Cake Smash and 1st Birthday sessions at our studio in St.Ives, Cambridgeshire
Because this stage won’t last forever…
A 1st birthday photoshoot is more than just cake and confetti; it’s a chance to celebrate the incredible year you’ve had with your baby. From that first gummy smile to the cheeky curiosity they now bring to everything they do, this milestone deserves to be remembered in all its messy, joyful, wonderful glory.
Whether you choose a classic cake smash, a vibrant fruit smash, a paint splash or timeless portrait session, every shoot is baby-led, calm and completely tailored to your little one. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of babies photographed, you can rest assured your child is in safe, patient, and experienced hands.
Inside my cosy Cambridgeshire studio, everything is taken care of; no pressure, no rush. Just a warm, welcoming space where your baby can explore, play and shine while I capture it all for you to treasure long after this fleeting stage has passed.
Cake Smash Photography in Cambridgeshire – A Calm, Baby-Led Experience
From the moment you arrive, everything is set up to help you relax — even if your little one has other ideas!
My Cambridgeshire studio is warm, welcoming, and styled with little ones (and their parents) in mind. It’s a calm, cosy space where your baby can explore safely and you can enjoy a well-earned breather. Whether you’re here for a cake smash, a fruit or paint splash, or a classic portrait session, the experience is designed to feel more like play than posing.
Settle in with a drink from the studio menu — choose from herbal teas, rich coffee (including decaf), fizz sticks for a gentle energy boost, or even a glass of Nozecco to celebrate your baby’s big milestone. And of course, there are always biscuits. Because those small comforts count, especially when you’re juggling nap times, outfits, and snack breaks.
Before your session begins, we’ll talk through your preferred colour palette and theme; whether that’s soft and neutral, bold and bright, or something playful like dinosaurs, florals or rainbows. I’ve curated a beautiful collection of props, outfits and accessories to suit every style, so your final gallery feels both cohesive and personal to you.
The studio is stocked with high-quality, baby-safe props, outfits, and cake stands, all chosen for their style and safety. There’s also a fully equipped changing area with eco-conscious nappies, water wipes, and B-Corp certified nappy cream — so even if something gets forgotten in the birthday chaos, you’re covered.
Every session is completely baby-led. If your little one needs a cuddle, a clean-up, or a quiet moment, we pause. There’s no rush, no pressure, I only book one 1st birthday shoot at a time, giving you the space to relax and truly enjoy the experience.
Whether you’d like to be in the photos or simply watch your baby dive into their cake, this space is yours to enjoy.
A Gentle Journey From First Giggles to Beautiful Wall Art
I know planning a cake smash photoshoot can feel a bit overwhelming; that’s why I’ve designed every part of the process to be simple, fun, and completely stress-free for you and your little one. Here’s how it works:
Before the shoot; your pre-session consultation
Once your session is booked, we’ll arrange a relaxed pre-session consultation. This is such an important part of the experience – a chance for us to connect, chat, and plan your shoot in detail. We’ll talk about:
- Your little one’s personality and favourite things
- Any special themes, colours, or props you’d love to include
- Who will be joining the session (siblings, parents, pets)
- Any allergies or dietary considerations for the cake
- Ideas for keepsakes and wall art that will suit your home
It’s also your opportunity to ask any questions; no detail is too small. You’ll leave feeling prepared, excited, and completely supported.
On the Day – A Calm, Confidence-Boosting Session
When you arrive, the studio will be warm, welcoming, and ready with refreshments, wipes, a comfy changing area, and plenty of fun props. The cake for your little one is provided as part of the session, carefully selected and prepared with your child’s dietary needs in mind. You only need to bring your little one and your smile!
The session usually lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, flowing naturally at your child’s pace. Here’s what to expect:
- Cute and playful portraits before the cake smash
- The star of the show: your child enjoying their cake smash with lots of messy, joyful moments captured
- Family and sibling shots to treasure together
I’ll take great care with hygiene and clean-up throughout the session to ensure your little one stays comfortable and safe. After the messy fun, we’ll help with a gentle clean-up so everyone leaves feeling fresh.
If your little one feels shy or unsure, don’t worry, I’ll gently encourage and capture those sweet, authentic moments you’ll adore. These photos are all about fun, connection, and celebrating this special milestone.
Before you leave, we’ll book your gallery viewing appointment, so you know when to come back and choose your favourite photos from the session.
