Welcome to my little corner of the internet! This blog is where I share helpful tips for planning your photography sessions, location ideas around Raleigh and Johnston County, and real client sessions from the studio and outdoors. Whether you're expecting a baby, planning family photos, or celebrating your little one's milestones, you'll find inspiration and guidance to help make your session feel relaxed, fun, and meaningful.
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March 17, 2026
Raleigh Cake Smash Photographer | Celebrate Your Baby’s 1st Birthday
If you’re looking for a Raleigh cake smash photographer, my studio offers a fun, stress-free experience designed to capture your little one’s personality during this unforgettable stage.
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Your baby’s first birthday is such a special milestone. From their first smiles to their first steps, the first year flies by—and a cake smash session is the perfect way to celebrate it!
My photography studio is located in Smithfield, North Carolina, which is a convenient drive for many Raleigh families. I regularly photograph babies and families from Raleigh, Clayton, Garner, and surrounding areas, making it easy to celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a beautiful and memorable cake smash session.
What Is a Cake Smash Session?
A cake smash session is a fun first birthday photography session where your baby gets to explore (and usually destroy!) a cake while I capture all the adorable reactions. Some babies gently poke at the frosting, while others dive right in—it’s always a surprise, and that’s part of the fun.
As a Raleigh cake smash photographer, I design my sessions to capture more than just the messy cake moment. Every session includes two parts:
15 Minutes of Personality Portraits
Before the cake comes out, we take time for sweet, clean portraits of your baby. This part of the session focuses on capturing their expressions, smiles, and little personality traits.
Family members and siblings are welcome to join during this portion of the session, so you can also get a few updated family photos to celebrate your baby’s big milestone.
15 Minutes of Cake Smash
After the portraits, it’s time for the main event—the cake smash! Babies get to explore their cake while I photograph all the messy, hilarious, and adorable moments.
Cake Smash Setup Options
Every family has a different vision for their baby’s first birthday photos, which is why I offer two cake smash setup options.
Done-For-You Themed Cake Smash
If you’re dreaming of a themed cake smash, I offer a done-for-you setup where I handle the balloons and props to create a fun, customized look.
This option is perfect for parents who want a themed setup but don’t want the stress of planning and decorating. Popular themes include:
- Farm animals
- One-derland
- Wild One
- Neutral boho themes
- Classic pastel birthday themes
You simply show up with your baby and the cake, and everything else is ready for you.
Simple White Studio Cake Smash
If you prefer a timeless look, I also offer a clean white studio aesthetic.
This option focuses on a bright, classic style that keeps the attention on your baby rather than elaborate decorations. The studio includes a variety of simple props already available, including:
- Small stools
- Chairs
- Cake stands
- A wooden “ONE” cut-out
This simple setup photographs beautifully and creates images that will feel timeless for years to come.
What to Bring to Your Cake Smash Session
To help your session go smoothly, here’s a quick list of what parents should bring to their Raleigh cake smash photography session.
1. The Cake
Parents provide the cake for the session. A small 6–8 inch cake works perfectly.
Simple cakes with soft frosting tend to photograph best and are easier for babies to smash.
2. Outfit for Personality Portraits
Bring an outfit you love for the first portion of the session. Many parents choose:
- A classic romper
- A neutral outfit
- A dress or suspender set
- Something that coordinates with siblings or family
Try here for a cute heirloom outfit! Or if you’re close to Smithfield alot of my clients shop at Anna Kates.
3. Cake Smash Outfit
Some families use the same outfit for the entire session, while others bring a separate cake smash outfit that can get messy.
Popular cake smash outfit ideas include:
- Diaper covers
- Overalls
- Birthday rompers
- Tutus
- Suspender sets
4. Baby Wipes or a Towel
Cake smashes are messy—in the best way! Bringing lots of baby wipes or a towel will make it easier to clean your little one up after the session.
5. Change of Clothes
It’s always a good idea to bring a clean outfit for the ride home after the cake smash.
6. Drinks for Baby
Sometimes babies need a little break during the smash. Having milk, water, or juice on hand can help them stay happy during the session.
