"Anna is extremely talented photographer and sweetest person. We’ve had 2 photo sessions with Anna (Christmas and first birthday) and we have been so happy each time."
Family photography
Cake smash photography in Milton Keynes
First-birthday cake-smash photography in Milton Keynes. Themed studio setups, balloon arches, floral crowns, and a relaxed pace that lets your one-year-old enjoy their cake.
Updated July 2026
A first-birthday session that’s actually fun
Cake smash sessions are paced for one-year-olds — structured and forgiving of the fact that small children rarely cooperate on schedule. We start with about ten minutes of milestone portraits in the outfit you’ve picked (the smart birthday clothes, the family heirloom, the matching siblings setup), and then we change into something that can take icing and let your child loose on the cake. The whole session runs around 90 minutes, including a tidy-up at the end so you don’t go home covered in buttercream.
Themed setups
I keep a small library of themed sets for cake smash sessions and they’re all included in the standard price — discussed at booking and styled before you arrive:
- Florals: dusty pink and cream backdrop, real floral arrangements, floral crown for your child if you’d like
- Balloon arches: pastel or jewel-tone arch in front of a neutral backdrop
- Pastels: soft sage, cream, oatmeal — clean and modern, lets your child be the focus
- Woodland: rustic wood backdrop, dried botanicals, tweed-style props
- Vintage: cake stand on a Persian rug, antique chair, library backdrop
- Christmas: November–December only, festive props, fairy lights, themed cake
If you have a specific theme in mind that isn’t on the list, ask — I can usually source props within a week’s notice.
Outfits, cake, and what to bring
Outfits — I keep a small selection of cake-smash and milestone outfits in the studio that you’re welcome to use; we’ll agree colours and theme together before the session so everything lines up with the chosen setup. If you’d rather bring your own birthday outfit and smash clothes, that works just as well — share photos in advance and we’ll match the styling around them. Nappy-only looks are a classic and easier to clean.
Cake — included and arranged on your behalf. I work regularly with a brilliant local baker (5-star hygiene-rated, very accommodating with themes and last-minute tweaks) so the cake matches your set design and your child’s appetite for destruction. No need to source one yourself.
Bring extra wipes and a change of clothes for the journey home.
Why studio works for cake smash
Cake smash is one of the few family sessions where studio almost always beats outdoors. Controlled lighting means consistent skin tones across every frame, the floor is wipe-clean for the inevitable mess, weather doesn’t matter, and the temperature stays right for a one-year-old who’s about to be covered in icing. Sessions run year-round and book up fastest in the few months around your child’s first birthday — most parents reach out 4 to 8 weeks ahead.
The studio is easy to reach from anywhere in Milton Keynes, and it’s a straightforward drive from Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Buckingham, and Bedford — a first-birthday photographer within half an hour for most of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
Session pricing
All packages can be tailored — get in touch for a custom quote.
-
Bronze
Up to 90 minutes
£ 280
- Up to 90-minute studio session
- Best 15 fully edited high-resolution images
- High-resolution print-ready downloads
- Private online gallery with download rights
- Styled cake with chosen theme and decorations
- Styled cake included — from a talented, accommodating local baker with 5-star hygiene rating
- Studio outfit selection available, or bring your own (colours and theme agreed in advance)
- Edited gallery delivered in 4–6 weeks — faster on request where possible
-
Silver
Up to 90 minutes
£ 350
- Up to 90-minute studio session
- Best 25 fully edited high-resolution images
- High-resolution print-ready downloads
- Private online gallery with download rights
- Styled cake with chosen theme and decorations
- Styled cake included — from a talented, accommodating local baker with 5-star hygiene rating
- Studio outfit selection available, or bring your own (colours and theme agreed in advance)
- Edited gallery delivered in 4–6 weeks — faster on request where possible
-
Gold
Up to 90 minutes
£ 529
- Up to 90-minute studio session
- Best 25 fully edited high-resolution images
- High-resolution print-ready downloads
- Private online gallery with download rights
- Styled cake with chosen theme and decorations
- Styled cake included — from a talented, accommodating local baker with 5-star hygiene rating
- Studio outfit selection available, or bring your own (colours and theme agreed in advance)
- Edited gallery delivered in 4–6 weeks — faster on request where possible
- Two 10×8 inch prints of your choice
- One 8×20 inch canvas wrap
Recent sessions
Parents often ask
-
What age is best for a cake smash session?
The sweet spot is 11–13 months, when your child can sit confidently and is curious about food but isn't too overwhelmed by the setup. Younger babies (9–10 months) and older toddlers (14–18 months) work well too — the difference is mostly in how interactive they are with the cake. Sessions run about 90 minutes and are paced for one-year-olds: roughly ten minutes of clean milestone portraits in the outfit you've chosen first, then a change into smash clothes (or nothing at all) before the cake comes out, with a tidy-up at the end. Most parents book 4 to 8 weeks before the first birthday so the edited gallery is ready in time for the party or invitations. Siblings are welcome to join the milestone portraits at the start — shared-cake setups for two work brilliantly as well. -
What's included in a cake smash session?
A studio session with backdrop, props, and themed setup, the cake itself (sized for your child), and a 30–45 minute shoot covering the build-up, the smash, and post-smash giggles. Bath-tub or splash-tub photos can be added for a complete sequence. You'll receive 15–25 professionally edited high-resolution images (depending on tier) via a private online gallery within 4–6 weeks — faster on request where possible. -
What should my child wear for a cake smash?
Bring 2 outfits — one to start clean for the build-up shots, and a comfortable second outfit (or just a nappy) for the actual smash. Soft pastels, white, or a bold colour that complements the cake all work beautifully. Bring a backup outfit for after if you'd like a few clean post-smash portraits. Avoid anything you'd be sad to see icing on. -
Can I choose a theme or colour scheme?
Yes — themes are part of the fun, and they're included in the standard price rather than an add-on. Recent setups include princess castle, jungle safari, circus carousel, under-the-sea, unicorn rainbow, rustic barn-door, balloon arches in pastels or jewel tones, classic florals with a floral crown, neutral boho, and Christmas (November–December only). The cake is included too, styled to match your theme — it comes from a talented local baker with a 5-star hygiene rating who's very accommodating with colours and last-minute tweaks, so you don't need to source anything yourself. The backdrop, props, and outfit styling are all coordinated before you arrive: tell me your idea (or share a Pinterest board) when booking and I can usually source specific props within a week's notice. If you'd rather skip themes entirely, a clean white backdrop with a beautiful cake works wonderfully too.
What families say
★ 5.0 from 35 Google reviews
"We booked a smash cake session with Anna. She was super patient and kind during the session. The pictures are great so highly recommend her services. Thank you Anna 🙂"
"Anna is an exceptional photographer. She took my pregnancy photos & subsequently my daughter's 1st birthday photos. She gives good attention to details; she's also very patient & professional. Our pictures were beautifully done."
Explore further
Ready to talk?
Send a few details and I'll come back with availability and a tailored package within 24 hours.