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After the Shoot – The Viewing & Ordering Appointment
Around 1–2 weeks later, you’ll return to the studio for your private gallery reveal.
You’ll be welcomed into my dedicated viewing room — a peaceful, comfortable space where you can sit back and enjoy your slideshow, with guidance every step of the way.
I’ll help you:
- Choose the images you love most
- Explore your artwork and album options
- Visualise how your favourites will look on your walls
- Take advantage of 0% interest payment plans, if you wish
- There’s no pressure to buy anything you don’t truly love — just friendly, expert support to help you create keepsakes that bring joy for years to come.
Prices and Packages - Your Investment in Memories
Booking a professional cake smash photoshoot is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday — and choosing the right photographer matters. At Dinky Little Dot Photography, I specialise in 1st birthday sessions that are relaxed, joyful, and tailored to your little one, whether you’re after a classic cake smash, a fruit or paint alternative, or a simple portrait session.
With years of experience photographing hundreds of babies and families across Cambridgeshire, I offer a calm, baby-led approach that makes the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. Your little one will be in safe hands from the moment you enquire to the moment you choose your final images.
Below, you’ll find my full investment guide, including transparent pricing for digital images, wall art, and flexible collections — so you can choose what works best for your family and your home.
Session Fee and Product Pricing
There are two steps to paying for your photographs.
Step One: Secure Your Session
To book your photoshoot with me, you pay a session fee. This secures your time in my diary and includes a pre-session consultation, personalised preparation guides, all planning and communication in the lead-up to your session, and your time in the studio on the day itself. This fee covers everything needed to get ready for your session, but does not include any digital images or printed products.
Step Two: Choose Your Photographs
Around 1–2 weeks after your session, you’ll return to the studio for a relaxed, in-person viewing appointment. This is when you’ll see your fully edited images and decide how you’d like to enjoy them. You’ll have the freedom to choose from the à la carte menu or select one of three specially designed collections, which combine the most popular options and offer excellent value. There’s no need to commit to a package before your session; you’ll only decide once you’ve seen your photographs and know what feels right for your family.
0% interest payment plans are available on orders over £400, should you wish to spread the cost.
Session Fee
The session fee for a newborn photoshoot is £99.
This fee is payable upon booking your session and includes:
- Preparation emails (and telephone calls if required) with me to help you prepare and feel relaxed for your session.
- Your two to three hour newborn session in my studio, including time for sibling and family portraits.
- Professional editing and retouching of your photographs.
- Your in-person private gallery reveal in my studio where you’ll see your beautiful photographs and place your order.
The session fee doesn’t include any digital images, prints or products; these are purchased afterwards when you view your photographs. You do not need to commit to a package or any products until you have seen your gallery.
Professional hair and make up styling can also be arranged, with prices starting from £80.
Digital and Print Products
When you view your photographs, you’ll have the option to purchase high-resolution digital images to print and share as you wish, or select from a beautiful range of carefully curated, museum-quality printed products and albums that create timeless pieces designed to become cherished family heirlooms.
I also offer three exclusive studio collections, each combining digital images with our most popular products, offering excellent value and significant savings.
You’ll find the full price list and product menu below, and you’re very welcome to explore the full range of samples in the studio during your viewing appointment.
Digital Images
High resolution, print ready digital images to share with family and friends.
Five Images – £499
Ten Images – £699
Full Gallery (20-25 images) – £899
Framed Prints, Acrylic and Canvas
These classic frames come in four sizes with a range of wood and aluminium framing options, all made in the UK.
Each frame is custom made to order with fine art printing and a precision cut mount as standard.
Acrylic and canvas finishes are available as alternatives.
Standard frame sizes are below. Bespoke sizes to fit a space in your home are available on request.
Small – 16×20″ (glass size) £499
Medium – 20×30″ (glass size) £699
Large – 30×40″ (glass size) £899
Extra Large – 40×60″ (glass size) £1,099
Wall Collections
If you’re envisioning a gallery wall, these curated sets offer both flexibility and value.
- Acrylic Bubble Trio – £1,299 (save £300)
12″, 20″, and 30″ pieces
- Three Frame Collection – £799 (save £170)
Two 12×8″ + One 20×24″
- Five Frame Collection – £1,149 (save £290)
Four 12×8″ + One 20×24″
The Storyboard Frame
A timeless favourite, showcasing 4 or 6 images in one elegant design.
