top of page

the

Cake Smash
experience

how we work

Cake smash & Splash sessions are especially tailored for one year olds. These sessions are a celebration of your little ones first birthday and the perfect opportunity to capture their personalities and allow them to make as much mess as possible!

 

Older children are still welcome to have a cake smash shoot however, they may be unable to fit in the outfits we provide and the bath tub.

|

We style each session to your choice of theme or colour scheme and provide helium balloons and accessories to match. 

Each set design is completely unique to you and can be as simple or creative as you would like it to be. 

No matter how crazy your idea, we can make it come to life!

First we start with shooting portraits of your little one in their birthday outfit, then it's time for cake!

For those who have booked our Spice package, once we are done with smashing, we fill up our special bath time tub for some epic splashing and bubble blowing! 

|

All our sessions include use of all props, backdrops, studio equipment and outfits.

We have a variety of backdrop colours to choose from - White, Cream, Grey, Brown, Pink, Blue, Purple, Green, Turquoise and Orange.

We also offer Paint Splash sessions for those little Picasso's who would prefer to get creative.

These sessions are best done with yogurt and food colouring so that is is safe and edible!

|

As these sessions require slightly more planning, we recommend that you book your session at least 4-6 weeks early to avoid any disappointment and to allow yourself plenty of time to organise the cake and outfit. If you require your photographs ready in time for your little ones birthday, please ensure that we are aware of this before booking.

|

 

A mini cake is provided within our spice package only. We have teamed up with Leah at LB Bakes to create a mini cake that will match your colours and theme! This is all organised by us on your behalf and will be ready at our studio on the day of your session.
 

Mini cakes are not included in any other session however, you have the choice to provide your own cake or for an additional fee, we can organise a special cake for your little one.

 

Sadly, we cannot supply personalised clothing and items so please don't forget to bring with you outfits that you would like your little one to wear. These sessions can get very messy so please bring along some spare clothes, towels and extra wipes.

20240721-1M7A3853-Edit.jpg

sugar

 

£225

1 hour photography

full use of all props and outfits

simple set and small balloon garland

outfit changes

lb bake mini cake included

online gallery

15 digital images via download

20260222-1M7A7616.jpg

spice

 

£345

1 hour 30 photography

full use of all props and outfits

bath splash or paint splash included

outfit changes

very creative set and large balloon garland

lb bake mini cake included

online gallery

full gallery 25+ images supplied via download

10% off your next session

extras
twin - add a twin to any package for an additional £50.00, plus an extra 30 minutes photography time!

mini cake - add a second mini cake for an additional £25.00
 

birthday mini

Our new birthday minis are a great alternative to our cake smash sessions. 

Maybe your child isn't too keen on cake or doesn't enjoy getting their hands dirty or maybe you would prefer a session less costly... and that's okay!

Our new session is absolutely perfect for you and your little one and still allows you to celebrate their birthday with the same beautiful outcome!

Our balloon boxes can have a subtle theme. We can provide any number or letters to celebrate other ages if requested. Cake can still be bought along to these sessions, the set design will be basic and simple.

20181014 - _M7A0449-Edit - Deana Hall Photography.jpg

sweet

 

£155

45 minute photography

basic set with number balloon

balloon boxes

"one" prop

lb mini cake included

online gallery

5 digital images via download

All sessions require a £80.00 non refundable booking fee to secure your session which will be deducted from the price. The remaining amount owed is due the day before your session.

Once your session has ended, your images will go through our selection process and we will then being your editing your gallery.

You will then receive a password protected online gallery for you to view, favourite and select your images. All images will be digitally enhanced, retouched and high resolution perfect for printing.

You are more than welcome to choose more images than what your package includes. Additional images will be charged at £20.00 per digital file. 

TESTIMONIALS

“WONDERFUL STUDIO WITH LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL PROPS AND OUTFITS. DEANA WAS SO PATIENT WITH US AS OUR LITTLE ONE WASN'T IN THE BEST OF MOODS AND SHE MANAGED TO CAPTURE SOME REALLY BEAUTIFUL SHOTS. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

- JEN

“DEANA IS FANTASTIC! HAVING GONE TO DEANA FOR DAUGHTER'S NEWBORN SHOOT IT WAS A NO-BRAINER TO RETURN FOR HER 1ST BIRTHDAY. WE ALL HAD GREAT FUN AT THE SHOOT AND WE ARE DELIGHTTED ONCE AGAIN WITH THE PHOTOS!"

