Cake Smash Photography Manchester
Cake Smash Photography Manchester.I’m so excited to share this special story with you today – the day I celebrated my son’s very first birthday with a cake smash photoshoot right here at home in Manchester. It was such a fun and memorable experience, and I wanted to preserve this milestone in a way that would make us smile for years to come.
So, I thought, why not turn it into a photoshoot? It’s something every parent should try (trust me, you won’t regret it)!
Here’s a peek at how I turned my son’s first birthday into a fun, chaotic, and utterly adorable cake smash photoshoot right in our living room.
Why a Cake Smash?
First things first: Why did I decide to do a cake smash? It’s simple – I wanted to capture the pure joy and innocence of my son’s first birthday, but in a way that wasn’t just about posing for pictures. Cake smashes are all about the mess, the fun, and those genuine, unfiltered moments. It’s not just about the cake—it’s about the experience and the memories you’ll hold onto forever. Plus, who doesn’t love a baby covered in frosting, right?
Setting the Stage: A Home Photoshoot in Manchester
As a photographer myself, I know that sometimes, the best photos come from the most unexpected places. You don’t need a fancy studio or elaborate set-ups to capture magic—you just need a little creativity, a dash of fun, and a whole lot of love.
I decided to keep it simple and shoot at home, in our cosy conservatory room, where we’d feel relaxed and comfortable. We didn’t need a big budget or an elaborate setup – just a cute theme, some props, and a cake (of course!).
1. The Setup
I wanted the photoshoot to be colourful and playful, so I chose a bright, cheerful theme purchsed on Amazon. We went with a gold and black, a gold toned backdrop, and the floor to hold the cake and keep son safe. I also added a few little details – like the balloons to make the scene more fun.
2. The Cake
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the cake! It had to be adorable and, of course, completely safe for my little one. I ordered a smash-friendly cake from a local baker here in Manchester, making sure it was made with baby-friendly ingredients (no nuts or anything that might be a problem). The cake had colours to match the theme and was decorated with just enough frosting for the smash, but not so much that it would overwhelm him.
3. The Outfit
I went for a cute, simple outfit for my son – something comfy, but still adorable enough for photos. It had was black so it would pop in the pictures against the gold backdrop & balloons. Bonus points if your little one’s outfit fits with the theme! No pressure, but this is your chance for a mini photoshoot model moment.
The Fun Begins: Baby Meets Cake
Once everything was ready, it was time for the magic to happen. I placed the cake in front of my son and let him explore it at his own pace. I’m not going to lie – it was a bit messy (okay, a lot messy!), but that’s the beauty of it. The whole point is to capture those authentic, hilarious moments of curiosity, excitement, and of course, cake-covered smiles.
At first, he was a little unsure about the cake. He poked it, squished it, and stared at it like, “What in the world is this?” And there were tears! But once he realised that it was delicious, he dove right in, frosting everywhere. He had a blast, and honestly, I had just as much fun watching him.
The best part? I didn’t have to worry about making everything perfect. The mess was part of the charm! It’s the little things—the frosting-covered cheeks, the surprise of tasting cake for the first time, and the joy in his eyes—that made the shoot so special.
Capturing the Moments
As we went through the cake smash, I made sure to snap away, capturing all those cute expressions and little moments. I used natural light from the window to keep things soft and bright, which helped create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the photos. Since we were at home, I could focus on getting those candid, real moments, without worrying about a tight schedule or a studio setup.
I also made sure to take some photos of him post-cake smash, once he was all messy and giggling. Those post-cake moments were just as priceless—after all, nothing says “birthday fun” like a giggling, frosting-covered baby!
The Aftermath: The Sweetest Memories
Now that the cake smash was over (and the cleanup was done), we were left with a bunch of beautiful photos, a happy baby, and some truly unforgettable memories. It was amazing to look at those images and remember the pure joy of my son’s first birthday. Those photos will hang in our home forever, a reminder of how much fun we had on that special day.
It was a simple, heartfelt photoshoot, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Whether it’s a first birthday or any milestone, a cake smash is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate—and a great way to preserve those fleeting, precious moments.
Why I Love Cake Smash Photography
As a photographer and a parent, I’ve learned that the best memories come from the moments that feel the most real. A cake smash photoshoot isn’t just about posing; it’s about letting your baby be themselves, getting messy, and having fun. It’s about preserving those raw moments, full of joy and excitement, and that’s why I love it so much.
If you’re in Manchester and considering a cake smash photoshoot for your little one’s milestone, I highly recommend giving it a go. Whether you’re at home or in a studio, it’s a fun, creative way to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the things travel taught me early on was to enjoy the present moment and consciously be IN the present moment.
Because that’s all we really have I truly do believe.
Happy 1st Birthday Dylan – Here’s to many many more!
Mama loves you forever 💙
Here are some favourites from the session!
If you’re planning to have a Cake Smash Photoshoot, and would like to hire me – Shoot me an email here or fill in the contact form here I would love to hear from you.
Priti x
