10 Alternatives to Cake Smash Sessions
As a New Mexico children’s photographer, I LOVE first birthday photoshoots. And, don’t get me wrong- I love cake smashes- they’re super fun and adorable, but I also know that cake smashes aren’t for everyone.
So, if you’re starting to plan your baby’s first birthday photos, but want to do something a little different, here’s a list to get you started!
Finger Paints
Let your little Picasso unleash their creativity and get adorably messy with bright and vivid colors. Ideally, this would be photographed on an all white backdrop with a little palette of paints and a canvas set up for them. The results are sure to be adorable, and you’ll have a really cute keepsake painting in the end to hang in their bedroom!
Favorite Stuffed Animal or Toy
Include your baby’s favorite stuffed bear, baby doll, or toy truck in your photos to make them extra special. These photos look great when done with a plain white backdrop, or even outdoors at your favorite park. The best part is that long after they have outgrown their favorite toy, you’ll have photo evidence to show them years from now, which will stir up so many fond memories of when they were small!
Family Pet
Often, family pets are with us long before we welcome our children into our family, and the bond they share is extra special. Document that sweet bond, so years from now your child will be able to look back on photographs of when they were small and the family dog or cat was young- believe me, this is something you won’t regret doing. Pets aren’t with us nearly as long as they should be, and you’ll want those memories down the road.
Pancakes
Tired of seeing nothing but cakes? Why not try something different? Pancakes are much less messy, free of harmful food dyes, and so much fun to smash up and eat! Also, a lot cheaper and easier to DIY than ordering a specialty cake from a bakery!
Dinosaurs
The sky is the limit with a dinosaur theme. I’m envisioning a balloon arch with prehistoric looking plants, lots of toy dinos, and maybe even dino costumes and paper mache dino eggs! There are endless possibilities, and it is sure to be nothing but pre-historic fun!
Cereal and Milk
Is there anything cuter than babies sitting in giant bowls? I think not. If your little one is doing well with cereals like cheerios or fruit loops, it could be fun to incorporate them into their photoshoot. Ideally, I’d photograph them in an oversized bowl with an oversized decorative spoon, with plenty of milk to splash in and cheerios to eat! This would look great on any colored backdrop in the studio or even outdoors!
Watermelon
If you’re looking for something adorably messy to eat, but a little more healthy than cake and sweets, watermelon could be a great option! Babies love to squish it in their fingers and get it all over their face, which makes for really adorable photos. Watermelon photos would be done in studio or outdoors, and the set could be made to look like a melon patch, farm stand, or picnic. In the end, the photos are sure to be sweet!
Giant Hot Cocoa or Teacup
This is an option that has become increasingly trendy in the last few years, and for good reason. The baby sits in an oversized tea or hot cocoa cup, which can be made to be a “splash” session with the cup full of water or hot cocoa, or a dry session with the baby just sitting in an empty cup. It’s fun to add things like giant marshmallows or macarons to these sessions for a little added flare.
Ball Pit
Ball pits are SO MUCH FUN. Babies love crawling through, picking up, and throwing the balls, and the photos will be bright, colorful, and full of laughs and giggles. You can even order custom ball pit balls to match your favorite color pallet if you’re so inclined. Best of all, there’s no messy cake involved, and cleanup is a cinch.
Classic Portrait Session
If you’re not sure what type of theme to do, you can always do a simple, classic portrait session where your baby is the star of the show. Minimal props, minimal distractions- just your baby being their adorable self.
Hi, I’m Cheyenne.
I’m a homeschooling mom, gardening enthusiast, animal lover, and portrait photography located in the small town of Belen, New Mexico. I proudly serve the families of the greater Albuquerque Metro area and create beautiful, unique, and timeless portraits for families, children, and pets.
If you and your family love having fun and showing up as your uniquely awesome selves, then I think we are going to get along great. I can help you create memorable portraits that stand out from the rest, and that you will treasure as the days turn to years and the years turn to decades.
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Cheyenne Chavez is a New Mexico based portrait photographer for families, children, and pets who serves Belen, Los Lunas and the greater Valencia County area, as well as the Albuquerque Metro area.