Your little one’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and it’s so much fun to capture the joy with a cake smash photo session! But when it comes to planning these sessions, one question often arises: simple vs dressed up? Should you go for a minimalist, cake-only setup or create a scene filled with props and decorations?
As a photographer, I love working with parents to craft the perfect session that reflects their unique style and vision. Whether you want a clean, simple look or a more elaborate, themed setup, I can help you decide what will make the most sense for you and your baby. Here’s a closer look at two different cake smash sessions—one “simple” and the other “dressed up”—to help you decide what style suits your little one best.
The Simple Look: Let the Baby (and the Cake) Take Center Stage
In one of my recent cake smash sessions, the parents decided to keep it simple. There were no props, no elaborate backdrops—just a beautifully decorated cake and their baby. The focus was entirely on the little one and his reaction to the cake. After portraits where the baby was interested in anything and everything except the camera, the cake was a refreshing attention-grabber!
Why Simple Works:
- Keeps the Focus on Baby: When there are fewer distractions, the spotlight is on the birthday boy or girl. It’s all about capturing those genuine, raw reactions of pure curiosity, excitement, and definitely a little mess!
- Timeless Feel: A simple cake smash photo will never go out of style. It’s a classic way to mark the occasion, with nothing taking away from the moment.
- Easy and Stress-Free: If you’re not into coordinating a lot of decorations or props, a simple setup is quick and easy. Plus, fewer elements to manage means fewer things that could go wrong during the session.
With just a plain cake, a minimalist setup, and soft lighting, we were able to capture beautiful, unposed moments—perfect for families who want to keep it clean, effortless, and classic.
The Dressed Up Look: Adding a Theme to the Celebration
On the flip side, I had another client whose baby’s cake smash session was full of festive Christmas cheer. The mom brought small pine trees, glittering cones, and ornaments, creating a whimsical, winter wonderland. It was magical! The sweet little one was framed by the sparkle and color around her, and we got some truly memorable shots.
Why Dressed Up Works:
- Creates a Fun, Themed Vibe: Adding props, colors, and themes is an excellent way to make the session even more special. Whether it’s a Christmas theme, a pastel rainbow, or a jungle-inspired adventure, these elements add personality and a story to your photos.
- Gives You Control Over the Style: If you have a vision or a theme in mind for your baby’s first birthday (or any other milestone), a dressed-up setup allows you to bring that vision to life.
- Perfect for Holiday Sessions or Special Occasions: For a baby born around a holiday or seasonal event, having decorations like pumpkins, Easter eggs, or Christmas trees can be a fun way to tie in the time of year and make the session even more memorable.
The “dressed up” approach allows you to have fun with your little one’s personality, and I’ll work with you to choose the perfect props, colors, and backdrop that match your vision.
Simple vs Dressed Up: What’s the Best Option for You?
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding between a simple or a dressed-up cake smash session. Both have their advantages, and ultimately, it’s about what feels right for your family and what you want to capture.
Some Things to Consider:
- Your Personal Style: Do you prefer more minimalist designs, or do you love a little bit of flair and drama? Think about what aligns with your family’s style.
- The Occasion: Is it just a simple first birthday, or are you tying the session to a holiday or special theme? Special occasions often call for a dressed-up look.
- Baby’s Personality: Some babies love the extra stimulation of decorations and props, while others are happier with fewer distractions. We can always chat beforehand to figure out what would be the most comfortable and enjoyable for your baby.
Planning Your Cake Smash Session: The Best of Both Worlds
One of the reasons parents love working with me is the flexibility I offer. We can plan a session that’s totally customizable to your vision. Whether you want to keep it simple or go all out with a festive, decorated setup, I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.
- Don’t know where to start? I’ll guide you in choosing the right colors, themes, and cake design.
- Feeling creative? I’ll bring your ideas to life and help you select the perfect props that suit your baby’s personality and style.
- Nervous about the mess? Don’t worry—cleanup is part of the process, and I’ll make sure your baby is comfortable and safe throughout the session.
Simple vs Dressed Up: Which Will You Choose?
The beauty of a cake smash session is that it’s all about celebrating your baby’s first year in a way that feels authentic to your family. Whether you choose the simplicity of just the cake or go for a more elaborate, dressed-up look, I’m here to make sure your photos are everything you envision—and more.
Ready to book your baby’s first birthday cake smash session? Let’s chat about what style works best for you! Whether you lean toward simple or love the idea of a dressed-up scene, together we’ll create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Ashton, MD, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
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