A Joyful Way To Celebrate Their First Trip Around The Sun

January always feels like a fresh start, a time to look ahead and celebrate new beginnings. For many families, that means getting ready for one of the most magical milestones of all – your baby’s first birthday.

If you’re wondering what really happens during a first-birthday Cake Smash & Splash Experience, here’s exactly what to expect, from planning your session to that final splash of bubbles.

🎂 Why a First-Birthday Photoshoot Is So Special

Your baby’s first year is a blur of giggles, first steps, and tiny discoveries. A Cake Smash & Splash experience captures that spirit, it’s joyful, messy and full of personality and gives you artwork that celebrates everything your little one has become.

It’s more than cute pictures; it’s a reflection of your baby’s confidence, curiosity and connection with you.

🗓️ When to Book

The best time to book your first-birthday session is when your baby is around 10–11 months old.  That gives us time to plan colours for your cake and balloon, and have your finished artwork ready for the big day or party invitations.  Some parents want the cake smash & splash experience to be a part of the celebrations; we discuss the perfect time to come along.

💡 Tip: January is the ideal time to secure a spring session, it’s one of our busiest seasons for first-birthday celebrations across West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

📞 The Discovery Call – Where the Story Begins

Before your experience, we’ll have a Discovery Call it’s a relaxed chat that’s as much about getting to know you as it is about planning the session.

This is where I learn about your baby’s personality, the smile that lights up the room, the determined crawl and the cheeky grin when they think no one’s looking.  We talk about what this first year has meant to you; the milestones, the surprises, the laughter and how it’s changed your world in ways you never expected.

Those stories shape everything we do; they help me create photographs that aren’t about props or perfection, they’re about your baby and your journey together.

Of course, we’ll also chat about the practical and just as exciting bits – the colours that complement your home, outfits that feel like “them,” and, if you already know your birthday-party palette, ways we can subtly tie everything together so your photographs flow beautifully with your celebrations and keepsakes.

💛 The Discovery Call isn’t just planning – it’s the first chapter of your baby’s story in photographs.

👗 What to Bring

You’ll only need two outfits – one for the portrait section and one for the cake smash.  I always recommend arriving in the snuggly outfit your baby will go home in – it keeps them comfy and helps avoid any little mishaps on the way.

We’ll take care of everything else; the cake, balloons and bubbles.

🎂 The Session Flow

Every Cake Smash & Splash follows three fun stages:

1️⃣ Birthday Portraits – capturing your baby’s milestone moment.
2️⃣ The Cake Smash – where the laughter and icing begins!
3️⃣ The Splash – a warm bubble bath to end on smiles and calm.

Each part is baby-led, we move at your little one’s pace following their curiosity and comfort.

🖼️ After the Session

Once your gallery is ready, we’ll meet for your Design Consultation to view your images and choose how you’d love to display them, from bespoke wall art to story-filled albums and treasure boxes that become part of your family home.

Because these portraits aren’t just pictures, they’re daily reminders of how far you’ve come together.

✨ A Fresh Start Worth Celebrating

A first-birthday photoshoot is a celebration of beginnings for your baby and for you.  It’s a moment to pause, breathe and look back on how much love this tiny person has brought into your world.

🎂 Explore our Cake Smash & Splash Experience »
👗 Read next: What to Wear for Your Baby’s First Birthday Cake Smash »

💬 Quick FAQ Summary

Q: When should I book my baby’s first-birthday photoshoot?
A: Around 10–11 months old so your artwork is ready in time for their celebration.

Q: What happens during a Cake Smash & Splash session?
A: Three stages – portraits, cake smash and splash bath- all baby-led and full of joy.

Q: Do you provide the cake and balloons?
A: Yes, everything is included and designed to match your chosen colours or party theme.

Q: Can parents and siblings join in?
A: Absolutely – we love capturing those first-year family moments together.