First birthday portraits · Boise & the Treasure Valley
A little cake and a big first birthday
A cake smash is a chance to capture your child’s expressions, little details, and delight as they explore their birthday cake. We’ll make time to get comfortable before the messy part.
Plan around your child
Tell us when your child is usually happiest and whether you have a color palette or theme in mind. We can talk through the setting, what to bring, and how much time to allow.
How we plan your first birthday cake smash
Design the setup before photo day
Share a few colors, the birthday outfit, or an invitation you’d like the set to complement. A floral teepee, a simple backdrop, and a balloon setup all need different space and preparation. We’ll talk through what fits your ideas, what you’re bringing, and whether you’d like us to arrange a cake at a separately quoted cost.
Take portraits before the cake comes out
We start with a clean outfit and give your child a little time to look around. Then we bring out the cake and follow their lead. Some kids dive straight in, others test the frosting with one finger, and some would rather play with a familiar toy. There’s time for those reactions, too.
Pack for the frosting and pick your favorites
Bring a spare outfit, wipes, and a bag for anything that gets messy. If there are allergies or foods you’re avoiding, tell us during planning so we know what will be on set. After the session you’ll choose 10 favorites from your private proofing gallery for us to edit, so you can keep a mix of clean portraits and cake moments.
Session pricing
First Birthday Cake Smash
$650
We’ll plan the look with you and create a custom setup for your child’s first birthday. The session includes up to 45 minutes for portraits and the cake smash, a private online proofing gallery, and 10 edited digital images of your choice.
Bring your own cake, or ask us to arrange one. We’ll quote the cake separately before ordering.
Common questions
Can we use a theme or favorite colors?
Yes. Share your ideas when you inquire so we can plan the details together.
Is the cake included?
You’re welcome to bring your own cake. If you’d like us to arrange one, we’ll confirm the extra cost with you before ordering.
What should I bring?
We’ll go over the cake, outfits, and any decorations when we plan the session.
What if my child doesn’t want to touch the cake?
We’ll give them space to warm up and keep photographing the expressions and details you came for. The clean portraits give you another part of the story even if the cake stays mostly intact.
When should we schedule if the photos are for invitations?
Let us know when the invitations need to go out. We can work backward from that date to allow time for the session, choosing images, and editing.
Plan a first birthday session
Tell us the birthday, the timing you have in mind, and what you’d like to include.
Ask about a cake smash