If your little one has their first birthday coming up, here’s how to decide if you should go with a traditional one-year photography session or a cake smash session.
Your baby’s first birthday is a HUGE milestone — cue the camera, cake, and all the chaos. When trying to decide how to commemorate this special day, parents often ask me whether they should go with a cake smash birthday session or more of a traditional one year milestone session.
There are pros for both of these types of one year sessions, and it completely depends on your kiddo’s personality and the vibe you are wanting for photos! I’ve broken down the differences between traditional one year sessions and cake smash sessions below as well as a list of things to consider when choosing which session to book. Keep on reading to find which session type fits your family best!
What is a Traditional One Year Photo Session?
The traditional one year milestone session is such a great way to celebrate baby’s first year with photos that have more of a classic feel. These sessions have more of a family focus and include plenty of shots of baby with siblings and parents as well as plenty of individual portraits of baby too. This session is all about that timeless look, with natural backdrops and a focus on the natural connection between you and baby. If you are dreaming of a classic photoshoot to remember this stage in your baby’s life, the traditional one year session will be perfect for you!
Pros of a Traditional One Year Session
- Plenty of timeless and classic photos
- Both baby and entire family are included
- Photos are great for printing and hanging in your home
- This session is usually less overwhelming for shy babies
What is a Cake Smash Session?
This session is just what it sounds like: your baby gets to dive into their very own birthday cake while it’s all captured on camera. These sessions are always so fun, playful, and chaotic (and very messy). It’s an absolute blast. All cake smash sessions start out with a few pre-cake portraits of baby before diving into capturing shots of them with frosting in their hair and cake between their toes. If you love the idea of candid photos that capture the chaos of your baby turning one, this session is 1000% for you.
Pros of a Cake Smash Session:
- More than just photos: it’s a unique and memorable experience
- A fun and playful session that focuses on capturing their personality
- Photos are perfect for birthday party invitations or keepsakes
- Babies usually LOVE it (and if not, the crying pics are just as funny).
Things to Consider Before Choosing Your One Year Session
- Your Baby’s Personality
This is a great way to help you decide which session will be best for your baby. Do they love new experiences? Are they more social? If so, a cake smash session will be perfect. Are they more shy or easily overwhelmed? Maybe stick with the traditional one year milestone session.
- Session Energy
What energy do you want for your one year old’s session? Do you love the chaos? Are you cool with frosting getting literally everywhere? If this is the vibe you’re wanting then a cake smash session has your name written all over it. Would you rather keep things calm and focus on a sweet time snapping photos with the whole family? Stick with the traditional one year session!
The Best of Both Worlds
Ok but what if you love both of these options? Don’t worry, I got you covered. I offer a full one year cake smash session option so that you can have it all. I host these sessions right in my studio in Somerset, Wisconsin. They start with those classic one year portraits plus full family photos, then end with a cake smash (I even provide the cutest cake from St. Croix Baking Company!). This is my most popular one year session option and so many families love it because it’s the perfect mix of timeless and fun photos.
Remember, there is no wrong choice! Whether you go with the traditional one year session, a cake smash session, or my combined full one year cake smash option, each of these celebrates this special milestone beautifully. All that matters is you choose whatever is the best fit for you and your baby! And if you need additional help deciding which to go with, please feel free to reach out!
I’d love to help you build the perfect session to capture this special milestone for you and your baby! Reach out to book your session with me!
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