Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Southern California & Arizona

Cake Smash Photography

Orange County ● PHOENIX

CA & AZ cake smash photography

 

Themed cake smash photos for birthday celebrations

Baby’s first year is a blur of excitement and milestones. Now that you’ve reached the end of it, it’s time to party! A cake smash portrait session is the perfect celebration to capture all the joy of the last twelve months, to send out to family and friends or on a birthday announcement, and images you’ll cherish forever.

What is a Cake Smash session?

The point of the cake smash session is just that—the SMASH! The messier, the better! We start with the non-cake smash outfit and do a nice one-year-old portrait. Then we will have an outfit change and dig into the cake smash portion of the session.

Session Themes

We’ll talk with you ahead of time and decide on the theme (you can do a color scheme, a sports or hobby theme, favorite toy, book, simple, etc.) you’d like for your photos. Some sets take longer to prepare (depending on if it is custom) so please book 4-6 weeks prior.

The Cake

We work with our local bakery to create the perfect (and perfectly yummy!) cake. The naked design is included in our session fee, but you are welcome to upgrade to a custom cake.

Studio Props & Styling

Our studio is full of a huge assortment of backdrops and props and is usually the best place to photograph a cake smash. We have sets you can choose from that we have already designed or you can have us come up with a custom set to match your one-year-old’s birthday theme.

"Not only is she a newborn baby whisper, she can get any 1 year old to smile"

Cake Smash Themes

Browse our wide variety of cake smash studio sets ready for your Southern California or Arizona cake smash session.

If you'd like a custom set design it is a additional upgrade.

CAke Smash Session

Cake Smashes are the best way to celebrate your baby's first year. Simply pick your set design and reserve your date, Gilmore Studios will take care of the rest.

Book a Cake Smash Session

includes:

Date reservation
Photographer's time & talent
Color correcting
Online gallery for print ordering
Naked cake
Backdrop styling with props

 

*Please note, custom set designs are an additional fee. Digital files & photo products sold separately.

or

Most Popular

Book the

Watch me Grow Collection

includes:

Newborn
Sitting Up
1st Birthday Cake Smash

 

*Add additional milestone sessions for $ during the 1st year. Digital files & photo products sold separately.

Photography products, digital files, and wall collections are purchased separately from your session fee. Please see our product guide for photo product collections & pricing.

Cake Smash Photography FAQ

When should I schedule my cake smash session?

We suggest scheduling 4-6 weeks in advance so we will have time to gather the props for your theme, the backdrop, and get the custom cake ordered.

 

Do I need to bring my own cake?

No, we work with a local bakery for your session. Each cake included is naked. You are welcome to upgrade to a custom cake for the baker's additional fee. We will even box it up for you to take home afterward if it doesn’t get completely smashed. If your child has allergies - please bring your own cake.

 

What should my child wear?

We recommend bringing two outfits for the cake smash that coordinate with your chosen backdrop and theme, plus something clean for the baby to wear home. We can supplement with our huge assortment of hats, headbands, and tutus if needed. We also recommend an outfit change for the parent. Sometimes you can get messy with little hands on you.

Where will the cake smash take place?

All cake smash sessions are done in our studio, typically in the early morning or lunchtime.

 

How long will I need to wait to see the photos?

Your images will be available online 7-10 business days after your session. You will be able to download the digital images you purchased as well as order prints, albums, canvases and more. If you would like to do an online ordering session with Gilmore Studios, that works great too.

 

What if my 1-year-old doesn’t like sticky/messy hands?

Don’t worry! This is very common at this age. We have a few tricks for these kids and we will still get plenty of great shots, even if they refuse to touch the cake. We do recommend practicing at home incase that is the situation.

Your next step

Inquire for cake smash availability

Pricing

Cake Smash

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Simple Sophistication

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Here’s my secret…don’t fight it. You play, you laugh, you follow their lead.
The best photos happen when everyone’s relaxed, a little bit silly, and free to be themselves.
Real is what you’ll want to remember later. 
#FamilyPhotography #TwinsPhotography #GilmoreStudios #OCPhotographer #RealLifeMoments
1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple
1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme
🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios
1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
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Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only