Your baby’s first birthday is such a sweet milestone, but planning photos can bring up a lot of questions.
Should we do portraits first? What if my baby does not like the cake? Do we need a bath splash at the end? What should my baby wear? And how messy does this actually get?
A boho cake smash session is a beautiful way to celebrate your baby turning one while keeping the setup soft, simple, warm, and timeless. At Gilmore Studios, first birthday sessions are designed to feel fun for your baby and easy for parents, with a mix of classic portraits, cake smash photos, and an optional bath splash at the end.
If you are looking for a Newport Beach cake smash photographer, this guide will walk you through what to expect during a boho cake smash and bath splash session.
What to Expect During Your Baby’s Cake Smash and Bath Splash Session?
A cake smash session usually has three parts: clean portraits, cake photos, and bath splash photos. Why does that order matter? Because once the cake comes out, your baby will probably be covered in frosting, crumbs, and the cutest little mess.
The goal is not to force a perfect reaction. Some babies dive right in. Some poke the cake with one finger. Some laugh. Some crawl away. Some need a little time. All of it is part of the session.
For this boho inspired first birthday session, the look was soft and neutral with warm wood tones, cactus details, macrame texture, dried grasses, and simple cream colors. It gave the photos a natural, organic feeling without distracting from the baby.
A Gentle Start Before the Cake Comes Out
Before the cake smash begins, we usually start with simple baby portraits. This gives parents beautiful clean images before frosting is everywhere.
During this part of the session, your baby may be photographed:
- Standing or sitting on a simple white backdrop.
- Playing in a garden or outdoor space if the session includes natural portraits.
- Standing in the themed setup before the cake is added.
- Smiling, walking, clapping, or holding onto small props.
- Looking at the camera, exploring the space, and warming up naturally.
This is especially helpful for babies who need a few minutes to get comfortable. A first birthday session should not feel rushed. Babies do best when they are allowed to explore, pause, reset, and move at their own pace.
Why Choose a Boho Theme for First Birthday Photos?
Boho cake smash photos are popular because they feel soft, modern, and timeless. Instead of using bright colors or busy decorations, a boho setup usually includes texture, natural tones, and simple details.
A boho theme works beautifully for parents who want first birthday photos that still feel classic years later. The neutral colors also make it easy to coordinate outfits, display portraits in your home, and create birthday invitations or albums without the images feeling overly trendy.
Common boho cake smash details include:
- Macrame banners.
- Wood crates or rustic boxes.
- Dried grasses and pampas inspired textures.
- Neutral balloons or simple props.
- Cactus or desert inspired accents.
- Cream, tan, gray, white, and warm wood tones.
- Simple cakes with soft frosting.
The theme should support your baby’s personality, not overpower the portrait.
What Should My Baby Wear for a Boho Cake Smash?
For a boho cake smash, simple outfits photograph best. A gray plaid romper, cream linen outfit, neutral overalls, soft cotton bloomers, or a simple romper can all work well.
The outfit should be comfortable, easy to move in, and easy to clean. Babies are often sitting, crawling, standing, walking, and grabbing cake, so stiff outfits can make the session harder.
For boys, parents often choose:
- Plaid rompers.
- Linen shirts.
- Neutral shorts.
- Simple overalls.
- Bare feet.
- Soft earthy colors.
For girls, parents often choose:
- Cream rompers.
- Neutral tutus.
- Simple bloomers.
- Soft floral headbands.
- Linen dresses for the portrait portion.
- Bare feet.
If you want a full portrait outfit and a separate cake outfit, that can work beautifully. Many parents choose a clean outfit first, then switch into something simpler for the cake smash.
What Happens If My Baby Does Not Smash the Cake?
What if your baby does not want to touch the cake? That is completely normal.
Some babies are cautious with new textures and some do not like frosting on their hands. Some would rather clap, crawl, or walk around than eat cake. A great cake smash session does not depend on your baby destroying the cake.
Instead, we gently guide the session and follow your baby’s cues. Sometimes we place a little frosting on their hand and sometimes parents help break off a small piece of cake. Sometimes we let the baby explore for a few minutes without pressure.
The best images often come from the real reactions, including curiosity, hesitation, laughter, surprise, and even serious little faces.
The Cake Smash Part of the Session
Once the cake is placed in front of your baby, we let the fun happen naturally. The cake does not need to be huge. A simple one layer cake with soft frosting photographs beautifully and is easier for babies to explore.