The Storyboard frame is available with wood or slim aluminium mouldings.
Each frame is custom made with fine art printing and a precision-cut mount.
We’ll choose the layout and images together to create a piece that perfectly suits your space.
24×24″ (glass size) – £699
Coffee Table Book
A lay-flat album made with archival papers and inks, designed to last a lifetime.
Choose from linen or vegan leather covers, with optional personalised text.
A timeless way to relive your session in print.
8×8″ – £695
Studio Collections
Collection One
£995
All digital images from your gallery, provided as print-ready high
resolution files.
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Small Framed Fine Art Print
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25 personalised baby announcement or thank you cards OR
2 Fine Art Prints up to size 12×8″
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10% off any additional a la carte products
(Save over £450)
Collection Two
£1295
All digital images from your gallery, provided as print-ready high
resolution files.
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Storyboard Frame OR Coffee Table Book
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50 personalised baby announcement or thank you cards OR
5 Fine Art Prints up to size 12×8″
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20% off any additional a la carte products
(Save over £500)
Collection Three
£1495
All digital images from your gallery, provided as print-ready high
resolution files.
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Storyboard Frame OR Medium Framed
Fine Art Print
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Coffee Table Book
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Gift Portfolio
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50 personalised baby announcement or thank you cards OR
5 Fine Art Prints up to size 12×8″
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25% off any additional a la carte products
(Save over £1000)
Add On Items
These products are available to purchase alongside any other item or collection from the main menu.
GIFT PORTFOLIO
A beautifully presented trio of 6×6″ fine art prints, housed in a linen or vegan leather folio.
Includes personalised cover text and fine art printing as standard.
£135 each
FINE ART PRINTS
These beautiful fine art prints are mounted and ready to pop straight into a frame or gift.
Available in sizes up to 12×8″.
£50 each
GIFT PRINT BOX
Ten 8×6″ fine art printed photographs from your session, presented in a personalised gift box.
£125 each
Interested, but not ready to book yet? Click here to download my cake smash session booking and preparation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, book your session 4–8 weeks in advance. Many families choose to have the session a few weeks before baby’s actual birthday so they can use the photos for invitations, keepsakes, or to display at their party.
Your session includes a pre-session consultation, full use of props and outfits, a beautifully simple cake (tailored to your dietary needs), and a 45–60 minute relaxed photoshoot. You’ll also be invited back for a private viewing appointment to select your favourite images and products.
Yes, the cake is included. During your consultation, we’ll discuss any allergies or dietary requirements, and a suitable cake will be prepared just for your little one.
I have a beautiful selection of neutral and themed outfits in sizes that fit most 12-month-olds. You’re welcome to use these, bring your own, or mix and match. We usually do pre-cake portraits in one outfit and change into a second for the smash.
Absolutely! These sessions are about celebrating your baby’s first year, and that includes you too. We always start with family and sibling shots if you’d like them, before moving into the cake smash and splash.
Every baby reacts differently, and that’s perfectly okay. I work gently and patiently, following your little one’s pace. Some love getting stuck in; others prefer to poke and explore — all of it is part of the story, and we’ll still capture beautiful, expressive images.
Yes! If you’d prefer something a little different, I also offer fruit smashes, “paint splashes,” or simple milestone portraits without the cake. Let’s chat about what feels right for your family.
The studio is fully equipped for the clean-up — wipes, warm water, soft towels, and even a little splash bath to finish your photoshoot. You’ll leave with a clean baby and sweet memories, not a sticky mess!
Sessions take place in my high street studio in St Ives. There’s nearby parking at Waitrose or the Dolphin Hotel, both just a few minutes’ walk away. There’s also space inside the studio to store prams if needed.
Before you leave, we’ll schedule your gallery viewing appointment — usually 1 to 2 weeks after your shoot. That’s when you’ll see your fully edited images and choose your favourites, as well as any wall art or keepsakes.
Still wondering something? Feel free to drop me a message here — I’m always happy to help.
Let’s Talk Babies, Memories & Beautiful Photos
Whether you’re ready to get yourselves booked in during this exciting chapter or you have a question about my 1st birthday photoshoots, complete the form below and I’ll be in touch within 1 business day. (Do keep an eye on your junk folder, as my emails do find their way there sometimes!)