A baby girl in a white dress and flower crown sits with pink and white balloons, large "ONE" letters, and white blossoms—captured perfectly by a cake smash photographer in Mansfield to celebrate her first birthday.

Cake Smash Photography Session. What to Expect, From Start to Finish

Rachael PhillipsByRachael Phillips

Cake smash

A baby wearing a blue crown, bow tie, and braces stands on a white floor, surrounded by scattered cake, with colourful balloons in the background.

This blog guide is here to walk you through what to expect from your cake smash session, from start to finish.

Simple, relaxed, and no guesswork.

Here’s exactly how it all works

Cake Smash Sessions

What to expect, how to prep, and how it all works
First birthdays hit differently.

You’ve blinked, and suddenly your tiny newborn is crawling, giggling, and somehow turning one.
It’s a big milestone, and a cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate it without overcomplicating things.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your session.

When should you book your cake smash?

This really depends on when you’d like your photos ready.
Most parents book their session a few weeks before their baby’s first birthday. That way, your gallery is ready to view in time for birthday celebrations, parties, or sharing on the day.
If you’re not in a rush, you can absolutely book it for around their birthday or even just after. There’s no strict rule.
Just keep in mind there’s editing time after your session, so if you’re hoping to have images ready for a specific date, it’s best to plan a little ahead.
If you’re unsure of timing, just ask. I’ll help you figure out what works best around your plans.

A smiling family of three, all in black Batman shirts, pose before a comic book–themed backdrop with “BANG” and “BOOM.” Captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield, the child sits happily between the two adults.

How a cake smash session works

Cake smash sessions are split into three parts.
You can choose to include all of them, or just keep it simple.
1. Portraits (before the cake)
We always start clean.
This is where we capture some lovely, simple portraits of your baby before the chaos begins. Think natural smiles, little expressions, and those “they’re still my baby” moments.
Outfits here are usually something a bit more put-together.

2. The cake smash

This is where things get fun.
Your child gets their own cake and can explore it however they like. Some dive straight in. Some poke it. Some just stare at it like, what is this.
There’s no right or wrong.
We let them lead, capture the reactions, the mess, the giggles, and everything in between.

3. Splash time

(bath session)
After the cake comes the clean-up.
A little tub of warm water, some bubbles, and usually lots of splashing. Babies love this part, and it makes for some of the happiest, most natural photos.
It also means you’re not taking a fully iced baby home. Win-win.

Before you arrive

A little prep goes a long way with cake smashes.
Timing
Try to schedule the session at a time when your baby is usually happiest. Avoid nap times where possible.
A well-rested baby = a much smoother session.

Before your session.
How to prepare

What to bring
Honestly, less than you think.
☆ Try to plan the session around your baby’s happiest time of day, usually after a nap.
☆ Make sure your baby has had a good sleep beforehand, if possible.
☆ Feed your baby before you arrive, or bring a bottle or snacks just in case.
☆ Bring a towel for after splash time.
☆ Bring some bubble bath or wash stuff if they have allergies or sensitive skin.
☆ Pack wipes or a cloth and a spare outfit for going home.
☆ Let me know in advance about any allergies or dietary requirements.
☆ Choose simple outfits, one for portraits and one for the cake smash works perfectly.
☆ Be prepared for a mess, it’s all part of the fun.
☆ No shoes or socks on the smash area
☆ Most importantly, come in relaxed, babies pick up on your energy.

What to wear

For the portrait part, you can dress your baby in something a little more put-together if you’d like.
For the cake smash, simple is best. A cute outfit or just a nappy both work perfectly.
For splash time, nothing is needed unless they have allergies, like previously mentioned, and then just a happy baby.

For parents, maybe don’t wear your Sunday best during the smash unless you’re happy getting covered in cake. You’ll likely be picking the little one up, moving them, or going in for a quick cuddle.
You’re very welcome to bring a change of clothes if you’d prefer.
And it’s a shoes-off job for everyone. Nobody wants to be standing in cake.
Simple works best. Soft colours, minimal patterns, nothing too busy.
And just a heads up, cake can go everywhere.

The cake

Your cake is included and made by a professional cake maker, designed to keep things simple and photograph beautifully.
We usually keep the design clean with soft details like swirls, a bit of colour, or a light drip. If you’d like to add a topper or a number one, we can absolutely include that too. If I don’t have what you’re after, then you’re welcome to bring something along.
Everything is discussed and planned before the session, so it all ties in nicely.
The cakes are made without jam. It might sound random, but jam can sometimes look like sores or rashes on the child’s skin in photos, so it’s something we avoid for that reason.
If you’ve got any ideas or preferences, just let me know when we’re planning your setup.

Cake Smash Session Q and A

Completely normal.
Some babies love it. Some are unsure. Some just want Mum.
We never force it.
There are plenty of ways to encourage them, from giving them a little taste, to letting you step in, to simply capturing their natural reactions instead.
Every session is different, and that’s the whole poi

We pause.
We cuddle. We reset. We try again.
Sometimes all they need is a minute and a familiar face. There’s no pressure to perform.

