Capturing a one-year-old’s cake smash session is one of the most fun and chaotic experiences in children’s photography! These sessions aren’t just about the mess, but about celebrating your baby’s first birthday and the incredible milestone it represents. For this session, we took on a surfer theme—perfect for a little boy who loves the beach! The waves, sand, and cake came together to create an unforgettable experience for both parents and their little beach lover.
Crawling Faster than a Beach Crab
When photographing children, keeping things lively and efficient is essential. Parents, be prepared to assist with calming your child and grabbing their attention throughout the cake smash session. If your little one is crawling faster than a beach crab, expect to be on the move! But don’t worry—it’s all part of the fun, and the end result will be worth every second.
Three Steps For Cake Smash Success
At Alisha Cory Photography, I believe every cake smash session should be fun and stress-free for both the parents and the baby. I break each session down into three parts to make sure we get the best photos possible: clean, messy, and splash portraits.
Step One: Clean Portraits
We always begin with clean portraits before the cake makes an appearance. These are perfect for capturing timeless, beautiful photos of your one-year-old in their beachy, surfer-themed outfit. Picture your little one sitting in front of an ocean-inspired backdrop, with soft blues, sandy browns, and the perfect props.
During this part of the session, things can get a little tricky. Babies are curious, and often want to explore the world around them. Parents, this is where your help is invaluable! Bring their favorite toy or make silly faces behind the camera. Trust me, those little moments of laughter and joy will come through in the photos. And don’t forget—this part of the session is meant to give you beautiful keepsakes, so take a breath and enjoy the process.
Step Two: Messy Cake Smash Portraits
Now, it’s time for the real fun: cake smashing! For this beach-themed session, a cake decorated with waves, seashells, or even a tiny surfboard on top is the perfect touch. The moment your little surfer boy gets his hands on the cake, the magic happens. Some kids dive right in without hesitation, covering themselves in icing as they explore this new and exciting experience. Others might need a little coaxing.
If your baby is more cautious, having an older sibling or even Mom and Dad show them how to dig into the cake can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to join in the fun—these moments make for some of the best candid shots!
As a photographer, I move quickly through this part of the session. The messier it gets, the better the photos become! Watching a one-year-old interact with the cake, whether it’s hesitantly poking a finger into the icing or smashing a fistful, brings out their unique personality in every shot. And that’s what we want to capture—the authentic joy and curiosity of your baby.
Step Three: Splash Portraits
After the cake has been smashed and the icing is everywhere, it’s time for a clean-up. But instead of wrapping up the session, we move on to the splash portraits! Most one-year-olds love bath time, and a mini tub filled with warm water is the perfect way to end the session on a high note.
For this beach-themed session, imagine your little one splashing around in a small boat or a beach bucket, surrounded by seashells and ocean-inspired props. The giggles and splashes are pure gold and usually result in some of the most heartwarming photos of the day. Plus, it’s a great way to get them cleaned up after the cake chaos!
These splash portraits offer another opportunity to capture their adorable expressions—whether it’s joy, curiosity, or surprise as they discover the water. It’s also a sweet way to close the session, giving your baby a chance to relax and have fun, and giving you more keepsakes to treasure for years to come.
Capture Sweet Memories with a Surfer Cake Smash
By the end of the cake smash session, you’ll have a collection of memories that show every part of your baby’s personality. From their clean, sweet side to their messy, playful side, these photos are the perfect way to celebrate their first year of life. And for beach-loving families, this surfer-themed cake smash is the perfect way to incorporate the ocean into your little one’s milestone.
Ready to schedule your little surfer’s cake smash session? Let’s connect and create a fun, beach-inspired celebration that you’ll cherish forever! Each cake smash session is as unique as the baby it celebrates, so don’t let these precious moments slip by.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cake smash session?
A cake smash session is a fun, playful photoshoot to celebrate a baby’s first birthday. At Alisha Cory Photography, it involves clean portraits, followed by messy, cake-smashing fun. The session ends with splashes in the tub to get squeaky clean!
What should my baby wear for a surfer-themed cake smash?
A cute beachy outfit, like board shorts and a surfer t-shirt, or even a little Hawaiian shirt, works perfectly! Wild Child Birthdays on Etsy provides great birthday outfits for little people.
Do I need to bring the cake?
At Alisha Cory Photography, the cake is included with your session and will coordinate with the chosen session theme. If your child has allergies, make sure to mention this during the consultation call.
What happens if my baby doesn’t want to smash the cake?
Don’t worry! Every baby reacts differently. Sometimes a little encouragement from parents or siblings can help, but if not, we’ll still capture plenty of beautiful photos.
How long does a cake smash session take?
Typically, cake smash sessions last about an hour. We want to make sure we give your baby plenty of time to get comfortable, enjoy the cake, and then splash around.
What should I bring to a cake smash session?
Bring a change of clothes for your baby (and maybe yourself!), a favorite toy or blanket, and anything you think might help keep your little one comfortable.
Catch the Birthday Wave
There’s nothing quite like a beach-themed cake smash session to capture your little one’s unique personality and spirit. From clean surfer portraits to messy cake fun and splashing in the tub, each part of the session adds its own layer of joy and memory-making. Whether your baby dives right into the cake or takes their time, the end result is always the same: beautiful, authentic photos of a milestone moment you’ll treasure for years to come.
Let’s plan your one-year-old’s cake smash session today. Contact me at Alisha Cory Photography to book your little surfer’s special day and capture these sweet, sandy memories forever!
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