By Deborah Longmore Photography – Capturing Milestones in Tamworth & Birmingham
Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone—and what better way to celebrate than with a cake smash session? These fun, messy, joy-filled photo shoots are a brilliant way to mark the end of babyhood and the start of toddler adventures. So lets chat cake smash photography tips!
At Deborah Longmore Photography, I specialise in relaxed, playful cake smash sessions in Tamworth and Birmingham, creating memories you’ll treasure forever. Here are my top tips to make your cake smash session a sweet success!
As a photographer who specialises in milestone moments like these, I’ve captured dozens of giggles, frosting-covered noses, and first bites. Whether you’re booked in with me or just exploring the idea, here are my top tips to make the most of your little one’s cake smash session.
🎉 Timing Is Everything
Plan your session around your baby’s happiest time of day. For most little ones, that’s shortly after their morning nap and a light snack—so they’re well-rested and ready to play.
Pro Tip: Avoid scheduling after vaccinations or on a day when routines might be off.
🍰 Choose the Right Cake
Not all cakes are cake-smash friendly! Go for a soft sponge with fluffy icing—it’s easier for little hands to grab and squish. Avoid hard fondant, choking hazards (like toppers), or rich flavors that might be too intense for baby’s first real sweet treat.
When picking your cake, opt for light or brightly colored frosting—think pastels, pinks, blues, or even white. These colors photograph beautifully and highlight your baby’s messy fun. Avoid chocolate cake or dark icing, as it can unfortunately resemble something far less appetising on camera (yes… we’ve all thought it!). A vibrant cake not only looks better in photos but also keeps the mood light and cheerful.
Need help? I can recommend some lovely local bakers who create gorgeous, baby-safe smash cakes
👕 Dress for the Mess
We’ll capture a few clean portraits at the start, so bring a cute outfit (think: birthday rompers, tutus, or bow ties). Then, it’s time to change into something you don’t mind getting messy—or even just a nappy cover for those adorable cake-covered belly shots!
Don’t forget a change of clothes for you too—cake happens to everyone! 😅
💊 A Little Comfort Goes a Long Way
If your little one is teething (which is super common around their first birthday), they might be feeling a bit fussy or uncomfortable on the day of the session. It’s perfectly okay to give them a dose of Calpol or infant paracetamol before the shoot if needed—just be sure to follow dosage guidelines. Keeping your baby comfortable helps them enjoy the experience, which means more smiles and relaxed, happy photos. You know your baby best, and a little extra TLC can make all the difference!
💡 Keep It Simple
The star of the show is your baby, so I always recommend keeping props and themes simple and sweet. Whether you want soft neutrals, bold colours, or a full themed setup, we’ll create a look that puts your little one front and centre.
🥳 Go With the Flow
Every baby reacts differently—some dive in headfirst, while others need a little time (or a spoon!) to warm up. Don’t worry if things don’t go “perfectly.” Cake smash magic often happens in those spontaneous, silly, unexpected moments.
📸 Trust the Process
With years of experience photographing babies and toddlers, I know how to gently guide the session so your little one feels comfortable, playful, and safe. I’ve got all the tricks—songs, squeaky toys, peekaboo!
Ready to Plan Your Cake Smash Session?
Let’s celebrate your baby’s first big milestone with a joyful, relaxed shoot that ends in cake and smiles.
Ready to Book Your Cake Smash Photography Session in Tamworth or Birmingham?
✨ Book your Cake Smash Photography in Tamworth or Birmingham today and let’s create sweet memories that last a lifetime.
📩 Message me to chat about your session or book online to check availability.
🎂 Let’s smash some cake and capture every moment!
👉 Contact Deborah Longmore Photography or book via the online calender today to check availability and reserve your due date.
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