This Deluxe 1st birthday cake smash session gives your one year old a studio photoshoot with a first birthday cake, then a second look in a regular outfit without the cake. It all happens in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, and it ends with about 45 edited, high resolution images plus a proof gallery.
What's Included
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- One regular outfit session without the cake, so you also leave with clean, frame ready birthday portraits
- Up to one hour of shooting in the studio, with several sets ready before you arrive
- A password protected online gallery of about 45 images that you can download, share, view and order prints from
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This Deluxe 1st birthday cake smash session gives your one year old a studio photoshoot with a first birthday cake, then a second look in a regular outfit without the cake. It all happens in an indoor portrait studio in Santa Clara, close to San Jose, and it ends with about 45 edited, high resolution images plus a proof gallery.
What's Included
- Cake smash photos of your baby with the cake on a themed studio set
- One regular outfit session without the cake, so you also leave with clean, frame ready birthday portraits
- Up to one hour of shooting in the studio, with several sets ready before you arrive
- A password protected online gallery of about 45 images that you can download, share, view and order prints from
- A proof gallery of high-res JPEG files
- Full print release for all 45 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, and changing or adding a background or props carries an extra cost. Both sibling and family time can be added, as described below.
How the Cake Smash Shoot Works
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. Each cake smash session is treated as its own event, and the photographer works with whatever your little one is in the mood for. During the shoot, parents stand quietly behind the photographer, which keeps your baby's eyes pointed toward the camera instead of toward you. After the smash, the outfit change gives you a second set of first birthday portraits that look neat enough for a holiday card or a framed print.
The Studio
The studio is a 2,000 square foot, climate controlled space built around comfort. There is a private client lounge where you can change and touch up makeup before the shoot, with gourmet snacks and drinks while you get ready. In the shooting area, multiple sets are ready to go, so the session keeps a fun, fast pace and holds a toddler's interest from start to finish. The team specializes in newborns, babies, children, families and maternity photography, and the studio has been photographing Bay Area families for about a decade.
Smash Cake Themes and Styling
The studio publishes a catalog of smash cake themes to choose from. Past sets include hot air balloons and soft clouds, vintage 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 that fits your celebration. If you would like a different background or extra props beyond the chosen set, that is available 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, with 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 download your files soon after it arrives. Print orders are delivered two to three weeks after payment.
Who This Package Is For
This package suits parents who want both sides of a first birthday: the messy, joyful cake smash and a set of calm, dressed up portraits from the same visit. It works well for a milestone album or for birthday invitations and thank you cards. The photographers are parents themselves and are known for keeping shy babies at ease. Local families describe the studio as clean and well equipped, with beautiful clothes and props, and the studio is consistently highly rated by local parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby will not touch the 1st birthday cake? That is common and expected. The photographer captures whatever happens, from tentative pokes to full smashing, and the outfit session adds portraits that do not depend on the cake at all.
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, not an in-home or outdoor shoot.
How do I book? Pick your date and guest count on this page to see the price, then request to book.
