This Plus 1st birthday cake smash session pairs a playful cake smash with a second set of clean portraits on the same themed set, without the cake. It takes place in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, runs up to 45 minutes, and delivers about 35 edited, high resolution images. It is the session the studio marks as its most popular.
What's Included
- Up to 45 minutes of shooting time in the studio
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- One regular outfit session on the same smash cake set, without the cake
- A password protected online gallery of about 35 edited images that you can download, share, view and order prints from
- Full print release for all 35
This Plus 1st birthday cake smash session pairs a playful cake smash with a second set of clean portraits on the same themed set, without the cake. It takes place in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, runs up to 45 minutes, and delivers about 35 edited, high resolution images. It is the session the studio marks as its most popular.
What's Included
- Up to 45 minutes of shooting time in the studio
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- One regular outfit session on the same smash cake set, without the cake
- A password protected online gallery of about 35 edited images that you can download, share, view and order prints from
- Full print release for all 35 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.
Two Looks on One Set
The Plus session gives you two kinds of first birthday photos from a single theme. The outfit portraits come first or last, depending on how your baby is doing, so you get calm, dressed up images with the full set around them. Then the cake arrives and the fun begins. Because both looks use the same set, the photos sit together naturally in an album, on a birthday invitation or on a wall.
Not every child plays in the cake, and that is completely fine. Some babies dig in with both hands, some prefer to eat it, and some barely notice it. The photographer follows your little one's lead and keeps shooting through every reaction. During the shoot, parents stand quietly behind the photographer, which keeps your baby's attention on the camera.
The Studio
The studio is a 2,000 square foot, climate controlled space with a private client lounge where you can change outfits, touch up makeup and enjoy gourmet snacks and drinks before the shoot. Several sets are ready in the shooting area, so the session moves at a quick, cheerful pace that holds a toddler's interest. The team specializes in newborns, babies, children, families and maternity photography and has been photographing Bay Area families for about a decade.
Smash Cake Themes
Choose from the studio's catalog of smash cake themes. Past sets 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. Since the outfit portraits share the set, it is worth picking a theme you would like to see in your framed photos too. A different background or extra props can be arranged at an additional cost.
Optional Add-Ons
- 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 download your files soon after it arrives. Print orders are delivered two to three weeks after payment.
Who This Package Is For
Plus suits parents who want both the messy cake smash and a few neat birthday portraits without committing to the longest session. It is a natural pick for a first birthday album, invitations and thank you cards. The photographers are parents themselves and know how to keep a shy baby comfortable, and local families consistently rate the studio highly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the cake smash and the outfit session? The cake smash captures your baby with the 1st birthday cake. The outfit session uses the same set without the cake for cleaner portraits.
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.
Where does the shoot take place? In the studio in Santa Clara, by appointment. This is an indoor session.
How do I book? Pick your date and guest count on this page to see the price, then request to book.
