The messiest, most magical photos you'll ever take.
First birthday and cake smash sessions in Elk Grove and the Sacramento area.
One year old. One epic mess.
One set of photos you'll treasure forever.
Your baby has been working hard this year - learning to sit, stand, babble, and charm absolutely everyone in the room. Their first birthday deserves to be celebrated in style.
A cake smash session captures the joy, the curiosity, and yes, the glorious mess of your baby's very first taste of freedom with two tiny frosting-covered fists.
Package Options
1 - Just the Cake!
20 minutes | 5 images
Simple themed setup
1 outfit
Sitting + Cake Smash Photos
Cake available as add-on
$125
2 - Add Some Frosting!
30 minutes | 8 images
Simple themed setup
2 outfits
Sitting + Cake Smash Photos
Cake available as add-on
$200
3 - More Sprinkles!
40 minutes | 12 images
Full themed setup
Coordinating solid color setup
2 outfits
Sitting + Cake Smash Photos
Simple cake included
Enhanced theme cake available for additional fee
$350
4 - With Some Milk!
60 minutes | 20 images
Full themed setup
Coordinating solid color setup
2 to 3 outfits
Sitting + Cake Smash Photos + Milk Bath
Simple cake included
Enhanced theme cake available for additional fee
$425
Available Add Ons:
Cake - Starting at $35
Milk Bath - Add to any package for $50
Prints - Pricing in print shop
Studio or Outdoor?
Studio sessions take place at my home studio in Elk Grove. A controlled, clean environment that makes setup and cleanup easy! This options allows for more flexibility around the style of the shoot, decor, backdrop, and props.
Outdoor sessions bring a natural, airy feel to your baby's portraits. We'll find a beautiful setting that fits your vision.
Not sure which to choose? We can talk it through during your consultation.
It doesn't have to be cake.
Cake smash is the classic, but your baby's first birthday celebration should reflect your family. Here are some of my favorite alternatives:
Steak Smash - for the baby who says, “Got Beef?”
Spaghetti Smash - messy, colorful, and absolutely hilarious
Fruit Smash - fresh, colorful, and a little less sugar
Milk Bath - soft, dreamy, and beautifully timeless
Donut Smash - sprinkles everywhere, no regrets
Watermelon Smash - perfect for summer babies
Have another idea in mind? Let's hear it.
If it's fun and safe for baby, we can make it work.
Common Questions
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For the clean portrait portion, soft neutrals and simple colors photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns or large logos.
For the smash portion - honestly, whatever you're comfortable getting frosting on. Many parents do a cute birthday outfit for portraits and then strip baby down to a onesie or diaper for the smash. Totally your call.
Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes for baby and a bag for the messy outfit. And maybe an extra shirt for yourself, just in case.
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I'd recommend booking 4–6 weeks before your baby's birthday to secure your preferred date. If you're planning around an actual birthday party, let me know the timing and we'll make it work.
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This is a quick session, with a focus on your little one. If you’d like to include family, please look at the standard portrait packages.
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If you’re looking to add family members, we can do that, but you’ll need to book one of the standard portrait sessions, like a half or full package.
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It happens! Some babies dive right in, some need a little encouragement, and some would rather examine the cake than eat it. All of it is adorable and all of it makes for great photos. There's no wrong way to do a cake smash.
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Yes, cleanup is handled. You’ll be given a bag to put dirty items in, as well as wipes for you to clean up your baby. I take care of cleaning up everything else.
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Yes, with a standard portrait package upgrade that gives us more time. Contact me and we'll put together a plan.
