebrate turning one!

Cake Smash Themes & Creative Ideas

This is where the fun really begins! Popular themes include:

• Simple & Sweet: Pastel colors, balloons, and soft textures.

• Whimsical & Playful: Favorite characters, jungle, or fairytale.

• Seasonal & Holiday-Inspired: Pumpkins, flowers, winter wonderland, or summer vibes.

• Bold & Bright: Colorful backdrops with fun props.

They're only ONE once-these moments are worth celebrating (and remembering)

In my studio, I create customized backdrops that match your vision and style. Families from Aurora, Oswego, Yorkville, Batavia, and Chicago love that they don’t have to worry about decorating or cleanup — I handle it all!

Choosing the Perfect Cake for a Smash Session

The cake itself is more than dessert — it’s part of the fun and the photos! The best cakes are small, simple, and soft enough for tiny hands to smash. Popular colors include pastels, neutrals, or shades that fit your theme (just stay away from black, brown or red as these photograph as something else).

Many families from Aurora and Yorkville order from local bakeries that specialize in smash cakes. I’m happy to recommend trusted bakers in the area who create beautiful cakes that look amazing and photograph even better with your theme in mind otherwise take advantage of my complimentary cakes I offer that is still a perfect fit for any theme.

Turning one is sweeter with frosting — photographed here in my Montgomery, IL studio near Aurora

What to Expect During the Session

Cake smash sessions typically last 45–60 minutes. The flow usually looks like this:

1. Portraits – We start with milestone portraits of your baby (before the cake mess begins).

2. The Smash – Your little one gets to explore their cake however they want — smashing, tasting, poking, or simply giggling at the frosting.

3. Splash Cleanup – To finish, I offer a bubbly bath setup. Babies love splashing in the water, and parents love the candid, joyful photos this creates.

Cake smash sessions capture not just photos-but real personality and memories

Whether you’re visiting from Chicago, South Elgin, or right here in Montgomery, my studio sessions are designed to be relaxed and baby-led. Some little ones dive right in, while others take their time — and both result in amazing photos.

Making the Most of Your Baby’s First Birthday Photos

Your cake smash images aren’t just for the gallery — they can add something special to your celebration and beyond. Families across Chicago and the western suburbs often use their cake smash photos for:

• Birthday invitations or thank-you cards

• Photo banners and party décor

• Keepsake albums or memory boxes

• Nursery or playroom wall art

Your family’s love deserves more than a screen — from giggles in the studio to heirloom wall art in your home, each session is designed to give you timeless memories you’ll cherish every day

It’s the perfect way to make your baby’s milestone part of your family’s story.

Why Montgomery, IL Families Love Studio Cake Smash Sessions

Families love coming to my Montgomery home studio near Aurora because it’s cozy, stress-free, and fully equipped. Unlike at-home DIY setups, a professional session includes styled backdrops, studio lighting, props, and a photographer experienced with little ones. Parents especially appreciate that they don’t have to worry about the mess — I take care of everything while you sit back and enjoy the moment.

Bubble baths after cake smash sessions make cleanup fun — babies love splashing around in my cozy Montgomery, IL home studio!

Chicago families, this is why I adore cake smash photography — pure joy and giggles! As a sweet bonus, bubble baths are now part of your child’s session. They’re perfect for cleanup and always a favorite — little ones love splashing around!

FAQ: Cake Smash Sessions in Montgomery, IL

Q: When should I book a cake smash session?

A: Most families book when their baby is around 11–12 months old. I recommend reserving early, especially if you’re in Aurora, Oswego, or Yorkville, since sessions fill quickly.

Q: Do I need to bring the cake?

A: Many families bring their own cake, personalized cake but I can also recommend excellent local bakeries in Aurora, Batavia, and Chicago that create beautiful smash cakes. Or take advantage of my complimentary naked cake.

Q: What should my baby wear?

A: Simple, comfortable outfits work best. I provide styling guidance and also keep neutral outfit options available at my Montgomery studio.

Q: How long does the session last?

A: Sessions run about 45–60 minutes — just the right length to capture portraits, the smash, and splash time, while keeping baby engaged.

Q: What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?

A: That’s perfectly okay! Some babies dive right in, others just poke, and a few prefer the frosting over the cake itself. Those reactions — from cautious curiosity to big giggles — are part of the magic I capture.

Messy hands, frosting smiles — celebrating a first birthday in my cozy Montgomery, IL home-studio.

Conclusion

Your baby only turns one once — and a cake smash session is the sweetest way to celebrate this milestone. From themed setups to bubbly cleanup splashes, these sessions are full of laughter, love, and memories you’ll cherish for years.

After a fun cake smash session, bubble baths in my cozy Montgomery, IL home studio make cleanup easy — most babies love it so much they don’t want to leave the tub, making this the sweetest way to end our time together.

If you’re looking for a cake smash photographer in Montgomery, Aurora, Oswego, Yorkville, Batavia, or the greater Chicago area, I’d love to help you create an unforgettable first birthday experience. Let’s celebrate your little one in the most joyful way possible!