During the cake smash, we may photograph:
- Your baby reaching for the cake topper.
- Tiny hands in frosting.
- First tastes of cake.
- Smiles and surprised expressions.
- Frosting on fingers, cheeks, and outfits.
- The cake before and after the smash.
- Wide images that show the full boho setup.
- Close up portraits that focus on your baby’s face and expressions.
Parents should expect some mess. That is part of the fun. Bringing wipes, a towel, and a change of clothes is always a good idea.
Why Add a Bath Splash After the Cake Smash?
A bath splash is one of the cutest ways to end a first birthday session. It gives your baby a chance to clean up after the cake while also creating playful portraits.
The bath portion often includes a small white tub, a simple setup, and a few sweet water play moments. Some babies love splashing immediately. Others sit quietly and look around. Both photograph beautifully.
A bath splash is helpful because:
- It gives your baby a fresh reset after the cake.
- It creates a different look within the same session.
- It adds variety to the final gallery.
- It helps clean frosting off little hands and feet.
- It often brings out genuine smiles and giggles.
For parents who want a full first birthday story, the combination of portraits, cake smash, and bath splash gives the gallery more variety.
Should We Include Outdoor Portraits Too?
Outdoor portraits can be a beautiful addition to a first birthday session, especially in Newport Beach. A short garden or outdoor portrait segment gives parents a softer lifestyle feel before heading into the themed studio setup.
This works especially well when you want images with greenery, natural light, and simple baby portraits before the cake smash begins.
A complete first birthday session can include:
- Outdoor baby portraits.
- Clean studio portraits.
- Themed boho setup images.
- Cake smash photos.
- Bath splash portraits.
- Detail images of the cake, props, and decor.
This variety gives parents a gallery that feels complete, not just one set of cake images.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Cake Smash Session?
The best time to book your baby’s cake smash session is before their first birthday, especially if you want to use the images for invitations, birthday party decor, or framed prints.
Many families schedule the session when their baby is around 11 months old so the images are ready before the party. You can also schedule close to the actual birthday if you want the session to mark the milestone itself.
For custom themes, it is helpful to plan early so there is time to discuss colors, props, cake details, outfits, and the overall look of the session.
What Should Parents Bring to a Cake Smash Session?
A little preparation helps the session go smoothly. You do not need to bring everything, but these items are helpful.
- Baby’s portrait outfit.
- Baby’s cake smash outfit.
- A backup outfit.
- Wipes.
- Towel for bath splash.
- Diapers.
- Snacks or bottle.
- Favorite small toy.
- Cake, if you are providing it.
- Parent change of clothes, just in case.
- Any meaningful prop you want included.
- Shoes for walking in and barefoot option for photos.
The most important thing is keeping your baby comfortable. A fed, rested baby usually has the easiest time enjoying the session.
Where to Go After a Newport Beach Cake Smash Session
After your baby’s first birthday session, you may want to make the day feel extra special with breakfast, lunch, or a treat nearby. Newport Beach has several easy family friendly options close to the studio and coastal areas.
A few local spots families often enjoy include Haute Cakes Caffe, A Market, Zinc Cafe, Rose Bakery Cafe, and Sidecar Doughnuts.
If your baby is already dressed up, it can be fun to turn the session day into a small birthday outing.
Planning Your Newport Beach First Birthday Photos
Your baby only turns one once, and a cake smash session is such a fun way to remember this stage. The crawling, standing, walking, tiny teeth, messy hands, and big personality are all part of the story.
Whether you want a boho cake smash, a beach inspired setup, a themed birthday session, or a simple first birthday portrait session, Gilmore Studios can help you plan a session that feels personal, polished, and relaxed.
To learn more about booking a first birthday session, visit Gilmore Studios Cake Smash Photography or reach out through the contact page.
If you are a photographer wanting to learn how to create better themed sessions, work with young children, or build a stronger portrait business, Jennifer also teaches photographers through Learn with Gilmore Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boho Cake Smash Photos in Newport Beach
1. When should I book my baby’s first birthday cake smash session?
It is best to book your baby’s cake smash session when they are around 10 to 11 months old, especially if you want the photos ready before their first birthday party. This gives you time to use the images for invitations, birthday decor, framed prints, or an album.
2. What is included in a cake smash and bath splash session?
A cake smash and bath splash session usually includes clean baby portraits, themed first birthday photos, cake smash images, and a bath splash at the end. This gives your gallery variety and helps tell the full story of your baby’s first birthday milestone.
