A first birthday session that feels joyful, styled and memorable.
Cake smash photography is about much more than the cake itself. It’s about capturing your baby’s personality at this beautiful age — the smiles, curiosity, expressions and celebration of reaching that first big milestone.
- ✓Studio cake smash sessions in Auckland with a fun, polished style
- ✓Styled setup designed to suit your session theme
- ✓Classic birthday portraits before the cake smash begins
- ✓A relaxed experience that works around your baby’s mood and personality
When to book a cake smash session
Most cake smash sessions are booked close to your baby’s first birthday, especially if you want the images ready for invitations, displays or birthday celebrations.
Book ahead of the birthday
We recommend booking early so there’s enough time to plan the session and have your images ready for the big day if needed.
Ideal around 11–13 months
This age usually works beautifully for expressions, movement and that perfect balance of baby and toddler personality.
Flexible to suit your plans
Whether you want the session before or after the birthday itself, we can help you choose the timing that works best.
A cake smash session with more than just the smash
We build these sessions to include both the celebration and the portraits, so your final gallery feels complete rather than just messy.
Styled setup
A themed or colour-coordinated backdrop to create a polished, fun first birthday look.
Portraits first
We usually photograph clean birthday portraits before the cake comes out, so you get both classic and playful images.
Cake smash fun
The main celebration moment — guided gently so your baby can explore, taste and react naturally.
Artwork guidance
After your shoot, we help you choose the images and finished pieces that suit your home and family best.
A simple cake smash session process
Book your session
Reserve your cake smash online or get in touch so we can plan the best timing around your baby’s first birthday.
Plan the look
We talk through the styling direction so the session feels fun but still beautifully put together.
Enjoy the session
We capture clean portraits first, then move into the cake smash once your baby is comfortable and settled.
Choose your favourites
At your viewing session, select the images and artwork that best preserve this milestone.
A full first birthday story, not just cake on the face.
The best cake smash galleries usually include a little bit of everything — birthday portraits, detail shots, real reactions and sometimes family images too. That way your session feels like a complete celebration rather than a single setup.
- •Birthday portraits before the smash begins
- •Natural reactions and fun expressions during the session
- •Optional family involvement depending on your session style
Playful, polished and full of personality
Our cake smash sessions are colourful and fun, but still beautifully photographed so the final images feel timeless enough to print and display.
Cake smash session pricing
Our cake smash sessions begin with the session fee, then after you’ve seen your images you choose only what you love.
Includes your studio cake smash session and the full Photo Hive guided experience.
Choose a simple digital collection or one of our larger signature options after viewing your images.
Canvas prints, framed prints and albums are available to turn this milestone into keepsakes for your home.
Cake smash photography FAQs
Do you provide the cake?
We offer custom made cakes delivered directly to the studio from $99 or you can bring your own for free. We recommend a simple 6 inch cake in soft colours that match the session styling. If you’d like guidance we’re happy to suggest ideas that photograph beautifully.
What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
That’s completely okay. Every baby reacts differently, and some of the best images come from curiosity, expressions and play rather than a full smash.
Can parents or siblings be included?
Yes. If you’d like family portraits as part of the session, we can include them so the gallery feels more complete and meaningful.