Cake Smash Photography

Let's talk about first birthday cake smash sessions....

Baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone. Many families schedule birthday session to take 12 month portraits, then to document baby’s reactions when presented with a cake of their very own. Some babies love their cake. Some babies are unsure. Some babies hate their cake. Heck, some even take their time, cry, taste it, cry more, use the frosting as finger paint, eat some cake, and then laugh. They don’t know what to do with it and the results can be hilarious! Take a look at some of these first birthday cake smash photography sessions and see what you think. (No babies were harmed (or left to cry) during their session.) 

Happy birthday! 

He put the "smash" in "cake smash".

baby sitting on birthday cake

Some babies start eating their cake timidly...

baby girl eating first birthday cake

Then they decide its a lot of fun. I think it's safe to say she loved her cake.

baby loves first birthday cake smash

It's normal for a baby to be a little unsure at first...

baby unsure about birthday cake smash

Even after a few bites, he's still a little undecided about it.

baby cake smash blue stars

Babies can be overjoyed at getting such a sweet treat.

happy baby first birthday cake smash daisy

Doesn't everyone smash cake with their feet?

baby smashing cake with foot

Who wants to actually eat the cake when you can play "pat-a-cake" instead?

baby smash birthday cake photography

Puzzled, he's going in for further investigation.

baby trying birthday cake smash jungle theme

I don't think he likes it.

crying baby birthday cake smash wild one

This little all-star was all smiles with his first cake.

baseball theme first birthday cake smash

She was perplexed at first...

pink clouds girly first birthday cake smash photography

Not a fan...

baby girl hates cake smash fail

She decided she was done.

baby crawling away from cake

Once in a while a baby will completely face plant into their birthday cake.

baby face plant into birthday cake whale ocean theme

Only to regret that decision!

whale ocean theme cake smash baby crying fail

She was content with frosting on her fingers.

baby testing cake with frosting on fingers

She delicately painted it onto her leg.

baby first birthday boho cake smash simple

Got more frosting on her hands...

baby frosting fingers cake birthday simple photographer

and decided that wasn't ok!

baby hates their cake smash

The thought and planning that goes into these sessions always amazes me.

one in a melon cake smash

Even with mom trying to help...

mom helping baby eat cake melon birthday

She wanted nothing to do with it!

baby crawling away from cake melon theme

This classic "Winnie the Pooh" setup was so much fun- and he loved his cake too!

classic pooh cake smash first birthday

Some babies can't get enough of their birthday cake.

simple baseball first birthday cake smash

This cake didn't stand a chance.

simple baseball cake smash baby love cake

She was curious and started playing with it...

happy first bee day cake smash

But some babies hate the texture of the sticky frosting.

happy first bee day cake smash baby crying

It can take a minute or two of contemplation.

wild things first birthday cake smash

Really trying to decide if he likes this or not...

where the wild things are first birthday

Once he made up his mind, this little wild thing liked smashing cake.

where the wild things are cake smash

Some babies get fairly messy during their cake smash.

princess girly first birthday cake smash

But you know it's good if they lick the frosting off their lips.

princess girly first birthday theme

He hates it...

baby hates his birthday cake blue green photography

No, wait! He likes it!

blue and green theme first birthday cake smash baby photographer

No, he hates it. Lol.

baby hates his cake smash fail

One thing is certain- babies are unpredictable with their birthday cakes!

little boy first birthday simple cake smash session

Here are some tips to try before your cake smash session. Try feeding baby somewhere other than a high chair or kitchen table. Put them on the kitchen floor, or even in the empty bathtub and let them practice with a cupcake. Until now, they probably haven’t had many sweets. They may not like the sticky frosting. They may love it and get it everywhere! Either way, a practice run or two will help them know what to do during your session. Also, if the cake is chilled, please let it sit out for several hours prior to your session time. Cold frosting is hard, and that’s difficult for baby to dig into. It also doesn’t make as much of a mess when they’re eating it. Let be honest here- a frosting covered baby is half the fun. Don’t worry about the mess either- Here at Shot From the Heart Photography, every first birthday cake smash ends with a real bath in a baby-sized clawfoot tub, complete with rubber duckies as part of your session. Baby may not love smashing the cake, but what baby doesn’t love splashing in the tub? Click HERE to plan your custom birthday session. I look forward to creating memories for you and your family. 

