Planning a First Birthday & Cake Smash Photoshoot in Ottawa

A first birthday is a huge milestone, and a cake smash session is one of my favourite kinds of shoots to do — genuine, messy, joyful chaos. Here's how to plan one.

Timing it around the actual birthday

You don't have to shoot on the exact birthday — many families book their cake smash a week or two before or after, especially if the actual day is packed with a party. What matters more is scheduling around your baby's nap and mood windows; late morning, after a good nap and a meal, tends to work best.

Choosing the cake

A single-tier cake in a colour that complements your outfit and backdrop choice works best — it doesn't need to be elaborate, since most of it won't survive the session anyway. If your baby has any food sensitivities, let me know in advance so we can plan around it (some families use a smash-safe alternative instead of a real cake).

Outfit ideas

A simple onesie, a "ONE" outfit, or something tied to a theme you love all work well — just avoid anything with a lot of small parts (buttons, bows) that could end up covered in cake and distract from the shot. I always recommend having a "before" outfit for portraits and a separate "smash" outfit for the messy part.

Studio vs. outdoor

A studio setup gives full control over lighting and background — great for a clean, classic look and for easier cleanup. An outdoor or at-home setup can feel more personal and relaxed. Both work well; it really comes down to your preference.

What's included

Cake smash sessions can be arranged as part of a Family & Portrait session starting at $350 — let's talk about what fits your day. See more in the family portfolio or view all packages.