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Cake Smash & First Birthday Photography

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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 […]

One year old baby girl sitting with pink ombre cake during Indianapolis cake smash photo session
One year old boy at car themed cake smash with red and black balloons in Indianapolis photography studio

What’s the Difference Between a Milestone Session and a Cake Smash? | Indianapolis Baby Photographer

If you’re planning first birthday photos, you might be wondering which session is the better fit. A milestone session or a cake smash? The short answer? The biggest difference is cake. And customization. What Is a Milestone Session? A milestone session focuses on your baby at a specific age. Six months. Nine months. One year. […]

Can We Include Our Dog in a Cake Smash Session?

As an Indianapolis Photographer, I love creating cake smash sessions that feel personal and intentional. No two setups are ever the same. Each session is customized based on my clients’ preferences, say, along with my own creative direction. That flexibility is one of the reasons families come back year after year. Occasionally, parents ask if […]

Baby girl and family dog safely sharing cake smash moment in Indianapolis photography studio
Baby eating cake with sunshine backdrop in Indianapolis studio.

A Sunshine-Inspired First Birthday Session

As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I get to see a lot of creative ideas in the studio. This “you are my sunshine” theme was such a fun way to mark a first birthday. Soft pinks, warm yellows, and touches of gold kept everything light and clean. These colors photograph beautifully and never overpower the baby. […]

First Year Down – Football Cake Smash Session

This little guy just turned one, and we celebrated with a football-themed cake smash! The theme was First Year Down and the setup included brown and green colors to match. He was such a happy baby. He smiled the whole time and absolutely loved his cake. Not all kids do, but he was all in! […]

First Year Down 1st birthday cake smash session
1st birthday smash cake tipped over with birthday baby looking at it - Zionsville 1st birthday cake smash photography

Zionsville Cake Smash Photographer | Pink Floral First Birthday Session

Turning one is such a big milestone, and a cake smash session is the perfect way to celebrate! This little girl visited my Zionsville studio for her first birthday photos, and we kept everything soft, sweet, and floral. The theme was pink garden—complete with hanging greenery, fresh blooms, and a simple cake that tied it […]

Beach Baby Cake Smash – Indianapolis Photographer

I recently had the sweetest first birthday session in my Indianapolis studio. The theme was beach balls, and it was so much fun! This little guy had the most blue, blue eyes you’ve ever seen. They popped in every image. He was happy from start to finish. First, we captured some simple portraits. Then, he […]

Baby boy smiling during beach ball themed cake smash – Indianapolis Photographer
1st birthday cake smash session - pink floral theme

First Birthday Photos: Why Cake Smashes Are More Than Just a Messy Moment

As an Indianapolis newborn photographer, I get to see babies grow up right in front of my lens. And that first year? It flies by. That’s why first birthday sessions matter. These sessions freeze time—just for a moment—so you can always remember your baby as they are right now. Cake Smashes Capture Personality Cake smashes […]

Pumpkin-Themed Cake Smash with a Spooky Twist!

Once the cake was ready, so was she! Her setup featured a pumpkin backdrop with twinkle lights, bats, and even a few spooky spiders. She looked absolutely adorable in her little witch costume, hat and all! Watching her curiosity bloom as she reached for her pumpkin cake was so much fun. As she dug in, frosting found its way onto her face, fingers, and even her hat.

pumpkin 1st birthday cake smash session
Under the sea 1st birthday cake smash session - Indianapolis photographer

From Newborn to First Birthday: Celebrating Milestones with an Indianapolis Child Photographer

I met this sweet boy when he was just days old. Bright eyes. Tiny fingers. Newborn perfection. A Year of Milestones His moms booked a Grow with Me package—four sessions during his first year. We started with his newborn session. Then a four-month milestone when he could hold his head up. Next was his sitter […]

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