Bubble bath with rubber ducky as part of a photo session after a first birthday cake smash.
Continue ReadingCake Smash Photography

Simple, Sweet Cake Smash Session

Your little one’s first year is jam-packed with milestones. Babies will grow and change more this year than they ever will again. Celebrate baby’s first birthday with a cake smash photography session. No parent ever says “I wish I took fewer pictures” as babies grow and details fade.

Blair is no exception- she has grown so much! Her personality shines and she’s a little love bug. Photographing her first birthday session was a breeze. We always start with a few 12 month portraits so we can document this precious age. Baby photography is my specialty. Her sweet smile and happy-go-lucky personality made my job easy.

baby photography with rustic background
baby photography with rustic background

Planning a cake smash session for baby’s first birthday is a lot of fun. You can choose from any of my available backdrop or color options seen here or we can come up with a custom idea just for you! Custom requests do take some time, but at Shot from the Heart Photography I want each and every family to have a custom experience that’s suited perfectly for them.

rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
first birthday cake smash baby photography with simple neutral background and vines greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral first birthday cake smash baby photography session with vines and greenery
rustic neutral 1st birthday cake smash photography session with vines and greenery

After the cake smash, baby can sometimes be a sticky mess. At Shot From the Heart Photography,  a real bubble bath (complete with baby-sized clawfoot tub and rubber duckies) is included as part of your session. No parent wants to put a sticky baby in a car seat! (It makes for some of the best smiles and cutest pictures too).

Click here for information on scheduling a first birthday cake smash session for your baby.

Shot From the Heart Photography: Because babies grow up. 

baby photography bath clawfoot tub rubber duck

Continue ReadingSimple, Sweet Cake Smash Session

Cake Smash Session- Pretty in Pink

When you schedule a birthday session at Shot From the Heart Photography, we start with a few different setups of 12 month portraits. We do this before the birthday cake smash, so don’t worry- the sugary stickiness will come later. You get to select the backdrops and setups you prefer. I can also create a custom setup just for your session! The options are limitless. 

First birthday, girl in white, rustic floral backdrop
First birthday, girl in white, rustic floral backdrop
First birthday baby purple backdrop
First birthday baby purple backdrop
First birthday baby purple backdrop
First birthday photography session girl heart backdrop
First birthday photography session girl heart backdrop

After 12 month baby portraits comes the fun part- the cake smash! 

There are a variety of options when it comes to your smash cake. If you have a favorite bakery in mind, ask them about making a smash cake specifically for a photography session. These are usually a little larger than a typical “smash” cake intended for baby to enjoy at their high chair. This cake came from a bakery in Decatur Georgia, and it turned out absolutely beautifully! If you’re planning a session and need a suggestions, I recommend Tami’s cups n cakes.  

Once you’re ready for your cake smash session, let the “face planting into birthday cake” begin! 

First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash baby face planting cake
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash
First birthday girl pink backdrop cake smash

After every cake smash session, I include a real bubble bath in this baby-sized clawfoot tub. I usually get some of the BEST baby smiles during the bath. I like to tell myself that it’s my feather duster ticklers and rubber chicken squeaky toys, but I know it’s really the sugar from the cake, and splashing in the warm water. In either case, no parent wants to strap a sticky baby covered in frosting into a car seat, so bath time is a great way to finish the morning off right. 

rubber ducky bubble bath after babies first birthday cake smash session
rubber ducky bubble bath after babies first birthday cake smash session
Continue ReadingCake Smash Session- Pretty in Pink

Birthday Session: Cake Smash

Baby’s first year is full of so many milestones! Firs smile, rolling over, learning to sit up, clapping, peek-a-boo, blowing kisses, learning to crawl, starting to stand, cruising, and even baby’s first steps. This session was exceptionally special to me because I’ve been working with this family since they were expecting their first (who is now the ripe old age of 6). I’ve had the privilege of watching their boys grow and their family change. I’ve been able to get to know their kids as they are newborns, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and now big kids. Heck, big brother just lost his first tooth and it made me a bit teary-eyed thinking about the milestones this family has coming their way.

