Orange County Cake Smash Photography: First Birthday Photoshoots

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating, and a cake smash photography session is the perfect way to capture this special moment! As an Orange County baby photographer, I create a fun, playful experience that results in timeless, joy-filled portraits. Plus, to make your session even more magical, I offer a complimentary balloon garland customized to match your baby’s birthday theme!

Whether you plan to display these adorable portraits at their first birthday party or use them for invitations, here’s everything you need to know about booking your cake smash photoshoot – including expert tips to make the session a success.

What is a cake smash session?

A cake smash photography session usually takes place around your baby’s first birthday. When you book a cake smash session, you will bring your little one to my studio where we’ll get them all set up for the session. Basically, we give them free rein of the cake, and I photograph the event as it unfolds. It’s a wonderful way to capture exciting candids of your ever-changing and growing baby.

Adorable birthday girl wearing a pink dress sitting in the vintage high chair posing - captured by Cathy Murai Photography

a custom pink and cream tall cake for cake smash

Rainbow Baby First Birthday Cake Smash Photo Session captured by Cathy Murai Photography in front of pastel rainbow balloon garland

Pastel Rainbow Themed 1st Birthday Cake Smash Session by Cathy Murai Photography in Irvine - Orange County

Rainbow Themed Cake Smash Photography Session by Cathy Murai Photography in Irvine, Orange County

Rainbow Baby First Birthday Cake Smash Photo Session by Cathy Murai Photography in Irvine - Orange County

Orange County First Birthday Photographer in Irvine, CA

First Birthday Photographer in Orange County

First Birthday Cake Smash Photographer in Orange County

First Birthday Cake Smash Session wtih Rustic Blue Balloon Garland in Irvine, Orange County

First Birthday Cake Smash Session wtih Rustic Blue Balloon Garland in Orange County

First Birthday Cake Smash Session wtih Rustic Blue Balloon Garland in Orange County - birthday boy eating cake

Birthday boy standing and holding his parents' hands during his first birthday portrait session

curious boy touching his birthday cake during the first birthday cake smash session in Irvine, CA

Birthday boy crying during cake smash session in front of balloon garland in Irvine, CA

custom cake with personalized cake topper for cake smash photo session with Cathy Murai Photography

First birthday photoshoot with twinkle twinkle little star theme in blue, light blue, white, and gold balloon garland - captured by Cathy Murai Photography

First birthday cake smash photoshoot with twinkle twinkle little star theme in blue, light blue, white, and gold balloon garland - captured by Cathy Murai Photography

A birthday boy standing during his first birthday photo session in front of twinkle twinkle little star themed background with blue, light blue, white, and gold balloon garland

Simple One Year Birthday Pose in front of white and clear balloon garland

one year old photoshoot - a birthday boy in front of the white and clear balloon garland

A simple 1st birthday photoshoot with white and clear balloon garland

one year old photoshoot boy standing in front of the white and clear balloon garland

First Birthday Cake Smash Tips

Schedule your cake smash photography session 4-8 weeks before your desired date

If you want to showcase the portraits at their first birthday party or use them on invitations, schedule your session for when they are 11 months old

Do a practice run with your baby. By teaching them how fun (and delicious!) it is to get messy with a cake a week before the session, they’ll be more likely to dig in for the winning portraits

Go with the flow on the big day. Some babies are more reserved and some go all out. Either way, you’ll walk away with beautiful portraits that showcase your unique babe

Choose to have a cake smash photography session with just your baby, or include siblings and mom and dad for some added fun

Don't forget to bring changes of clothes for mom, dad, and baby. Everyone tends to get messy!

Pricing

INVEST IN YOUR MEMORIES...

First Birthday

Cake Smash

Family / Siblings

Session Fee

First Birthday

Cake Smash

Session Fee

250

200

* Add $75 per baby for multiples
* Add $25 for family dog

Session Fee includes:

Pre-session Consultation via email or in-person to customize your portrait session.

A session prep guide for a successful session

Photoshoot & full access to unique props (ie. balloon garland, vintage high chair, bathtub, cake stands)

Post-production time

Design and ordering consultation to view and select your portraits

- Session fee DOES NOT include prints, products, or digital images. They are purchased separately. A boutique line of products is available, including gallery wrap canvases, albums, folio boxes, etc.

If your little one has a milestone coming soon and would like to reserve a first birthday/cake smash photo session, please contact us as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

info@cathymurai.com | 949-988-0251

Cathy Murai Photography is an Orange County Professional Photography Studio Specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Baby, First Birthday, and Cake Smash Photography Serving Families in Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and the surrounding areas in Orange County, California. The studio is registered, licensed and insured in the State of California.