3. Why should we take portraits before the cake smash?
Portraits are usually photographed before the cake because your baby is still clean, dressed, and fresh. Once the cake comes out, the session becomes more playful and messy. Starting with portraits gives parents both classic images and fun cake smash photos.
4. What is a boho cake smash theme?
A boho cake smash theme usually includes soft neutral colors, wood textures, macrame, dried grasses, cactus decor, rustic crates, and simple natural details. It is a beautiful option for parents who want first birthday photos that feel warm, relaxed, and timeless.
5. What should my baby wear for boho cake smash photos?
Simple, comfortable outfits work best for boho cake smash photos. Rompers, linen outfits, neutral overalls, bloomers, soft cotton pieces, and bare feet all photograph beautifully. The outfit should be easy for your baby to sit, crawl, stand, and move in.
6. Should we bring more than one outfit?
Yes, bringing more than one outfit is a great idea. Many parents choose one outfit for clean portraits and another outfit for the cake smash. You may also want a backup outfit in case your baby gets messy before the cake portion begins.
7. What kind of cake works best for a cake smash session?
A simple one layer cake with soft frosting usually works best. Babies can explore it more easily, and it photographs beautifully. Avoid hard decorations, fondant pieces, toothpicks, choking hazards, or anything too difficult for little hands to break apart.
8. What if my baby does not like the cake?
That is completely normal. Some babies love cake right away, while others are cautious, curious, or unsure about the texture. The session does not need to be forced. We can gently guide your baby, let them explore, and photograph their real reactions.
9. What if my baby cries during the cake smash?
Crying can happen, especially with babies around one year old. We take breaks when needed and give your baby time to reset. Sometimes the sweetest images come from the in between moments, including cuddles, curiosity, and quiet expressions.
10. Do I need to bring props for a boho cake smash session?
You do not need to bring a full setup unless you want to. Gilmore Studios can help create a styled first birthday look with props, textures, and colors that fit the theme. If you have a meaningful item, favorite toy, custom cake topper, or special outfit, you are welcome to bring it.
11. What is a bath splash session?
A bath splash session is a short portrait set after the cake smash where your baby sits in a small tub. It helps clean off frosting while creating playful images with splashing, smiles, and sweet baby details.
12. Does every baby like the bath splash?
Not every baby reacts the same way. Some babies love splashing and playing in the tub, while others sit quietly or need a little extra time. The bath splash is meant to be relaxed and fun, not stressful.
13. Can we include outdoor portraits with the cake smash session?
Yes, outdoor portraits can be included when planned ahead of time. Many Newport Beach first birthday sessions include a few garden or natural light portraits before moving into the themed cake smash setup.
14. What should parents bring to a cake smash session?
Parents should bring wipes, diapers, a towel, a change of clothes, snacks, water or a bottle, and any special items they want included. It is also helpful to bring a clean outfit for the ride home.
15. How messy does a cake smash session get?
Cake smash sessions can get very messy, but that is part of the fun. Some babies barely touch the frosting, while others cover their hands, face, legs, and outfit. The bath splash at the end helps make cleanup easier.
16. Can parents be in a few photos too?
Yes, parents can absolutely be included. A few family portraits before the cake smash are a meaningful way to document this season and give your baby photos with the people who love them most.
17. Is a cake smash session only for babies turning one?
Cake smash sessions are most often booked for first birthdays, but they can also work for older toddlers. The setup, cake size, and session plan can be adjusted based on your child’s age and personality.
18. Where can I book boho cake smash photos in Newport Beach?
You can book boho cake smash photos with Gilmore Studios. Visit Gilmore Studios or learn more about cake smash photography to start planning your baby’s first birthday session.
Similar First Birthday Sessions from Gilmore Studios
Want more cake smash ideas before choosing your theme? These sessions can help you see different ways a first birthday setup can feel custom while still keeping your baby as the focus.
- First Birthday Studio Cake Smash Photos
- Floral Boho Birthday Girls 1st Birthday Cake Smash
- Beach Themed Cake Smash First Birthday Photographer
- The Big One Surf Themed Cake Smash
- Baby Girl Mermaid Cake Smash One Year Photoshoot
- Dinosaur Cake Smash First Birthday Portrait Session
- Little Cutie Cake Smash Studio Session
You can also view more session inspiration on the Gilmore Studios Blog.