My girls are almost grown (one in college, one a high school graduate, and one in her final year of middle school, so I’m in the home stretch). I love getting to “see” babies growing up through my clients. My clients become my friends, then might as well be family. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being a part of your story.

Shot From the Heart Photography. Because babies grow up.

12 month portraits

Three brothers in khaki and white on neutral backdrop

During their session, baby Greyson took his first steps!!! We captured it on camera. Mom was so excited. He’s now taking several steps at a time consistently.. It was such a neat moment to capture for the first time, especially for the baby of the family. There are only so many “firsts” for baby, and when it’s your last baby, each “first” is also a “last”.

babys first steps, family photography, brothers, child photographer
babys first steps, family photography, brothers, child photographer
babys first steps, family photography, brothers, child photographer

We also got a couple portraits of big brothers to capture their personalities. Parker is getting so big! His personality is larger than life and he’s such a witty little guy. I love getting to spend time with them.

child photographer, canton Georgia. Boy on tan backdrop.

Logan is growing up too fast. He just lost his first tooth. He is caring and kind, helpful and thoughtful. This boy has a heart the size of Texas and I can’t wait to see the young man he grows up to be.

boy on tan background, canton Georgia child photographer

Greyson is now 1. He is just as sweet and smart as his big brothers, and he is trying his best to keep up. He is going to be equally sweet, smart, kind, and thoughtful as his big brothers. Happy first birthday little guy.

first birthday photo rustic backdrop
first birthday session rustic
first birthday portraits. baby in red rocking chair on navy blue backdrop.
first birthday portraits. little boy in red rocking chair on navy backdrop.

The Cake Smash….

On to the cake smash! This little dude was borsht on the 4th of July, so we had to go with a patriotic theme for his birthday photo shoot. Rustic yet simple, these images will be cherished for years to come as he grows up. Happy birthday Greyson.

first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.

I think it’s safe to say he enjoyed his birthday cake! He went face first into it several times. Atta boy!

first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.
first birthday session. Patriotic, rustic backdrop, cake smash. canton Georgia baby photographer.

After the cake smash, we always include a rubber ducky bubble bath as part of the session. This means you don’t put a frosting-covered baby in a car seat, and you get a few more images with your session. Yes, it’s a real bath! Greatest photography session ever. I usually get the best smiles during the bath (the sugar from the cake is in full effect and babies usually love splashing in the bath). To schedule your cake smash session click here.

Cleaning up.

bubble bath after cake smash photography session, first birthday

Continue ReadingBirthday Session: Cake Smash

Unicorn Cake Smash Session

It always amazes me just how fast a baby grows into a toddler. Baby’s first year is a blur of sleepless nights, growth, milestones, changes, and personality! Your tiny little bundle quickly grows into a crawling, (or walking and running) toddler who is happy to explore their world and voice their opinion. Baby’s first birthday is a great milestone to celebrate!

Emma came to see me for her birthday session. With birthday sessions I usually include 2-3 different setups for families to capture those 12 month portraits, then we do a cake smash (if parents want), followed by a real bubble bath to clean up afterwards. I often capture some of the best baby smiles during the bath. By then little ones are warmed up to me and the sugar from the cake is in full effect (plus, who doesn’t love to splash?)

