When it comes to a first birthday photoshoot, many parents ask me for my recommendation. You may have already searched online and discovered that there are milestone photoshoots and cake smash photoshoots, which often leads to the question: which one is the better choice?
After all, most families only plan one professional photoshoot for their baby’s first birthday. As a photographer who offers both cake smash photography and milestone sessions, I would like to share my honest thoughts to help you decide what is right for your family.
What Is a Milestone Photoshoot?
Every photographer offers milestone sessions a little differently, but in my opinion, a milestone photoshoot should be simple, timeless, and focused on capturing your baby’s development at a specific stage.
For example, at three months, babies begin to lift their heads with more control. Around six or seven months, many babies can sit confidently. By one year old, they are often crawling well or starting to walk. A milestone photoshoot documents these important stages of growth. I personally keep milestone sessions clean and minimal so that your baby remains the sole focus of the images.
What Is a Cake Smash Photoshoot?
A cake smash photoshoot is more of a celebration and a meaningful ritual for both parents and baby. While we still capture your baby’s movements and early steps, the session is designed to feel festive and intentional. It celebrates the first year of parenthood, which is often the most challenging and transformative year for a family.
During a cake smash photoshoot, I focus less on simply documenting behaviour and more on how you want to celebrate this milestone. At this age, babies are finally able to enjoy many foods, so we introduce a cake and allow them to explore freely. The result is a joyful, messy, and playful experience that captures your baby’s first taste of something sweet.
When I Do Not Recommend a Cake Smash Photoshoot
When planning a cake smash photoshoot, the most important element is the cake itself. Cakes usually contain ingredients such as flour, dairy, eggs, and oil. I always try to work with bakeries that use the cleanest ingredients possible, and I also provide guidance on choosing a cake for your session.
However, not every baby can tolerate every ingredient. Many babies have allergies to dairy or eggs. If your baby has known food allergies, I strongly recommend choosing a milestone photoshoot instead of a cake smash. Your baby’s health and safety will always be more important than any photo session.
Budget Considerations: Cake Smash vs Milestone
Why Milestone Sessions Are Simpler to Prepare
Budget is often an important factor when choosing a first birthday photoshoot. In general, a milestone photoshoot is more affordable than a cake smash photoshoot when comparing sessions from the same photographer.
Milestone sessions require less preparation. The goal is to keep the photos clean and simple, so there is no need for elaborate props, complex designs, or extensive setup time. This also means less preparation is needed in advance.
Why Cake Smash Sessions Require More Planning
A cake smash session requires much more preparation and communication between the photographer and parents. I design the session based on our conversation so that it reflects what feels meaningful to your family. This includes planning the theme, coordinating with the bakery to ensure the cake matches the design, and guiding your baby throughout the session.
During the photoshoot, I help your baby understand what they can touch and explore in a gentle and supportive way. Because of all the planning and involvement behind the scenes, cake smash sessions often feel more personal and emotionally meaningful.
Why Intention Matters More Than Price
Many parents wonder why a cake smash photoshoot costs more than a milestone session, yet remains a very popular option. The answer often comes down to intention.
A first birthday is a major milestone. Think about the past year with your baby, including the sleepless nights, early mornings, and moments of self doubt. Despite the challenges, you built a bond with your baby, helped your family grow, and supported your child as they learned to roll, sit, crawl, and walk. These changes are meaningful and worth celebrating.
A cake smash photoshoot is similar to celebrating after finishing a big project or achieving an important goal. It marks the completion of a powerful chapter in your family’s story. Many parents also love the idea of showing these photos to their child in the future and saying, “This was something you loved when you were a baby, so we chose it for your cake smash.”
What Cake Smash Photos Reveal About Your Baby’s Personality
Capturing Reactions, Curiosity, and Emotion
I often tell parents that cake smash photos will not offer the same variety as something like wedding photography. However, what they do capture is your baby’s early personality in a very honest way.
Some babies dive straight into the cake and enjoy it immediately. Others are more cautious and look to their parents before taking a small bite. Some babies surprise everyone with unexpected reactions. As a cake smash photographer, I focus on capturing excitement, hesitation, curiosity, and expressive facial moments.
During the session, I interact with your baby and encourage natural movement, giving them time to explore and express themselves freely.
What Milestone Photos Capture Differently
Documenting Physical Development and Movement
A milestone photoshoot allows me to focus more closely on your baby’s physical development. Throughout the session, I observe how your baby moves, responds, and explores their surroundings. These movements and abilities are an important part of your baby’s growth, and milestone photography preserves these details in a timeless way.
Which One Is the Best?
There is no right or wrong choice between a milestone photoshoot and a cake smash photoshoot. The best option depends on what feels most meaningful to your family at this stage. For families who want to mark the first birthday as a celebration and create a once in a lifetime experience, a cake smash photoshoot often feels more meaningful. It allows room for personality, storytelling, and emotional connection beyond simple documentation.
Whether you choose to quietly document your baby’s development with milestone photography or celebrate the first year with a joyful cake smash, both sessions honor a once in a lifetime moment. They simply tell your baby’s story in different ways.
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.