We can ch

After your session.
What happens next

Around a week after your newborn session, I’ll invite you back to the studio for your viewing and ordering appointment.
This is where you’ll see your images properly for the first time.
A handful will be fully edited, and the rest will be lightly edited so you can see the full gallery without feeling rushed or pressured to decide on the spot.

At this appointment, you’ll choose your image package. You can also add prints, albums, or wall art if you’d like something beautiful for your home or as gifts for family.
Your deposit is deducted from your final balance, so that will already be taken into account.

You’re welcome to pay the balance in full at your viewing appointment, or you can pay a minimum of 50%, with the remaining balance due when everything is ready.
Once you’ve chosen your favourite images, please allow up to three weeks for your fully edited gallery to be completed and delivered.
I’ll keep you updated throughout, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.

A few helpful tips

Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t like mess at first
Bring snacks as a backup; they can help
Expect mess, it’s part of it
Relax and enjoy it, babies pick up on your energy

A final word

Cake smash sessions aren’t about perfection.
They’re about personality. Curiosity. A bit of chaos. And celebrating your baby turning one in a way that actually feels fun.

If you’ve got any questions before your session, just ask.

If you’re still unsure about anything, just ask.
I’d much rather answer a small question now than have you worrying about it later.

Some cake smash inspo

  • A smiling baby sits on the floor in front of plush jungle animals and wooden blocks spelling “ONE”, celebrating a first birthday with a safari-themed cake smash captured by a talented Nottingham photographer.
  • A young child in blue braces and a "1" birthday shirt sits on the floor, covered in blue cake and surrounded by balloons, enjoying a Cookie Monster-themed cake smash—captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby in a white hooded towel sits on the floor, cuddling a large rubber duck. Blue balloons, a "ONE" sign, and pastel bunting hint at a cake smash. Perfect for a cake smash photographer in Mansfield or any Nottingham photographer.
  • A baby in a white dress sits on a small wooden chair, smiling. Wooden blocks spelling "ONE" and dried flowers sit nearby, creating the perfect scene for a Nottingham photographer specialising in cake smash sessions against a white brick wall background.
  • A smiling baby wearing a blue crown, bow tie, and braces stands in front of a colourful balloon backdrop, cake on face and hands—a joyful moment captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • First birthday cake smash with white layered dress.
  • A baby stands behind large white letters spelling "ONE" in three photos, with blue and white bunting and cake crumbs on the floor—a lovely cake smash captured by a Nottingham photographer celebrating a first birthday.
  • A smiling baby sits in a clear tub filled with bubbles, playfully touching noses with a large yellow rubber duck. White flowers and balloons decorate the background—perfect for a cake smash session with your Nottingham photographer.
  • Harpers cake smash
  • A baby wearing a blue crown, bow tie, and braces stands on a white floor, surrounded by scattered cake, with colourful balloons in the background.
  • A baby in a gold and pink crown and tutu sits among pink decorations, enjoying a cake smash with a spoon. The shirt reads “It’s my 1st” and a birthday banner hangs behind—captured by a skilled cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • boy having a cake smash session with a jungle theme
  • A baby enjoys a cake smash in a clear tub filled with bubbles, surrounded by soft toys. A yellow rubber duck sits nearby, with cake crumbs scattered around—captured perfectly by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby wearing a "1" birthday hat and Cookie Monster-themed outfit enjoys a cake smash in front of a blue furry Cookie Monster cake, surrounded by balloons and decorations, celebrating their first birthday—perfect for any cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling baby sits in a white tub during a cake smash photoshoot, surrounded by pastel and metallic balloons, two large number "1" decorations, and scattered blue cake crumbs by a talented Nottingham photographer.
  • Smiling child in jungle-themed photoshoot with stuffed animals.
  • A smiling baby sits in a clear tub filled with bubbles, surrounded by rubber ducks and soap bubbles. Behind, large letters spelling “ONE” and white flowers decorate the background—a sweet cake smash moment captured by a Nottingham photographer.
  • A baby sits in a clear tub surrounded by toy jungle animals, including an elephant, giraffe, and lions. Green plants set the scene for this playful safari vibe—perfect inspiration from a cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A toddler in a white dress and floral headband sits beside a cake with a "One" topper, gently touching the cake—a charming cake smash scene. Large letters spelling "ONE" and white flowers decorate the background by this Nottingham photographer.
  • A baby sits on a white chair, surrounded by blue and silver star balloons, a plush rabbit, a stuffed elephant, and a large number "1" with "one" written on it. Blue bunting decorates the backdrop—perfect for your cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling baby in a white outfit sits on the floor surrounded by scattered cake crumbs, looking up at the camera—captured perfectly by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling baby in a beige outfit sits on the floor with a cake and wooden spoon, surrounded by jungle-themed decorations—perfect for a cake smash session by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling toddler sits on a white chair in a safari-themed shirt and tan trousers, surrounded by plush jungle animals—perfect for a cake smash session with a Nottingham photographer capturing every joyful moment.
