First Birthday Coming Up? Fun Alternatives to Cake Smash Photoshoots!
I absolutely LOVE a good cake smash photoshoot! At my studio in Olney, near Milton Keynes, I just love photographing babies as they celebrate a birthday with a big, indulgent CAKE!
My wonderful baker, Amy at Heavenly Cakes by Amy creates some delicious AND beautiful cakes that everyone enjoys. She’s even able to accommodate allergies and sensitivities too, so if your little one needs something lactose free, dairy free, gluten free, egg free – or something else – then she can help!
In fact – I’ll let you into a little secret – dairy free and gluten free cakes tend to be a bit softer and more crumbly than a regular one, so they are easier to smash!!
If you decide to go with a traditional cake smash, we decide colours or a theme beforehand. I buy or create decorations for the set and order the cake. All you need to do is show up on the day!
We start the cake smash session with some family portraits – before all the mess! It’s a great opportunity to create some beautiful images for you to mark the occasion. Then. make sure to take some images of your little one on their own. They grow and change so quickly at this age that I make sure to capture all the important things – like them sitting independently, standing, crawling and even walking! You can bring a favourite toy to include too – my children both had favourite teddies at this age and it’s great to have this memory to look back on.
Then comes the cake smash – mess and fun everywhere! The best bit is that I do all the tidying up afterwards. I can even provide outfits if you want – so I do the washing too!
We finish off with a splashy bath to get little one clean, and I use the opportunity to capture some bubbly, splashy images. I’ll be honest – the bath is the favourite part for about 80% of babies!
While smashing a cake can be loads of fun and make for some adorable photos, it’s not the only way to mark your little one’s big milestone. If you’re looking for unique alternatives to the cake smash, I’ve got some fantastic ideas that will make your child’s birthday photoshoot just as memorable and totally different!
Spaghetti Smash – Fun for Foodies!
This was a perfect photoshoot for Sienna because her Mummy and Daddy own Locanda Gabriella – an Italian restaurant directly behind my studio in Olney, and Gabriella’s Deli – an authentic Italian deli on the High Street that is responsible for ALL my cake calories over the last few years! Mummy and Grandad are the chefs, and Sienna has been raised loving her Garndad’s pasta sauce… so we had to include it!
I just LOVED planning this session! All the props and decorations you can see are real – from the jars of pasta to the piles of fresh tomatoes, garlic and onions. I found the cute chef’s outfit online and couldn’t resist – even if it’s a little bit pasta sauce stained now – after several washes! Sienna’s mummy brought the huge saucepan of spaghetti with grandad’s special tomato sauce, and we had lots of fun making a huge mess!
Paint Splash: For Mini Artists!
If you aren’t keen on a food based photoshoot, and want an alternative to a cake smash while still making lots of mess, how about a paint splash instead?
If your little one loves to get messy with arts and crafts, a paint splash photoshoot is a fantastic choice. Not only will your baby have a blast playing with colourful paints, but you’ll also get to take home a one-of-a-kind canvas that captures their creative masterpiece. And there’s no sugar or food colouring to worry about!
Fruit Smash: Sweet and Healthy
For parents looking for a healthier or allergy-friendly alternative to cake, a fruit smash is a great option instead of a cake smash. We will surround your baby with colourful, juicy fruits, ready to squish, squeeze, and sample. Or you could combine cake AND fruit for the very best of both worlds – and ask your sister to join in and help! And as you can see… Fleur preferred the strawberries to the cake!!
No matter which alternative you choose, the goal is to celebrate your child’s birthday in a way that feels special and meaningful to your family. Each of these options offers a unique twist on the traditional cake smash, ensuring that your baby’s photoshoot is both memorable and enjoyable. And if you have a unique idea of your own then please do get in touch and we can have some fun planning something completely different!
I am passionate about creating personalised and unforgettable experiences for families in Olney, Milton Keynes, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re drawn to the mess of a pasta or fruit smash, the creativity of a paint splash, or the tradition of a special portrait session, I am here to help you celebrate your child’s milestone in the most delightful way possible.
Book Your Unique Birthday Photoshoot Today
Ready to capture the joy and excitement of your baby’s 1st or 2nd birthday with a creative twist? Contact us today to book your session or to learn more about our fun and unique alternatives to the classic cake smash. Let’s create beautiful memories that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
0 Comments