Smash Cake Sessions
our baby’s first birthday only happens once—and it deserves to be celebrated in a way that’s joyful, memorable, and beautifully captured. At Matt & Shea Photography, our Smash Cake sessions are designed to turn curiosity, giggles, and a little bit of mess into timeless portraits you’ll treasure long after the frosting is gone.
Our clean, professional studio provides a safe and comfortable space for your little one to explore, taste, and smash to their heart’s content. Every session is fully guided and relaxed, allowing your child’s personality to shine while we handle the timing, setup, and capturing of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments.
From sweet smiles to full-on cake destruction, we document every stage of the experience with a classic, polished style that keeps the focus on your child—not distractions. Simple sets, soft lighting, and thoughtful details ensure your images feel fun now and timeless years from now.
Smash Cake sessions are more than a photo shoot—they’re a celebration of your baby’s first year and the joy that comes with watching them grow.
Messy hands, happy hearts, and memories worth keeping forever.
smash cake Session Options
Petite Cake Dreams experience
If you are looking for a cake smash and that is it, this is the option for you. Bring the baby and the cake and let us create a custom scene for your little one to destroy their cake on while Matt & Shea capture every single moment. This session gives you 15-20 images to choose from when making your selections.
30-minute studio session that will take place in our custom-designed 1500-square-foot studio
showcase your little ones smash cake/one year old outfit
You’ll have access to our props and decorations if desired.
Ordering and Viewing Consult in our studio’s viewing room, about a week later, to look at your images and make your selections.
Double the Smash experience
If you're seeking more than just a cake smash photo, consider our signature session. This one-hour session includes outfit changes and family photos. Begin with showcasing your little one in cute outfits, then move on to a quick family portrait if you desire and finally end the session with a messy cake experience. This session gives you 30-40 images to choose from when making your selections.
1-hour studio session that will take place in our custom-designed 1500-square-foot studio
Up to 3 outfit changes
You’ll have access to our props and decorations if desired.
Ordering and Viewing Consult in our studio’s viewing room, about a week later, to look at your images and make your selections.
****Due to various allergies and other legalities, Matt & Shea Photography does not provide the cake. You are responsible for bringing the cake and/or any other edible items that you want to showcase during the session.
if your are interested in booking a smash cake session
If you’re interested in a smash cake session, the next step is simple: fill out the form below. Tell us a little about your party theme and little one, which session you are interested in, and any questions you have. From there, our studio will reach out with availability, session details, and everything you need to plan your experience with confidence.
No pressure. No guesswork. Just a thoughtful, guided process from start to finish.
Complete the form below and let’s start planning your smash cake session.
Smash Cake Session Guidelines & What to Expect
Perfect Timing:
Smash Cake sessions are typically scheduled when your child is 11–12 months old, allowing time to use the images for birthday celebrations and keepsakes.A Clean, Safe Studio:
Our studio is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every Smash Cake session to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your little one.Simple, Timeless Sets:
We use clean, thoughtfully styled sets that keep the focus on your child’s expressions, personality, and reactions—not distractions.The Smash Cake Experience:
Each session is guided but relaxed, giving your child time to explore, taste, and smash at their own pace. Every smile, giggle, and messy moment is captured.Parent Preparation:
We recommend feeding your child lightly before the session so they’re hungry enough to enjoy the cake but not overtired.What to Bring:
Please bring the cake, a favorite snack (just in case), wipes, a towel, and a change of clothes for after the session.Outfit Coordination:
Simple outfits and neutral tones photograph beautifully. We’re happy to provide guidance to help coordinate outfits with your chosen set.Mess-Friendly & Stress-Free:
Mess is expected—and encouraged! Our studio is prepared for the fun, so parents can relax and enjoy watching their baby’s reactions unfold.Sibling & Family Add-Ons:
Family or sibling portraits may be added before or after the Smash Cake portion of the session.If Baby Isn’t Feeling It:
If your child needs extra time or isn’t quite in the mood, Matt or Shea will guide the session or discuss rescheduling if necessary. Our goal is joyful images, not forced smiles.A Celebration Worth Remembering:
This session celebrates a year of growth, milestones, and love. Our goal is to create portraits that capture the joy of this moment—messy hands and all.