Cake Smash Photography FAQs

Planning your baby’s first birthday should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Here are the answers to the questions parents most often ask about Cake Smash Sessions at my private Varsity Lakes studio.

What happens during a Cake Smash Session?

We begin with beautiful first-birthday portraits while everyone is still clean. We can also include a few photographs with parents and siblings before bringing out the cake.

Your baby then gets to explore, taste and smash the cake in their own wonderfully unique way. An optional bath setting can finish the session afterwards.

How long does the session take?

Please allow up to one hour for your session. This gives us time for first-birthday portraits, immediate-family photographs, the cake smash and an optional bath setting without rushing your baby.

Where are Cake Smash Sessions held?

Sessions are photographed in my private studio in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

The complete studio address and preparation information will be provided after booking.

When should I book?

It’s best to enquire as soon as you know when you’d like the session, particularly if you want the photographs completed before your baby’s birthday or party.

At least seven days’ notice is required so I have time to plan and prepare your session.

What time should we schedule the session?

Choose a time when your baby is normally well-rested and happy. Shortly after a good sleep and feed often works beautifully.

Session times can be planned around your baby’s usual routine wherever possible.

Can parents and siblings be photographed too?

Absolutely. We can include a few immediate-family photographs before the cake smash begins.

This is a lovely opportunity to capture your baby’s first-birthday milestone with the people they love most.

What if my baby is shy or unsettled?

Every baby is different, and there is never any pressure to perform.

With more than 15 years’ experience photographing children—plus hands-on childcare experience with babies and young children—I’m known for my patience and ability to connect with even the fussiest little ones.

I follow your baby’s cues, allow time for them to settle and keep the session relaxed and fun.

What if my baby doesn’t smash the cake?

Most babies love exploring the cake, but every baby approaches it differently. Some dive straight in, while others begin with a careful taste before discovering the fun.

We follow your baby’s lead and capture all their gorgeous expressions along the way.

Do I need to supply the cake?

Yes, please bring a fresh cake that is safe and familiar for your baby.

Simple cakes with soft icing photograph beautifully and are easy for little hands to explore. Avoid hard decorations, skewers, toothpicks or anything that may be unsafe for your baby.

What if my baby has food allergies?

Please tell me about any allergies before your session.

Because parents supply the cake, you can choose ingredients that are safe and familiar for your baby. You’re also welcome to bring another allergy-safe treat your baby enjoys.

I also have a lovely wooden birthday cake with candles that can be used for beautiful cake-free portraits.

Can we have a cake-free session?

Of course. My wooden birthday cake provides a lovely alternative for babies with allergies or families who prefer not to use a fresh cake.

We can still create beautiful first-birthday portraits with all the colour and celebration—just without the crumbs.

Do you provide outfits and decorations?

A limited selection of studio outfits, balloons, decorations and settings is available.

You’re also welcome to bring a special outfit or decorations of your own. Available options can be discussed during the planning stage.

Can you create a custom theme?

Custom colour schemes, backdrops, decorations and specially sourced props can be arranged and quoted separately.

Please mention your ideas when enquiring so I can let you know what is possible.

What should my baby wear?

Bring an outfit for the first-birthday portraits and a separate outfit for the cake smash.

A limited selection of studio outfits may also be available, depending on your baby’s size and your chosen setting. More detailed preparation information will be sent after booking.

Here is a small collection of studio options (subject to change, please confirm). Cake Smash Outfits

What is the optional bath setting?

After the cake smash, your baby can enjoy a short bath setting. It creates another lovely series of expressions while also helping with the cleanup.

If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, please bring the bath product you normally use at home.

What should we bring?

Please bring your baby’s fresh cake, portrait and cake-smash outfits, and the usual items needed to keep your baby comfortable.

You’ll receive a complete preparation guide after booking, so you won’t need to remember everything yourself.

Does the $150 session fee include digital images?

No. The $150 non-refundable session fee reserves your appointment and covers the photography session, planning, studio preparation and cleanup.

Digital image collections are selected and purchased separately after you view your private gallery, with collections beginning from $400.

How do I choose my photographs?

After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your photographs and choose your preferred digital image collection.

All purchased images are beautifully edited and supplied as high-resolution digital files suitable for printing and sharing.

Can I purchase additional images?

Yes. Additional images can be added to either collection, with pricing based on the number selected.

You can decide after viewing your gallery—when you know exactly how many photographs you love.

What is the optional Story Collage?

The Story Collage is a custom digital design created from six of your purchased cake-smash images.

It brings the expressions and messy little moments together to tell the story of your baby’s cake smash. The completed collage is supplied as an additional high-resolution digital file.

What happens if my baby is unwell?

Please contact me as soon as possible if your baby becomes unwell before the session.

Please don’t bring an unwell baby to the studio. Contact me as soon as possible and we’ll arrange another suitable date.

A happy, healthy baby gives us the best chance of creating beautiful photographs—and keeps everyone safe.

How do I book?

Complete the Cake Smash enquiry form to receive the full Pricing Guide and your private booking link.

Your appointment is reserved once the $150 non-refundable session fee has been paid.

Still have a question?

Please call Michelle on 0409 779 793 or complete the enquiry form. I’ll be happy to help you plan a beautiful first-birthday experience for your baby.