Don’t Worry About the Mess
One thing parents love about my sessions is that you don’t have to worry about the cleanup.
Once the cake smash portion is finished, I take care of cleaning up all the cake and frosting from the floor and set.
Your only job is helping clean up your baby—everything else is handled for you.
A Convenient Cake Smash Studio Near Raleigh
While my studio is located in Smithfield, it’s an easy drive for families searching for a Raleigh cake smash photographer. Many Raleigh parents love the quiet studio space and relaxed environment compared to busy city locations.
The studio is conveniently located for families coming from:
- Raleigh
- Clayton
- Garner
- Selma
- Goldsboro
- Johnston County
This cozy studio environment allows me to create bright, clean images that keep the focus on your baby and their personality.
Book Your Raleigh Cake Smash Photography Session
Cake smash sessions are typically scheduled when babies are 10–12 months old, so the images are ready to celebrate their first birthday.
If you’re looking for a Raleigh cake smash photographer who offers a fun, relaxed studio experience with both themed and simple setups, I would love to help you celebrate your baby’s first year.
To learn more or reserve your session, visit my website here
Let’s celebrate your baby turning ONE with a session full of smiles, frosting, and unforgettable memories. 🎂
Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Smash Sessions
What age should my baby be for a cake smash session?
The best time to schedule a cake smash session is when your baby is 10–12 months old. This gives you plenty of time to receive your gallery before their first birthday party while still celebrating this exciting milestone.
Do you provide the cake for the cake smash?
Parents provide the cake for the session. I recommend a simple 6–8 inch cake with soft buttercream frosting, as it photographs beautifully and is easy for little hands to explore.
Do I need to bring decorations or props?
Not if you book my Done-For-You Cake Smash! I provide the balloons and themed props, so all you need to bring is your baby, the cake, and any outfits you’d like them to wear. If you choose the Simple White Studio option, I also have timeless props available.
What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
That’s completely normal! Every baby reacts differently. Some dive right in, while others are more curious than messy. I never force a cake smash—I simply follow your baby’s lead and capture their genuine expressions and personality. Those candid reactions often become parents’ favorite images.
Can parents and siblings be in the photos?
Absolutely! Family members and siblings are welcome to join during the personality portrait portion of your session. It’s a wonderful opportunity to update your family photos while celebrating your baby’s first birthday.
What should my baby wear for a cake smash session?
I recommend bringing one outfit for clean personality portraits and another for the cake smash. Rompers, overalls, dresses, diaper covers, tutus, and suspender sets all photograph beautifully and allow your baby’s personality to shine.
How long does a cake smash session last?
My cake smash sessions typically last about 30 minutes, including approximately 15 minutes of personality portraits followed by 15 minutes for the cake smash. This shorter timeline works well for busy one-year-olds and helps keep them happy and engaged.
Where is your cake smash studio located?
My photography studio is located in Smithfield, North Carolina, and is an easy drive for families from Raleigh, Clayton, Garner, Goldsboro, Selma, and throughout Johnston County.
What if my baby has food allergies?
If your baby has food allergies or dietary restrictions, simply let me know before your session. Since parents provide the cake, you’re welcome to bring an allergy-friendly cake or another safe treat your little one can enjoy.
Do you clean up after the cake smash?
Yes! One of the best parts of booking a studio cake smash is that I handle the cleanup. Once we’re finished, I’ll take care of the messy set while you focus on getting your little one cleaned up and heading home.
Hi, I’m Claire!
I’m the photographer behind Claire Stanley Photography, specializing in maternity, newborn, family, and wedding photography in Smithfield, North Carolina, and serving families throughout Raleigh and the surrounding areas.
As a mom of two, I know how quickly these seasons of life pass. My goal is to create a relaxed, stress-free experience where you can simply enjoy your family while I preserve the genuine moments you’ll treasure for years to come. Whether we’re photographing your session in my natural light studio or outdoors at sunset, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
I’d love to help tell your family’s story.
→ Ready to book your session? Get in touch here.