This Mini 1st birthday cake smash session is a short, focused studio shoot built around your baby and their first birthday cake. It takes place in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, runs up to 30 minutes, and delivers about 25 edited, high resolution images in a private online gallery.
What's Included
- Up to 30 minutes of shooting time in the studio
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- A password protected online gallery of about 25 edited images that you can share, view and order prints from
- Full print release for all 25 edited high-resolution files
- Editing of every delivered image, included in the session fee
- Up to four people in the session
Sibling
This Mini 1st birthday cake smash session is a short, focused studio shoot built around your baby and their first birthday cake. It takes place in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, runs up to 30 minutes, and delivers about 25 edited, high resolution images in a private online gallery.
What's Included
- Up to 30 minutes of shooting time in the studio
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- A password protected online gallery of about 25 edited images that you can share, view and order prints from
- Full print release for all 25 edited high-resolution files
- Editing of every delivered image, included in the session fee
- Up to four people in the session
Sibling and family photos are not part of this package. RAW and unedited proof files are not included, but they can be purchased separately. Changing or adding a background or props carries an extra cost.
Why a Short Cake Smash Session Works
One year olds have their own schedule, and a long shoot is not always the right fit. The studio notes that a cake smash usually takes about 30 minutes, because the first reaction to the cake is the most important moment to capture. This Mini session is built around exactly that window. The set is ready when you arrive, the cake goes down, and the photographer works quickly to catch the curious first touch, the first taste and whatever happens next.
Not every child plays in the cake, and that is completely fine. Some babies dive in with both hands, some prefer to eat it, and some barely notice it. The photographer works with your little one's mood rather than forcing a script. During the shoot, parents stand quietly behind the photographer so your baby looks toward the camera instead of toward you.
The Studio
Sessions happen in a 2,000 square foot, climate controlled studio designed for families with small children. A private client lounge lets you change your baby, freshen up and enjoy gourmet snacks and drinks before you start. Multiple sets are ready in the shooting area, which keeps things moving at a fun, fast pace. The team photographs newborns, babies, children, families and maternity clients, and has worked with Bay Area families for about a decade.
Smash Cake Themes
The studio keeps a catalog of smash cake themes, so you can match the set to your party or to your baby's personality. Past themes include hot air balloons and soft clouds, airplanes, construction trucks, dinosaurs, under the sea, a basketball court, cherry blossoms, garden florals and pastel balloon garlands with light up ONE letters. Pick the theme you like and the set is waiting when you walk in. A different background or extra props can be arranged at an additional cost.
Optional Add-Ons
- Extra edited images: add single images, or a bundle of four, beyond the 25 included.
- All-in-one cake and outfit add-on: a one-tier cake with layers of vanilla cake, fluffy Chantilly cream and fresh berries, plus a curated birthday outfit rental styled to complement the set. Request it at least one week before the session.
- Family session add-on: an extra 25 minute session with the same family photographer, with 10 family photos for up to four people and a fee for each additional person.
- Sibling session add-on: an extra 10 minute session with 10 photos for one sibling.
- Additional guests: the session covers up to four people, and each additional person adds a small fee.
Add-on prices are listed with the package details on this page.
Gallery and Delivery
Your password protected online gallery is ready about two weeks after the session and stays available for one month, so plan to save your images soon after it arrives. Print orders placed through the gallery are delivered two to three weeks after payment.
Who This Package Is For
The Mini is a good match for parents who want classic first birthday cake smash photos without a long studio visit, for babies who tire quickly, or for families planning a separate party and just want the cake moment captured well. Local parents describe the studio as clean and well equipped, and it is consistently highly rated by families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 30 minutes enough for a 1st birthday cake smash? For most babies, yes. The first reaction to the cake is the heart of the session, and a short shoot keeps your child fresh and engaged.
Is the first birthday cake included? The cake is part of the all-in-one add-on together with an outfit rental. Let the studio know at least one week ahead so everything is prepared.
Can I get more than 25 images? Yes. Extra edited images can be added one at a time or as a set of four.
How do I book? Pick your date and guest count on this page to see the price, then request to book.
