Planning a cake smash photoshoot in Auckland is such a fun part of celebrating your baby turning one.
The best sessions are simple, relaxed and focused on your baby — not overly complicated themes.
Keep it simple and timeless
One of the biggest trends we see is actually moving away from busy setups.
Simple styling often creates the most beautiful images:
- soft neutral colours
- clean backgrounds
- minimal props
Classic cake smash setup
The most popular option is a clean, styled setup with a matching cake.
- neutral or pastel tones
- simple cake design
- coordinated outfit
Outfit ideas for cake smash
Your baby’s outfit plays a big role in the final look.
- rompers or simple outfits
- soft textures and natural fabrics
- barefoot or minimal accessories
It’s best to avoid:
- large logos
- very bright clashing colours
- overly busy patterns
Include clean portraits first
The best cake smash sessions include more than just messy photos.
We always recommend:
- clean birthday portraits before the cake
- smash photos during the session
- optional family images
Let your baby lead the session
Every baby reacts differently to cake — and that’s part of the fun.
Some babies:
- dive straight in
- play slowly and explore
- prefer observing first
All reactions create beautiful, real images.
Don’t overthink the theme
The best sessions focus on your baby — not a complicated theme.
If you’re unsure, simple always wins.
Need help planning?
If you're unsure where to start, we guide you through everything — styling, timing and what works best.
You can also read our cake smash preparation guide for practical tips.