- ANNA

FAQ's

what can i expect from my session?

A lot of mess and a gallery of really cute images! Cake smash sessions are our favourite sessions to capture, we love to celebrate birthdays, especially those first birthday milestones. These sessions are all about having fun whilst having a handful of smart portraits taken before the cake smashing madness commences and sometimes ending with a bubble-filled splash in the bath tub or alternatively, an edible paint splash with coloured yogurt!

when should i book my session?

We recommend contacting us 2-3 months in advance to your child's birthday to arrange your session and avoid any disappointment, as these sessions are very popular! If you would like your images to display at your child's party, share on social media on the big day or for creating invitations, please book your session at least 4 weeks prior to their birthday to allow enough time for editing and gallery completion. If you would like your images to display at home and to be a true reflection of them as close to their birthday as possible, we recommend booking in on the most convenient date, usually one or two weeks before their birthday. 

what theme can i choose?

We welcome all themes and ideas! The best part of designing a cake smash set is allowing you to choose your favourite theme or colour scheme! This can be something that you love or something that your child loves, such as Transport, Tv programs, Character's, Food etc. Alternatively, you can simply base your idea on the season or weather, such as a Rainbow theme. All themes and colour schemes are possible, no idea is too difficult or crazy! All of our cake smashes are unique and custom designed to ensure that all images taken are personal to you, no two set designs are ever the same! If you don't feel you are particularly creative, we will guide you to choose a theme and then build you a surprise set!

do you provide the cake for smashing?

We now provide a beautiful custom made cake from our professional baker, LB bakes in each of our packages. This is a lovely mini cake, made specifically for smashing. We match each cake perfectly to your theme or set design colour, working along side Leah, our good friend and fellow small business owner! We also provide matching cake toppers for each cake however, if you wish to have a personalised topper with your child's name, please do make us aware that you will be purchasing this item and bring it along with you.

Whatever your child does not eat or smash during your session, you will get to take home! 

You are welcome to provide your own cake if you would like something more elaborate for your session. If your child is allergic to anything that could be found in cake, such as eggs and dairy, please do let us know upon booking so we can check with our supplier if they are able to meet your individual needs. If we are unable to provide a mini cake due to any special requirements, a cake from an alternative supplier, homemade or shop bought can be brought along and your session price will be adjusted accordingly.

what shall i bring?

We provide all of the set design, from the balloon arches, cake, outfits, props etc, but you are welcome to bring any of your own props to match. All personalised outfits and accessories will need to be provided by yourselves. If we are not able to provide a mini cake due to dietary requirements, please ensure that you supply and bring your own cake on this occasion. We do provide Johnson's baby bubble bath and towels however, if you would prefer to use your own products or your baby has any allergies, please do bring them along! We also provide bottled water for parents and siblings, a few light snacks and baby wipes but please feel free to bring your own food and drink with you.

What to bring :-

1. Baby!

2. Pre cake smash portrait outfit 

3. Cake smash outfit

4. Cake (only if we cannot provide one or you would prefer to provide your own)

5. Towels (if you wish to use your own)

6. Bubble bath (if your baby uses a particular brand)

7. Outfit for your child to go home in

8. Spare clothes for yourself (should you get covered in cake too!)

9. Yummy baby snacks!

10. Baby bottle/cup of drink

11. Spare nappies and baby wipes

what will my child wear?

We provide a variety of baby outfits in various sizes, usually 12-18 months. We cannot promise that every child will be able to fit in the outfits we have in studio, some maybe too big or too small depending on your child. You're more than welcome to bring a lovely little outfit for their portrait session, followed by either an outfit of your choice or personalised outfits for cake smashing or alternatively, use one of our themed outfits!

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram

deana hall photography, leamington spa photographer, warwickshire photographer, newborn photographer, cake smash photographer, family photographer, maternity photographer, wedding photographer. west midlands photographer.

© deana hall photography 2026
bottom of page