Cake Smash Photography
Explore a collection of heartfelt moments captured at Andrea Payne Photography. From the delicate beauty of newborns to the joy of family milestones, each image tells a unique story. Take a look and experience the magic of preserving life’s most precious memories.
Professional Cake Smash Photography
What to Bring to Your Cake Smash Session
For a cake smash session, I provide the cake (Optional - Extra Payment) decorations, and props, so you only need to bring a few essentials. Here are some suggestions:
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Outfits: Bring a special outfit for the portrait portion of the session, as well as a fun, smash-friendly outfit for your little one to wear while they enjoy the cake.
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Favourite Toy or Comfort Item: If your child has a favourite toy or comfort item, feel free to bring it along. This can help them feel more comfortable and add a personal touch to the photos.
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Snacks and Drinks: Sometimes little ones need a quick snack or drink to keep them energised during the session.
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Wipes and a Towel: A towel and wipes can be handy for quick cleanups, especially after the cake smash portion.
Feel free to bring any additional items that reflect your child’s personality or make them feel more comfortable. My goal is to make this a fun and memorable experience for both you and your little one!
When to Book a Cake Smash Session
I recommend booking your cake smash session about 4-6 weeks before your child’s first birthday to ensure availability and allow time for planning. This timing also allows you to receive the photos in time to display at their first birthday party, if desired. Cake smash sessions are usually scheduled around 11 months, so you have the photos ready to celebrate their big milestone. Booking early helps us to coordinate any special themes or decorations you’d like, creating a session that’s as unique as your little one!
Cake Smash Collection
Pricing Collection
Cake Smash and Splash photography sessions are a fun and unforgettable way to celebrate your little one’s milestone. From messy cake-filled giggles to a playful splash in the tub, each session is designed to capture the joy and personality of your child. Our packages include everything you need for a unique and memorable experience, creating beautiful keepsakes you’ll treasure forever.
Booking your cake smash session is simple. To reserve your appointment, a £50 booking fee is required. This secures your session in my diary, allowing me to reserve your chosen date and time exclusively for you.
Classic
£350
Details
1 hour session
Matching cake
Full use of props and clothes
Family pictures
In person viewing appointment
5 high res digital images
5 matching prints (7x5)
Deluxe
£400
Details
1 hour session
Matching cake
Full use of props and clothes
Family pictures
In person viewing appointment
10 high res digital images
10 matching prints (7x5)
Platinum
£450
Details
1 hour session
Matching cake
Full use of props and clothes
Family pictures
In person viewing appointment
15 high res digital images
15 matching prints (5x7)
What to expect
Pre-Session Planning
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Consultation: The photographer will discuss the theme, colours, and style of the session to align with your vision.
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Cake: The photographer provides a cake. The cake is usually soft, without hard decorations, and designed to match the theme.
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Wardrobe Guidance: Outfits are often coordinated with the session's theme. You might bring a special birthday outfit and a backup for after the session.
Session Setup
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Themed Decor: Expect a backdrop with coordinated decorations like balloons,or props that match the theme (e.g., animals, princesses, boho or blue/pink vibes).
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Designated Smash Area: A clean area, often with a mat or protective covering, will be set up for the baby to dig into the cake.
Warm-Up Period
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Getting Comfortable: Photographers allow time for the baby to get used to the environment and camera.
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Pre-Smash Shots: Some photos might be taken before introducing the cake, capturing the baby in their special outfit and with any props.
Cake Smash Time
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Natural Exploration: Babies are encouraged to explore the cake at their own pace, which might include smashing, eating, or simply poking at it.
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Encouragement: Parents or the photographer may gently guide the baby if needed, but most of the session is about letting the baby have fun.
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Capturing the Moments: The photographer will focus on a mix of wide shots and close-ups, highlighting the baby’s reactions, messy hands, and frosting-covered face.
Cleanup Shots
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Splash Session: The photographer includes a post-smash cleanup session, like a bubble bath in a cute tub, which provides additional photo opportunities.
Session Length
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Short and Sweet: Cake smash sessions typically last 30–60 minutes, keeping in mind the baby’s attention span and comfort.
A Beautiful Way to Remember Their First Birthday
Your baby's first year is filled with unforgettable milestones, and before you know it, they'll be taking their first steps, saying their first words, and growing into a busy toddler. A Cake Smash & Splash Session is the perfect way to celebrate this incredible milestone and preserve these precious memories forever.
At my Carryduff photography studio, I create fun, relaxed, and beautifully styled first birthday photo shoots that capture your baby's unique personality. From those first curious touches of birthday cake to the giggles and splashes in the bubble bath, every moment is photographed with a timeless style you'll treasure for years to come.
Families travel from Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Hillsborough, Saintfield, Downpatrick, and across Northern Ireland to celebrate their baby's first birthday with a memorable Cake Smash & Splash Session. My aim is to create beautiful photographs that not only celebrate turning one but become treasured keepsakes for your family.
If you're looking for a Cake Smash photographer in Belfast, a first birthday photographer in Northern Ireland, or a Cake Smash & Splash session in Carryduff, I'd love to help you celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with timeless portraits you'll cherish forever.
Interested? Get In Touch
If you’re interested in booking a session or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to capture your baby’s first moments, a special family milestone, or a beautiful maternity shoot, I’m here to help. Simply reach out, and we can discuss the perfect session for you. Let’s create memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
© 2026 Andrea Payne Photography | Studio based in Carryduff, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Andrea Payne Photography specialises in fun and memorable cake smash photography, creating colourful and playful sessions to celebrate your little one's first birthday. From happy smiles to messy cake-covered moments, each session captures the personality and excitement of this special milestone.
Based in Carryduff, Belfast, the studio welcomes families from Belfast, Lisburn, County Down and surrounding areas.
All images © Andrea Payne Photography
