Cake Smash Photoshoot — The Trend Taking Off in Georgia

The cake smash is one of the most joyful, emotion-filled formats in children's photography. The concept couldn't be simpler: on their first birthday, your baby gets a cake all to themselves and is free to “demolish” it, while the photographer captures every moment of the happy chaos. The tradition started in America and has since spread around the world — and in Georgia, more and more parents are choosing this one-of-a-kind format. The ideal age for a cake smash is 11-13 months — right before or just after the first birthday. By then, babies can sit up on their own, they're curious about new textures and tastes, and most importantly, they react to the cake with real emotion. Some dive in with gusto, some poke at it cautiously with one finger, and some are a little scared at first. Every reaction is unique and wonderful — and the photographer is ready to capture each one. Choosing the cake is a big part of the planning. We recommend a simple single-tier cake with a cream frosting — fondant is best avoided, since little hands can't “smash” it easily. The cake should also be baby-safe: minimal sugar, no allergens, and natural food coloring only. Pick a color that fits your shoot's theme — pastels create an elegant look, while bright colors make everything more playful. At Emma Studio, we're happy to recommend a cake and even connect you with a trusted pastry chef. When picking an outfit, remember that your baby is absolutely going to get messy — that's the whole point! Tutu dresses or a simple bodysuit with a little crown are popular for girls, while boys often wear dressy shorts or suspender pants with a bare tummy. Some parents do the first clean, polished shots in one outfit and switch to something simpler for the cake stage. Be sure to pack wet wipes, a change of clothes, and a small towel. Emma Studio's cake smash package includes three stages. First come the clean, celebratory portraits in a beautifully decorated set. Then it's time for the cake smash itself, where your baby gets to explore the cake however they like. The finale is the “clean-up” stage — a bubble bath in a tiny tub that produces some of the most adorable shots of the day. The full session runs about 1.5-2 hours and covers set preparation, time for your baby to warm up, and the shoot itself. A cake smash isn't just about the photos — it's an experience for the whole family. Parents often end up enjoying it even more than the birthday star! Years from now, these images become treasured family memories, the kind everyone laughs about at every gathering. Get in touch with us to plan a truly special first-birthday photoshoot for your little one.