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Cake Smash Photography Melbourne – The Ultimate First Birthday Photoshoot Guide


Cake Smash Photography Melbourne – Baby celebrating their first birthday with a fun and messy cake smash session

Introduction: Why a Cake Smash Photoshoot? 🎂


Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun, messy, and adorable cake smash photoshoot?




Cake smash photography is a playful way to capture your little one’s personality as they explore, smash, and enjoy a custom-made cake in a beautifully styled setting.


At Alana Taylor Photography, we specialise in cake smash photography in Melbourne, creating unique and personalised setups that reflect your child’s personality and style. Whether you want a vibrant and playful session or something soft and dreamy, we bring your vision to life with stunning photography that will become a cherished keepsake for years to come.


In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cake smash photoshoots, from choosing a theme to preparing your baby and making the session a success.


First Birthday Cake Smash – Adorable baby covered in cake and frosting during a playful cake smash photoshoot

The Best Time to Book a Cake Smash Photoshoot


When Should You Schedule a Cake Smash Session?

The best time for a cake smash photoshoot is when your baby is between 10-12 months old. This timeframe allows you to use the photos for first birthday invitations or birthday party decorations.


How Early Should You Book?

Cake smash sessions are incredibly popular, so it’s best to book at least 1-2 months in advance to secure your preferred date and theme. If you’re planning a themed party, scheduling the session in advance ensures your photos will be ready for the big day!


Smash Cake Photography Near Me – One-year-old laughing while smashing a birthday cake in a colorful setup

Choosing the Perfect Cake Smash Theme 🎨

One of the most exciting parts of a cake smash photoshoot is choosing the theme! At Alana Taylor Photography, we offer one of the largest selections of cake smash themes in Melbourne.




Popular Cake Smash Themes:

  • For Girls: Princess, Unicorn, Boho Chic, Floral Wonderland, Pink & Gold, Winter Onederland.

  • For Boys: Superhero, Jungle Safari, Dinosaur, Space Adventure, Blue & Gold, Car & Truck Themes.

  • Gender-Neutral: Teddy Bears, Rainbow, Pastel, Balloon Wonderland, Circus, Wild One.


If you have a specific vision in mind, we are more than happy to customise the setup to match your dream cake smash photoshoot.


The Cake – What Works Best? 🍰


What Kind of Cake is Best for a Cake Smash?

The best cakes for a cake smash session are soft, fluffy, and easy to break apart. Buttercream cakes are the best option because they create the perfect amount of mess!


Cake Tips:

✔ Avoid hard fondant as it doesn’t smash well.

✔ Choose light-coloured cakes to prevent stains on your baby’s skin.

✔ Consider dietary needs – egg-free, dairy-free, or allergy-friendly cakes are available.

✔ Our cakes are 6 inches round – the perfect size for smashing!



Cake Smash Photoshoot Melbourne – Messy and fun first birthday session with a happy baby and a themed cake

What to Wear for a Cake Smash Photoshoot? 👗👕

Your baby’s outfit plays a big role in how the final photos look! At Alana Taylor Photography, we provide a variety of cake smash outfits, or you can bring your own.


Outfit Ideas:

  • For Girls: Tutu skirts, rompers, princess dresses, floral crowns.

  • For Boys: Suspenders, overalls, cute bow ties, denim shorts.

  • Neutral Options: Simple onesies, themed costumes, knitted sets.


Bonus: Splash Session! 🛁

After the cake smash fun, we finish the session with a bubble bath photoshoot! This gives us even more adorable photos and helps clean up the mess.


How to Prepare Your Baby for a Cake Smash 📸


Here are some helpful tips to make sure your baby enjoys their cake smash photography session:


Introduce Cake Beforehand – Let them try a small piece of cake a week before the shoot.

Schedule the Session at the Right Time – Book at a time when your baby is well-rested and fed.

Keep It Fun & Stress-Free – Babies can pick up on stress, so keep things relaxed!

Bring Their Favourite Toy – If needed, we can use a toy to grab their attention.

Stay Close, But Let Them Explore – Allow your baby to discover the cake at their own pace.


Creative Cake Smash Photography – One-year-old covered in icing, enjoying a fun cake smash celebration

What to Expect During a Cake Smash Photoshoot 🎈


A cake smash session typically lasts 30-60 minutes, giving us plenty of time to capture all the fun! Here’s what happens during the shoot:




1. The Portrait Session

Before we introduce the cake, we capture some clean, adorable portraits of your baby.


2. The Cake Smash

The cake is introduced, and your baby is encouraged to explore, play, and smash! We capture their reactions – curiosity, joy, and lots of giggles!


3. The Splash Session

After all the messy fun, we move on to the bubble bath cleanup session, where your baby gets to splash in a mini bathtub while we capture even more adorable photos.


Including Family in Cake Smash Photos

A cake smash session is all about your little one, but some parents want to include siblings or parents in a few shots. You are welcome to add on sibling or parent photos to your cake smash package.


Here’s how we do it:


✔ Siblings can join in the portraits before the cake is introduced

✔ Siblings can join in the Cake Smash Fun and Mess.

✔ Parents can join in the portraits before the cake is introduced

✔ Parents can have a fun moment during the Cake Smash.


First Birthday Photoshoot – Baby with cake-covered hands and a big smile during a cake smash session

What Happens After the Photoshoot? 📷


Once your cake smash session is complete, we carefully edit and retouch each image, enhancing the colours and details. You’ll receive an online gallery where you can choose your favourite images for prints, albums, or digital downloads.



FAQ – Your Cake Smash Questions Answered


Q: How long does a cake smash session take?A: Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes, including portraits, cake smash, and splash time.


Q: Can I choose my own theme?A: Absolutely! We have a large selection of themes, but we can also create a custom setup for you.


Q: What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?A: Some babies take time to warm up. We encourage play and exploration, and we have tricks to help engage them!


Melbourne Cake Smash Photographer – Joyful baby playing with cake in a beautifully styled birthday setup

Book Your Cake Smash Photography Session Today! 🎂


A cake smash photography session is the perfect way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday with fun, laughter, and timeless memories.




At Alana Taylor Photography, we specialise in creating beautiful, high-quality cake smash photoshoots in Melbourne that capture the joy of this special milestone.


📅 Book your cake smash session today and let’s create unforgettable memories! Contact us now to secure your preferred date.


Alana Taylor Photography is a specialised Newborn and Baby Cake Smash Photographer Melbourne, my studio is located in Clyde servicing Melbourne and its surrounds. Due to my experience in Newborn Photography I am Melbourne's most highly sought after newborn and baby photographer. My experience, knowledge, patience and bubbly nature ensures happy clients and gorgeous photos to treasure. Alana Taylor Photography is a Professional Newborn and Baby Photographer who specialises in Newborn Photography, Maternity Photography, Baby and Kids Photography and Cake Smash Photography in Melbourne.






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