Burke Cake Smash Photographer
Because your little baby turning ONE
is kind of a big deal.
Let’s celebrate the mess, the milestones,
and all the sweet stuff in between.
This session is about so much more than just cake.
Somehow your tiny newborn is already a whole person... with opinions, expressions, and a cake-destroying grip that would impress the strongest toddler. A cake smash session isn’t just about cute photos (though there will be plenty of those). It’s about celebrating this incredible first year and the wild, beautiful ride it’s been.
It’s about the giggles. The frosting-covered fingers. The little personality that’s been shining through since day one.
These sessions are fun, fast-paced, and totally customized to your baby’s vibe. Whether they gently poke at the icing or go full frosting-faceplant, you’ll have the perfect images to look back on and say, “Yup, that’s SO them!”
What to Expect:
When to book: Most families schedule sessions 3–5 weeks before baby’s birthday, so you have time to order prints or party invites.
Where we shoot: In my studio, fully stocked with everything we need for the perfect cake smash setup.
What’s included: A full setup (simple or themed), wardrobe options, the cake (if you’d like me to handle it!), and all the clean-up.
What to bring: Just baby, a diaper bag, and any sentimental items you want to include.
Worried your baby won’t like cake? Totally normal. We’ll still get adorable photos, with or without frosting in their hair.
The portrait Process
Simple. Stress-Free. Tailored to You.
1. Discovery Call
We hop on a quick call so I can hear your big ideas - or your “I’m overwhelmed, just tell me what to do” moments. We'll talk about what products you're interested in and how we can best capture this season of life.
2. Book Your Session
Once you’ve chosen a package and reserved your session, we’ll plan out all the details... what to wear, how to prep, and everything you’ll need to feel confident and ready!
3. Photoshoot Day!
When it’s time to photograph, you can truly relax. My sessions are baby-led, toddler-proof, and designed to be calm and flexible. I’ll handle the pacing, posing, and flow so you can soak in the moment, even if someone skips their nap.
4. Image Reveal
Within a few days, you’ll receive a proofing gallery to select your favorite portraits. Once your selections are finalized, your fully edited gallery will be delivered to your inbox in 1–2 weeks.
PORTFOLIO
Real Smashes, Real Smiles
(Insert gallery of squishy cheeks, messy hands, and joyful chaos here)
Every one-year-old is different, and that’s what makes these sessions so fun! Whether your little one is a frosting fanatic or a cautious cake explorer, we’ll make sure their unique personality shines through.
These photos will mean more with every passing year.
Let’s make sure you have the ones you’ll never want to forget.
View the full gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
As a general rule of thumb, I like to schedule the cake smash session 3-4 weeks prior to their birthday party/birthday. If you are using the pictures for invitations or to decorate with at the party this will give us plenty of time to find a great day that works well for both of us and to have enough time to get the pictures back in time before the party. What if you need to schedule only a week prior to birthday? No worries! Do not miss out on this opportunity.
When should I schedule my cake smash session?
You can bring at least two to three outfits for the cake smash session. You'll need one or two outfits for the pictures before the cake. If you don't want them to get cake all over that outfit, you'll need a separate one for when they're eating their cake. I always recommend bringing a backup outfit in case of any accidents and they need to change.
It's also important to remember to bring an extra outfit for yourself. Many times, parents end up messier than the baby!
How many outfits should we bring?
You are welcome to bring your own if your baby has allergies or if you prefer to this personally. Alternatively, I can provide a cake that perfectly matches your theme for an additional fee of $45.00.
Can we bring our own cake, or do you provide a cake?
Before the session, we’ll chat about the theme or colors you’d like to incorporate. When you arrive for the smash cake session, everything will be set up already! We’ll kick off with a family portrait, followed by pre-cake smash photos using props available in the studio. Next the cake smashing fun begins! If your baby is not into touching the cake, I provide spoons so they “smack” instead of smash the cake. Afterward, I’ll clean up and prepare for the bubble bath photos in our clawfoot tub. The little ones always love the bubble bath! *This optional and available with Personalized Cake Smash Session package.
What's included in the session?
Cake Smash Session Pricing
Clear, straightforward pricing and photos you’ll treasure forever.
Mini Birthday Session
Full Cake Smash Experience
$200
30-minute studio session
Receive the full gallery of digital images.
$400
60-minute studio session
Bath splash included.
Receive the full gallery of digital images.
Spouse and siblings are welcome.
Want to see your photos off the screen?
(Hint: the answer is yes)
We offer albums, wall art, framed prints, and sweet little gifts that make grandparents tear up (every time). Samples available to view in studio!
KIND WORDS
“Melissa was so wonderful that I am writing this review the second we walked out the door!
She was so kind, patient, and fun with our almost one year old for his smash cake session. Her communication was amazing and her studio is impeccably clean and has everything you could need. I am so blown away by her communication and grace that her beautiful photos will just be an added bonus!"
- Morgan M.
Top Tips For Cake Smash Success
1. Timing is everything.
2. Snacks for the win!
3. Embrace the mess.
Aim for mid-morning, after a nap and a light snack. A rested baby is a happy baby, and much more likely to show off those adorable smiles!
Not every kid is into cake, and that’s ok! Bring along some tried-and-true favorites like puffs or yogurt melts to sneak in the cake and help warm them up.
Some babies dive in face-first. Others need time (and maybe a spoon) to feel it out. However your little one reacts, we’ll capture the fun exactly as it unfolds!
Contact Me
You bring the baby, I’ll bring the confetti
Your little one’s first birthday deserves more than a phone pic and a cupcake.
Let’s go all out with portraits you’ll treasure and a session that’s as fun as the milestone itself!
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