Your baby’s first birthday is a beautiful milestone and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a fun, joyful, and delightfully messy cake smash session!
At Natasha Cranley Photography, I specialise in capturing the pure happiness, cheeky expressions, and sweet moments that come with turning one. These sessions are full of laughter, personality, and the kind of memories you’ll want to hold onto forever.
Held in my light-filled Banstead studio, your cake smash session takes place in a warm, safe, and thoughtfully styled space, perfect for letting your little one explore, play, and enjoy their special moment in front of the camera.
Let’s create timeless images that celebrate your baby’s first big milestone in the most joyful way.
Turning one is not just another milestone. It marks the end of a year that changed everything.
There is more personality now, more determination, more laughter. A Cake Smash photography session is a gentle way to celebrate that shift from babyhood into something new.
This is not about chaos or themed overload. It is about expression, curiosity, and the delight of being allowed to explore something completely unexpected.
A Cake Smash photoshoot captures that moment when your child realises the cake is theirs.
Cake Smash sessions are usually arranged close to your baby’s first birthday, whether you are celebrating slightly before or just after the big day.
We begin simply.
Clean portraits first. Natural expressions. Eye contact. Familiar smiles.
Then the cake is introduced.
Some babies dive straight in with both hands.
Some tap gently at the icing before committing.
Some look to you for reassurance before tasting the first bite.
There is no right reaction.
As your Cake Smash photographer, I observe and guide without interfering. The session flows around your child’s response. We follow their pace rather than directing it.
If you would like to be involved in a few portraits before or after the smash, that can always be arranged. The focus remains on connection and celebration, not performance.
The aesthetic of the session is kept intentionally. Colour palettes remain soft. Decorations are minimal. The aim is to ensure the images feel beautiful now and still feel relevant years from today.
The cake itself can be chosen to suit the tone of the session, whether you prefer something delicate and simple or slightly more playful. Every detail is discussed beforehand so nothing feels rushed or improvised.
This approach keeps the experience joyful without becoming overwhelming.
Your Cake Smash session takes place at my Banstead studio, prepared specifically for this type of celebration.
The environment is arranged to feel contained and organised while still allowing freedom of movement. Surfaces are practical, backgrounds are simple, and everything is set up so the focus remains on your child’s reactions rather than the surroundings.
Although the concept is playful, the session itself feels steady and well-managed.
A first birthday passes quickly. The photographs remain.
Cake Smash portraits often sit alongside newborn and milestone images, forming part of your child’s first-year story. I offer fine art prints and framed collections so these images can live within your home rather than on a screen.
What feels like a fun afternoon today becomes something far more meaningful with time.
You may one day look back and remember not just the icing on their hands, but the expression on their face when they realised they could make a mess and no one stopped them.
Cake Smash sessions are typically booked a few months ahead of your baby’s first birthday to ensure availability.
Only a small number of sessions are scheduled each month so that every family receives a calm and considered experience.
Families visit my Banstead studio from Epsom, Reigate, Cheam, Coulsdon and Croydon, as well as from across Surrey, Kent and London, to mark this joyful occasion in a way that feels natural and beautifully simple.
A cake smash session is a playful, joy-filled photo shoot to celebrate your baby’s first birthday. I capture the excitement of your little one exploring, tasting, and smashing a cake, followed by some sweet, clean post-smash portraits or even a splash in a mini tub if you’d like!
A pre-session consultation to plan styling, colours, and any special touches
Access to my curated client wardrobe for babies up to 1 year
Beautiful portraits of your baby before the cake smash
Photos taken during the Cake Smash
Photos taken after the cake smash in the studio tub
A semi naked 6 inc cake, which you are welcome to take home after the session
I recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure your preferred date.
If you’d like the images ready in time for your baby’s birthday or party, please book your session at least 3 weeks before the date – this allows time for editing and viewing your gallery.
Most families choose to do the session shortly before or on your baby’s first birthday – usually between 11 and 13 months.
You’re welcome to bring your own cake (I’ll share guidance on what works best), or I can arrange one for you through a trusted local baker for an additional fee.
Simple, timeless outfits photograph beautifully – think rompers, tutus, or just a nappy cover. I’ll provide a style guide to help you choose, and you’re welcome to bring more than one outfit. I also have a beautiful curated client wardrobe which is perfect for cake smash sessions which you are welcome to use for your session.
Yes! I have a lovely selection of neutral and minimal props and décor that match my photography style. If you have a particular theme in mind, just let me know in advance.
Not all babies are cake lovers and that’s okay! I take a gentle, playful approach to help them feel comfortable. Whether they dive in or barely touch it, we’ll still capture a beautiful, memorable set of images.
Absolutely. I usually start the session with a few family or sibling portraits before the cake smash begins.
Yes! Many families opt to finish with a mini bubble bath in a little tub. It’s fun, makes for adorable photos, and helps with the clean-up too.
Cake smash sessions usually take around 1–1.5 hours. This allows time for portraits, outfit changes, the cake smash itself, and bath time if included.
Most newborn sessions are held in my beautiful studio in Banstead, Surrey.
A week after your session, I’ll invite you back to my studio for your viewing and ordering appointment, where we’ll go through your beautiful photographs and select the ones that speak to you most. Together, we’ll find the perfect images to showcase in your home. Whether you decide on digital files, wall art, or a custom album, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
I offer a variety of products, including digital images, fine art prints, framed fine art prints, and albums. Every product is carefully crafted to preserve your memories in the most stunning way.
It would be a true honour to capture your beautiful family’s story. Simply complete the contact form or email me directly at hello@natashacranleyphotography.com, and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours to discuss all the details and help you secure your session.