I think she enjoyed her cake. (This amazing cake is a custom creation made by the lovely and talented Tami at https://www.tamiscupsncakes.com. )

Happy Birthday Emma!

first birthday baby pictures, girl sit-in non white chair with grey background, canton ga baby photographer

As much as I love smiling baby pictures, sometimes the serious, more somber ones speak to my soul. Just look a those baby blues!

first birthday photo session, baby girl wearing aqua teal romper with purple background, canton ga baby photographer

She’s so animated! We had such a good time playing peekaboo and playing with all sorts of noisemakers. I might have even broken out my squeaky rubber chicken. I’m not afraid to be silly if it means getting a genuine smile from your little one.

baby with teddy bears backs on white background during first birthday photo shoot

Seriously, is there anything cuter than baby bum?

Now, on to the cake smash….

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.
Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.
Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

I think it’s safe to say she likes her birthday cake!

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

If you drop a piece, you have to find it.

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.  Close up of toes and birthday cake.
Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.
Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

I love how excited she gets over the cake. I do too baby girl!

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

Taking a close inspection. Checking out the unicorn’s ears. (They’re edible too).

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

Unicorn birthday cake smash photography session with pink, purple, teal, and white colors. Crying baby with birthday cake.

I’m not sure what made her cry. (It didn’t last long, she decided to try some more frosting and was a happy camper again.)

When she made it clear she was done we moved on to the bath. Emma smashed her cake and splashed her bath and had a fantastic time all around. Thanks for celebrating your birthday with us!

Bubble bath with rubber ducky as part of a photo session after a first birthday cake smash.
Bubble bath with rubber ducky as part of a photo session after a first birthday cake smash.
Continue ReadingUnicorn Cake Smash Session

Cake Smash Sessions

Baby’s first year goes by so quickly! One of my very favorite types of sessions to do is a Birthday Cake Smash Session. These are so much fun! I typically include 2 or 3 setups of 12 month portraits, then the cake smash, and finish with a bubble bath as part of the session (complete with a rubber ducky backdrop and a real bath in a baby sized clawfoot tub. Oh yeah, we go all out!)

If you have a little one approaching their first birthday, I highly recommend scheduling early. This allows ample time to plan the session details. We can schedule anything from a simple setup with a few basic colors, to an elaborate theme complete with matching backdrops and props. It’s all up to the imagination!

Here are just a few ideas:

cake smash photographer in canton Georgia farm barn cowboy theme
Farmer theme cake smash
cake smash photographer in canton Georgia cream background pink gold
pink and gold cake smash
WHITE BACKGROUND BABY CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY IN CANTON GEORGIA
Simple white cake smash
cake smash photographer in canton Georgia whale ocean baby shark nautical theme
Ocean theme cake smash
cake smash photographer in canton Georgia cream background princess teepee succulents
Bohemian garden style cake smash with succulents
cake smash photographer in canton Georgia navy blue red white patriotic Americana theme
Red, white, and blue patriotic cake smash
PINK WINTER WONDERLAND ONEDERLAND CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY IN CANTON GA
Winter Onederland ice princess theme cake smash
Baseball themed cake smash photography session in canton Georgia
Baseball birthday cake smash
cake smash photographer in canton Georgia pink heart theme
Simple cake smash with pink hearts
Continue ReadingCake Smash Sessions

Winter Wonderland Cake Smash

baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer
baby with pink, silver, and white winter theme cake smash photo session, Canton Georgia baby photographer

Baby’s first birthday only happens once. Planning a cake smash session can be a ton of fun! I think my parents have a better time than my birthday babies. There is so much laughter, it truly is an experience.

This post hi lights just a few of my favorite images from a recent cake smash session. It’s also serving as a test post- I am migrating my website over to a different platform, and it looks like the majority of my previous blog posts lost a substantial amount of image quality in the transfer. Testing to see how this looks, and hoping that I don’t have to delete everything that transferred over, but I don’t want to leave it up looking fuzzy and blurry. Any WordPress gurus out there? (I’m using Elementor pro if you’re familiar with that).

Do me a favor please? If you happen to see this, can you please leave a comment so I can see how that process works (if the backend notification process is working correctly, etc). Thanks.

Continue ReadingWinter Wonderland Cake Smash

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