Your baby is almost turning one, and you may find yourself searching for the right cake smash photographer. A quick Google search often brings up many options, which can feel overwhelming. Every photographer has a different style, approach, and pricing structure, and it can be exhausting to compare them all.
As a cake smash photographer in Edmonton who works closely with babies and families, I would like to share the most important things I personally consider when choosing a cake smash photographer for a one year old baby.
1. Safety Should Always Come First
When it comes to cake smash photography, safety is the most important factor. One year old babies can be unpredictable, and a cake smash session involves food, decorations, and props that require careful attention.
A responsible cake smash photographer should openly talk about safety. This includes food allergies, cake ingredients, small decorations, and the materials used in props and backdrops. Food allergies are my biggest concern during any cake smash photoshoot. I always confirm allergies with parents multiple times before the session.
I once had parents who were very excited to book a cake smash session. Before sending the contract, I suggested a short phone call to go over the details. During that call, I learned that their baby had a severe egg allergy, although the parents had not fully realized it when they get too excited. I was very grateful we had that conversation before booking the session.
As a parent, choosing a detail oriented and safety focused baby photographer should be non negotiable.
2. Choosing a Cake Smash Style That Feels Right for You
Not all parents know exactly what theme they want for their baby’s cake smash photoshoot, and that is completely normal. However, photography style is something you can usually recognize right away.
Every cake smash photographer has a signature style. When you look through a cake smash portfolio, you will often know immediately whether the style speaks to you. Some photographers focus on soft and gentle looks, some prefer bold and playful designs, and others like me create whimsical and story driven setups.
At this stage, it can be helpful to narrow your choices down to 2-3 photographers whose work you genuinely love. From there, you can explore details like approach, experience, and packages.
3. Photographer’s Experience and Confidence Matter More Than You Think
Cake smash photography requires more than technical camera skills. It requires experience working with babies at this very specific age.
An experienced cake smash photographer understands common behaviours such as stranger anxiety, hesitation around new textures, and short attention spans. They know when to engage the baby, when to give space, and how to guide the session without overwhelming the child.
As parents, you may worry about whether your baby will behave well during the session. A professional photographer should be able to offer honest and reassuring guidance based on experience. Not every baby is ready for a cake smash at the same time.
There have been situations where I gently suggested parents wait another one or two months before booking. This is especially common during peak separation anxiety stages. Waiting a little longer often leads to a much more relaxed and successful session. There is nothing wrong with having a shy baby. Timing can make a meaningful difference.
4. Understanding the Photographer’s Approach With Babies
Every baby has a unique personality and comfort level. Some babies need time to warm up, while others are happy to explore right away. Choosing a cake smash photographer whose approach matches your baby’s temperament is very important.
If your baby needs time to adjust to new people, a photographer who offers flexible session pacing may be a better fit than someone who works within a strict time limit. If your baby responds well to energetic interaction, a photographer with a more playful and engaging style may work better.
Often, you can sense this compatibility during an initial consultation or phone call. There is no right or wrong approach, only what feels best for your baby.
By this point, most parents naturally narrow their choices down to one or two photographers.
5. Theme and Budget Finding the Right Balance
Many parents ask what cake smash themes a photographer offers. For me, theme is something that comes after choosing the right photographer.
If you love a photographer’s style and trust their experience, the theme becomes an added layer of personalization rather than the main deciding factor. Some photographers offer a wide range of pre designed backdrops, while others allow limited customization. Some, like myself, design fully customized cake smash themes based on each family.
Customization often affects pricing. A highly personalized cake smash photoshoot requires more planning, design time, and coordination. This is similar to choosing between a custom built home and a pre designed model. Both options are valid. The right choice depends on how personal you want the experience to feel and what fits your budget at this moment.
That is why I recommend choosing the photographer first, then selecting the package that best fits your needs. Most cake smash photographers in Edmonton offer at least two package options, allowing families to choose between simpler setups and more customized experiences.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Cake Smash Photographer
Choosing a cake smash photographer is not about finding the most popular option or the most elaborate setup. It is about finding someone who understands babies, values safety, communicates clearly, and creates an experience that feels right for your family.
When the photographer, approach, and timing align, the session becomes less stressful and far more enjoyable. The result is not just beautiful photos, but a meaningful memory from your baby’s first birthday.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
