Cake Smash & First Birthday Photography

Recent Sessons of:

Stars Black, White, and Gold Cake Smash Session in Indianapolis

Some cake smash themes are bold and obvious. And some are a little more subtle. For this first birthday session, the family wanted something with a little nod to Star Wars. However, Mom did not want a full Star Wars theme. So, instead, we created something more simple. The final setup had black, white, gold, […]

Baby boy pulling the gold number one topper out of his birthday cake
Rainbow cake smash session with baby girl tasting frosting and celebrating her first birthday in an Indianapolis photography studio

Do Babies Always Smash the Cake During Cake Smash Photos?

As an Indianapolis cake smash photographer, I get this question all the time. Do babies actually smash the cake? The short answer is no. Some babies dive right in. Some taste the frosting and love it. Some poke it once and decide they are done. Some stare at the cake like it is the weirdest […]

9 Simple Tips for Stress-Free Cake Smash Photos | Indianapolis Family Photographer

Cake smash sessions are one of my favorite milestones to photograph. They are messy, unpredictable, funny, and sometimes complete chaos in the best possible way. But after photographing so many first birthday sessions over the years, I’ve learned that a few simple things can make the experience much smoother for both babies and parents. If […]

Smiling one year old boy sitting beside cake during Indianapolis first birthday photos
Birthday girl very excited during 1st birthday cake smash session - Indianapolis child photography by KristeenMarie Photography

What to Bring to Your Baby’s Cake Smash Session | Indianapolis Cake Smash Photographer

One of the biggest questions parents ask before their baby’s cake smash session is, “What do I actually need to bring?” The good news? I provide almost everything for the session. The custom backdrop, props, setup, and cake are all planned and designed around your baby’s outfit and chosen theme. However, there are a few […]

The Best Flow for a Cake Smash Session | Indianapolis Photographer

After photographing hundreds and hundreds of cake smash sessions as an Indianapolis photographer, I have learned that the flow matters. Cake smash sessions are adorable, messy, and fun. However, they can also be a lot for a one-year-old. There is a new setup, a new cake, lots of attention, and plenty of excitement. Because of […]

Indianapolis photographer captures smiling baby girl during pink fairy cake smash session

A Little Birthday Magic (And You Don’t Have to Lift a Finger) – Carmel, IN Cake Smash Photographer

This session feels like pure magic. But honestly… that’s always the goal. As an Indianapolis photographer, I want every session to feel easy, pulled together, and just a little extra special from the start. About three weeks before your cake smash, I ask for one simple thing. Send me a photo of what your little […]

Real Talk: What Cake Smash Photos Don’t Show – Zionsville Cake Smash Photographer

If you’re searching for a Zionsville cake smash photographer, you’ve probably seen all the cute, messy, frosting-covered images. And yes, those moments are real. But there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make those images come together. As a Zionsville child photographer, I’ve photographed a lot of first birthdays. And I can tell you […]

Zionsville cake smash photographer baby girl standing next to smashed cake with balloon backdrop
Baby girl holding wooden number one topper during Indianapolis cake smash photography

Zionsville Cake Smash Photographer | A Custom First Birthday Session

I have photographed this family before. Years ago, I photographed big brother’s cake smash. His mom designed and created his outfit by hand. She is a professional clothing designer, and her talent is unreal. This year, she did it again for baby sister. When they walked into my studio in Zionsville, she pulled out the […]

When Should I Book a Cake Smash Session?

If you love having a plan, this is where timing matters most. I keep cake smash sessions simple for you, but they do need a little lead time. Book at Least 3 Weeks in Advance I require a minimum of three weeks’ notice. That’s the baseline. About three weeks before your session, I ask for […]

First birthday cake smash jungle theme setup - Indianapolis baby photography
One year old baby girl sitting with pink ombre cake during Indianapolis cake smash photo session

What Age Is Best for a Cake Smash? | Indianapolis Cake Smash Photographer

What age is best for a cake smash? This is one of the most common questions I get as an Indianapolis cake smash photographer. Timing matters more than most parents expect. I typically photograph cake smash sessions between 11 1/2 and 14 months. Closer to one year old is usually best. That window gives babies […]

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