Cake Smash Photographer in Victoria, BC
A happy, messy celebration of your baby’s first year, and all the little personality that’s grown with it.
It feels like yesterday you brought your baby home, and now they’re turning one. They’re sitting, babbling, maybe even taking those first wobbly steps. A first birthday session is a wonderful way to mark how much has changed in such a short time.
I’m Alyssa, a lifestyle photographer based in North Saanich and a mom of three. I know the first year flies by in a haze of sleepless nights and milestones, which is exactly why I love preserving it. A cake smash session is pure joy: curious fingers, frosting on noses and the giggles that come with it.
There’s no right way for your little one to react. Some dive straight in, some poke at the cake with deep suspicion. Every version is adorable, and every version is real.
What a Cake Smash Session Looks Like
We’ll usually start with a few clean photos of your baby while they’re fresh and happy, and add some family photos with Mom, Dad and siblings. Then comes the cake. I’ll let your little one explore at their own pace while I capture the wonder, the mess and the moments you’ll laugh about for years.
Many families finish with a gentle wipe-down and a fresh outfit, which often leads to some of the sweetest, sleepiest cuddles of all.
- Portraits of your baby before the cake comes out.
- Family photos together, so you’re in the story too.
- The cake smash itself, from first touch to full frosting.
- Cleanup cuddles and happy, tired faces at the end.
Planning Your First Birthday Session
Timing is everything with one-year-olds. Plan around naps and mealtimes so your little one arrives rested and a bit curious about food. We’ll go over the plan together during your free style and location consultation, including colours, outfits and who will bring the cake.
A small, simple cake works best, in soft colours that match your outfits. Choose something you know is safe for your baby, especially if there are any allergies in the family. Simple, comfortable outfits that you don’t mind getting a little frosting on keep things relaxed.
- Bring a change of clothes, wipes and a towel.
- Pack a favourite toy or snack in case your baby needs a reset.
- Invite siblings to help, if they’d like to be part of the fun.
At Home or Outdoors
Cake smash sessions work beautifully in your own home, where your baby feels safe and cleanup is just steps away. A backyard or a quiet outdoor spot is lovely too, especially in warmer months when a little mess on the grass is no problem at all. You can read more about the benefits of an in-home session if you’re deciding.
If you photographed your baby as a newborn, a first birthday session makes a sweet bookend to that first year. Take a look at my newborn photography page to see where many of these stories begin, or my family photography page if you’d like a longer session with everyone.
Questions families ask
When should we book a cake smash session?
Most families plan the session close to their baby’s first birthday. Reach out a little ahead of time so we can find a date that works around naps and your celebrations.
Do I need to bring the cake?
We’ll talk about the cake during your consultation. Since you know your baby’s needs best, many parents like to choose or make it themselves.
What if my baby doesn’t want to touch the cake?
That’s completely fine and very common. Hesitant faces make wonderful photos, and I’ll give your little one plenty of time to warm up.
Can siblings and grandparents join?
Yes. Immediate family is included, and grandparents or other relatives can be added for a small per-person fee. Get in touch and tell me who’s coming.
What do we receive after the session?
Your photos arrive in a private online gallery, with full-resolution digitals and printing rights for your chosen images. Prints, albums and canvases are available through me if you’d like something to hold.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.