(From a Grand Rapids Newborn & Milestone Photographer)
There’s something about first birthdays that just hits differently.
Maybe it’s the way one year somehow feels like both a blur and a lifetime. Maybe it’s seeing this tiny newborn you once cradled now sitting up, laughing, crawling… full of personality.
Or maybe it’s cake.
This weekend, I’m heading into a full lineup of cake smash sessions here in Grand Rapids, and every single one feels a little surreal. Because these aren’t just “clients” walking back into my studio… they’re families I’ve already watched grow.
And now we’re here—celebrating one whole year.
If you’re planning your own cake smash session (or thinking about booking one), here are my best tips to make sure it feels easy, stress-free, and actually fun—for both you and your baby.
1. Let Your Baby Try Cake Before the Session
This one is huge.
For a lot of babies, cake smash day is their first experience with that texture—and if you’ve ever seen a baby freeze the second frosting hits their hands… you know why this matters.
Let them try a cupcake or even play in something similar (like mashed potatoes) ahead of time so it’s not a complete sensory shock.
You don’t need a full rehearsal—just a little exposure goes a long way.
2. Schedule Around Your Baby’s Happy Time
Timing can make or break a session—and I’m not just talking about naps.
Most babies do best right after a nap or earlier in the day when they’re well-rested. A tired baby usually has zero interest in cake… a rested baby is where the magic happens.
But just as important?
When you schedule your session.
I typically recommend booking your cake smash about one month before your baby turns one, and there are two big reasons for that:
You’ll have your images back in time for birthday parties, invites, and celebrations.
Most babies aren’t fully walking yet—which means we can actually keep them in one spot long enough to capture those sweet, messy moments (once they’re walking… it’s game over and all they want to do is explore).
3. Don’t Overcomplicate the Setup
Just like I say about newborn sessions,
Your baby is the focus. Not the decorations.
Simple setups photograph better, age better, and keep the attention exactly where it should be—on your baby’s expressions and personality.
This is where my style leans heavily—texture, tones, and letting your baby do the work.
4. Choose the Right Cake (This Matters More Than You Think)
Not all cakes photograph—or smash—the same.
- Stick with vanilla or light-colored cake/frosting to avoid staining skin
- Avoid chocolate or red frosting (trust me on this one…)
- Aim for a 5–6 inch cake—anything bigger overwhelms your baby
At Honeywild Photography I provide a simple cake for your smash to give you one less thing to worry about, but if you would like a more intricate themed cake or your baby has food allergies definitely contact your preferred bakery ahead of time!
5. Bring Snacks… Yes, Really
Sometimes babies don’t care about cake.
And that’s okay.
Having a few familiar snacks on hand can help gently encourage interaction (even if we have to “hide” them in the frosting a little).
6. Expect a Little Warm-Up Time
Not every baby dives in immediately.
Some will sit and stare.
Some will poke once and retreat.
Some will absolutely destroy the cake in 30 seconds.
All of it is normal.
Give them space to explore—it’s part of the story.
7. You Don’t Have to Stress About the Outfit
This is something I take off your plate completely.
I have a client closet available for cake smash sessions, so you don’t have to spend time searching for the “perfect” outfit (or panic-buy something the night before). You’re more than welcome to use pieces from my studio collection, or bring something of your own if you have a specific vision.
Everything in the studio is chosen to photograph beautifully and work seamlessly with the setup—so it all just… comes together.
8. Keep the Cake Soft (But Not Too Soft)
A little trick most people don’t think about:
Start with a slightly chilled cake so it holds its shape longer, then let it soften during the session.
This gives us time for those early curious moments before total destruction.
9. Follow Your Baby’s Lead
There are no perfect poses here!
It’s about personality.
Cake smashes are one of the best ways to capture who your baby is at this stage—curious, cautious, silly, expressive.
The magic happens when we let them take over.
10. Let Go of Expectations
This one is a tough one, I get it!
Your baby might:
- Love the cake
- Hate the cake
- Cry
- Laugh
- Crawl away
- Sit perfectly still
Every version is worth documenting.
Because this session isn’t really about the cake.
It’s about celebrating a wonderful year of firsts.
A Quick Note From Me
If you’ve been here since your newborn session… you already know this.
But if this is your first time finding me—hi, I’m so glad you’re here.
I photograph cake smash sessions here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and for me, this isn’t just another session on the calendar. It’s a continuation.
Of your story.
Of your baby’s first year.
Of something we started together.
And that’s what makes these sessions feel different.
Coming Next
I’m working on a full Cake Smash Client Guide (with everything from styling to what to expect step-by-step), so if you’re planning a first birthday session, keep an eye out for that.
Looking for a Cake Smash Photographer in Grand Rapids?
If you’re ready to plan your baby’s first birthday session, you can learn more or book here:
👉 honeywildphoto.com
Or reach out—I’ll help you figure out exactly what fits your family.