  • A baby sits on the floor in front of a jungle-themed backdrop with soft toys like an elephant, giraffe, and lion, joyfully smashing a cake—a delightful scene captured by a Nottingham photographer. Cake crumbs and greenery complete the playful setting.
  • A smiling baby in a blue bow tie, braces, and a crown sits on a white floor with pastel balloons, holding a wooden spoon and posing for a cake smash. Perfect for anyone seeking an experienced cake smash photographer in Mansfield!.
  • A smiling baby sits in a clear tub, surrounded by large plush jungle animals and green foliage—a delightful scene captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby with food smeared on their face and hands holds a spoon, looking up with big eyes during a cake smash. The baby is wearing a light blue bow tie and braces—perfect for any cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling baby sits in a clear bowl filled with soapy water, surrounded by rubber ducks and plastic bubbles. Nottingham photographer captures a large letter "N" against a white brick wall with flower branches in the background.
  • Two young boys sit on the floor in front of a blue monster cake, enjoying a fun cake smash. The younger boy wears blue braces, and colourful balloons decorate the background. Both appear to be enjoying a joyful celebration.
  • A smiling family of three sits on the floor in front of a jungle-themed backdrop, plush giraffe and lion toys beside them. Captured by a cake smash photographer in Mansfield, they’re barefoot and all face the camera, their toddler happily centred.
  • A baby wearing a striped shirt and dark dungarees stands holding the back of a white chair, smiling. Blue and white patterned bunting hangs in the background against a pale wall—perfect for a cake smash by your Nottingham photographer.
  • A baby in a white floral dress sits on the floor, enjoying a cake smash with her hands. Behind her are large letters spelling "ONE" and white flowers on a brick wall—perfectly captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • Smiling baby in a white dress sits on a flower-decorated chair next to a cake, ready for a fun cake smash, with a large “ONE” sign and floral backdrop—perfect for capturing by a cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby wearing a sparkly blue crown and a light blue bow tie crawls on the floor, cake on his face, with colourful balloon decorations in the background—perfect for a fun cake smash session with your cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby wearing a bowtie and suspenders sits on the floor, surrounded by jungle themed stuffed animals like a lion, elephant, and giraffe. The baby is eating cake, with crumbs scattered around. The background features green foliage.
  • boy in the tub with a duck at his cake smash photography session in Mansfield Nottingham at Rachael Phillips Photography studio.
  • A baby wearing a blue bow tie and nappy sits on a white chair holding a "one" sign, surrounded by colourful balloons—perfect for a cake smash! Captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby in a white dress sits on the floor next to a cake with white icing and flowers, celebrating a cake smash. Large letters spelling "ONE" and white blossoms decorate the scene, captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby wearing glasses sits in a transparent tub filled with bubbles. The background features large blue balloons and a backdrop resembling a city skyline with comic-style "Zap!" text. The scene has a playful, superhero theme.
  • cake all over the floor and her feet
  • Harper dressed in a little bee costume with a beautiful halo on her head during her cake smash session with Rachael phillips Photography
  • A jungle-themed cake with yellow and white icing, topped with a fondant elephant. Fondant giraffe and monkey figures sit at the base. Perfect for a cake smash—ideal for any cake smash photographer in Mansfield!.
  • A smiling baby in a white dress sits beside a small cake with white icing. Large "ONE" letters and white flowers hint at a first birthday cake smash, perfect for a Nottingham photographer or cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A smiling toddler with brown hair and green paint on their face and nose, wearing a beige shirt, sits in front of a blurred, leafy green background—captured by a talented Nottingham photographer.
  • A smiling baby with cake on their face and hands sits in front of jungle animal decorations, wearing a white shirt that says "one" in green letters—perfect for a cake smash captured by a talented cake smash photographer in Mansfield.
  • A baby wearing a "one" t-shirt sits on the floor surrounded by cuddly safari toys, messy with cake. Captured by a cake smash photographer in Mansfield, blue and white crumbs scatter around a partially eaten birthday cake.
Rachael Phillips

Hey, I’m Rachael! A wedding and newborn photographer based in Mansfield, covering Nottingham, Derby, and the East Midlands.
I’m here for the big feels, belly laughs, and happy tears—because life’s too short for stiff, awkward photos! With over nine years behind the camera, I capture the real, unfiltered moments—whether that’s your nan throwing shapes on the dancefloor or your newborn giving the sleepiest little yawn.
When I’m not snapping memories, you’ll find me with my family, sipping a cuppa, planning my next trip, or running around after my fur babies and soon my first grandchild! (Because let’s be real, they run the show).