Cake Smash Photography in
St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with timeless portraits, a fun cake smash, or a playful fruit or paint splash — all tailored to your little one.
About Your Baby’s First Birthday Session
A first birthday session is a beautiful way to celebrate your baby’s milestone – designed to be relaxed, playful, and completely tailored to your little one.
Your baby’s first year goes by in a blur, and this milestone deserves to be captured in a way that feels natural and meaningful. These sessions are designed to celebrate their personality, curiosity, and those joyful little moments you’ll want to remember forever.
While many families choose a classic cake smash, your session can be tailored to suit your baby. This might include simple, timeless portraits, a fresh fruit alternative, or even a playful paint splash — all styled in a calm, neutral way to keep the focus on your little one.
Many families return for this session after their newborn and sitter shoots, making it a special part of documenting your baby’s first year. In my studio in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, every session is guided gently to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.
What to Expect During Your Cake Smash Session
First birthday sessions are designed to be relaxed, enjoyable, and led by your baby’s personality. Whether they dive straight into the cake or take a more gentle approach, I guide the session to capture natural, beautiful moments at every stage.
- Arrival & Settling: Time for your baby to get comfortable in the studio and explore the space.
- Portraits First: We begin with simple, timeless portraits before introducing anything messy. These can include parents & siblings too.
- Cake Smash / Alternative: Your baby can enjoy a cake smash, or opt for a fruit or paint alternative — all guided gently and safely.
- Clean-Up / Splash (Optional): A warm bath or splash moment can be included for playful, clean-up images.
- Baby-Led Approach: Every session follows your baby’s mood – no pressure, just natural moments.
- Viewing & Selection: After your session, you’ll be invited to a viewing and ordering appointment to choose your favourite images.
Cake Smash & First Birthday Photography in St Ives, Cambridgeshire – Gallery
From simple portraits to playful cake smashes and splash moments, each session is designed to capture your baby’s personality in a calm, timeless way.
What Families Are Saying About Their Cake Smash Sessions
First birthday sessions are always such a special milestone, and it’s a joy to welcome families back to celebrate. Here’s what some of them have shared about their experience.
“Wonderful memories”
We’ve had a few sessions now and we leave each time with wonderful memories captured by Laura, it’s always a great experience! Laura is welcoming and patient in every session with our girls (who can be a bit shy..) and is always able to capture their personalities spot on! We keep coming back year after year!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
S. Day, St. Ives
“Professional, friendly & welcoming”
Absolutely loved our session for my little boys 1st birthday! The photos are amazing. Laura was professional, friendly and very welcoming. Excellent with my little one, trying to entertain him and encourage him to sit still I’m surprised Laura got so many good ones. Just goes to show how good she is! Definitely recommend !
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A. Hodgkin, St Ives
“Nothing short of magical”
Our experience with Laura has been nothing short of magical – we’ve had two 1st year sessions and the photos are incredible. The process from choosing your colour theme to choosing from a vast selection of gorgeous accessories is so easy and straightforward. Laura is so patient and makes the whole experience really personal. Our albums and memories of being in the studio will last forever!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
E. Chizlett, St. Neots
Cake Smash Photography Pricing
Every first birthday session is tailored to your baby, creating a calm and enjoyable experience from start to finish. The session fee covers my time, preparation, and expertise, so you can simply enjoy watching your little one explore and have fun.
Session Fees & Prices
Session Fee: £99
- Includes:
- Pre-session consultation and planning
- Fully styled photoshoot
- Use of props, backdrops, and setups
- Cake / Paint / Fruit for photoshoot
- A la carte images and products:
- Available from £60 up to £995
- Something to suit every family
- Flexible payment plans available
Frequently Asked Questions – Cake Smash & First Birthday Sessions
Cake smash sessions are a fun and memorable way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday, but I know parents often have a few questions. Here are the most common, to help you feel confident and prepared.
What age is best for a cake smash session?
Ideally around your baby’s first birthday, once they can sit confidently. This stage captures their personality and milestone expressions perfectly. If you’re wanting photos to use for their birthday, then aim to book your session when they are 11 months old.
What if my baby isn’t interested in the cake?
No problem! This isn’t uncommon. Every session is guided by your baby’s mood. We can focus on portraits or just capture playful moments in and out of the bubbles – all relaxed and stress-free.
How messy is the session?
Sessions are styled to feel calm and controlled. We guide your baby gently, keep props simple, and everything is easily cleaned up afterwards. My aim is for you to arrive and leave with a clean baby; I provide outfits too, so you can leave all the washing to me!
How long does a session last?
Typically 45–60 minutes, giving plenty of time for portraits, the cake or alternative, and any playful splash moments.
What should my baby wear?
Neutral, simple outfits work best. I have a client wardrobe available for use, providing a selection of rompers, outfits and accessories to complement your session’s style.
Can parents and siblings join in?
Absolutely! A few family shots can be included at the beginning naturally, keeping your little one as the focus.
Book Your First Birthday Session
I make booking simple so you can focus on enjoying this special time with your baby. Select a session that suits you, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Can’t find a suitable date? Please get in touch — I’ll do my best to accommodate your family.
Email: laura@dinkylittledot.co.uk
Phone: +44 7852 264 151
Studio Location: 1A Free Church Passage, St Ives, Cambridgeshire