First Birthday Cake Smash Photography in Essex
A Timeless Take on the First Birthday: Why I Offer Simple, Soulful Cake Smash Photoshoots in Essex
Is your little one about to turn ONE? A first birthday cake smash session is such a fun and memorable way to celebrate this incredible milestone — and I absolutely love welcoming families from Southend-on-Sea, and across Essex into my warm and relaxed studio. The first year of your baby’s life is a whirlwind of tiny milestones—the first smile, the first laugh, the first steps that take your breath away. And then, all too quickly, you find yourself planning their very first birthday. I believe those celebrations don’t have to be overwhelming or cluttered to be meaningful. That’s why my approach to a cake smash photoshoot in Essex is simple, timeless, and grounded in the same values that guide all my photography. Because when the balloons deflate and the icing is wiped away, what you’ll treasure most is the memory of your little one as they are—joyful, curious, and completely themselves.
Why Choose a Cake Smash Photoshoot?
Marking a once-in-a-lifetime milestone
Turning one is such a special milestone—not only for your baby but for you, too. It’s a year of growth, love, and countless memories wrapped up into one celebration. A cake smash session is a playful, light-hearted way to capture this season, letting your baby explore, play, and, yes, get a little messy. I always say these first birthdays are not only a celebration of their first year but also a milestone reached by you as parents thats why I also include a few family portraits in the session. Every giggle, every tiny hand reaching for icing, every curious expression becomes a story in itself. These aren’t just photographs—they’re joyful reminders of who your child was at this beautiful in-between age and the bond you’ve created during this first year.
My Approach: Timeless Over Trendy
You’ve probably seen cake smash photoshoots online filled with bright props, elaborate sets, and bold themes. While those can be fun, my style is different. I believe in creating timeless first birthday photos that focus on your baby and their personality, rather than distracting backdrops or themed decorations.
Simple, natural styling
Using soft, neutral tones and gentle textures, I create a calm space where your baby feels at ease. The cake becomes just one element of the session—not the main character. Your little one’s expressions, reactions, and curiosity are what I want to shine. I have a few beige balloons , a gorgeous wooden cake for some play portraits and a natural wooden cake stand ready for your choice of cake.
A calm, cosy setting
My home studio in Wakering, Southend-on-Sea, is designed with comfort in mind. Just like my newborn sessions, your Essex cake smash photoshoot unfolds in a relaxed, welcoming space. There’s no pressure, no rush, and no need for your baby to “perform.” We let the moment unfold naturally.
What Happens in a Timeless Cake Smash Session?
Before we even bring out the cake, I spend time photographing your little one as they are—playing, sitting, crawling, or standing if they’re already finding their feet. These quieter moments often become the most treasured images. Next, we bring in parents for a handful of relaxed, love-filled family photos. These are often some of my favourites — full of snuggles, giggles, and genuine connection.
Once your baby is settled, we introduce the cake. Some dive in with both hands, others take their time to explore, and a few barely touch it at all. However your little one responds, it’s perfect. My role is to capture their authentic reaction—whether that’s joyful, messy, cautious, or full of laughter. My creativity is never about doing “more.” It’s about noticing the way your baby’s personality comes through, how the light catches their eyes, or how they giggle when they taste the cake for the first time. Trends fade, but the photos we create together will always feel relevant. Years from now, when you show your child their first birthday photos, they’ll see themselves—not a styled set that no longer makes sense.
Tips for Your Cake Smash Session
Keep outfits simple: Neutral or soft-coloured clothing keeps the focus on your baby.
Choose a cake that suits your baby: Light sponges with buttercream often work best—nothing too hard or overwhelming. Clients have often brought a regular victoria sponge cake or ask your baker for a small vanilla sponge stacked cake of no bigger than 6” in with a scrape of butter cream around it.
Relax and let them lead: Some babies love the mess, others just want a tiny taste. Every reaction is beautiful.
Book Your Timeless First Birthday Photoshoot in Essex
Your baby only turns one once. A cake smash photoshoot is a beautiful way to honour that milestone, capturing their spirit, joy, and curiosity in a way that feels natural and timeless.
If you’re looking for an Essex newborn and first birthday photographer who will keep things simple, soulful, and centred on your child, I’d love to welcome you into my studio in Wakering, Southend-on-Sea.
Because these are the moments that deserve to be remembered—not just for how they looked, but for how they felt.
To find out more about my cake smash / first birthday sessions click here
