Cake Smash Photoshoot in North West London

Cake Smash Photography

Celebrate your baby’s first birthday with a colourful, joy-filled cake smash photoshoot – a playful and personal experience that captures laughter, curiosity, and sweet little moments you’ll cherish forever.

This milestone session includes charming pre-cake portraits, a messy and memorable cake smash, and a soothing splash in a bubble bath to finish. It’s the perfect way to celebrate one year of love, giggles, and milestones.

How the Cake Smash Photoshoot Process Works

A cake smash session is more than just fun — it’s a form of baby milestone photography, capturing the joy and personality of your little one at this once-in-a-lifetime age.

Each session is designed to be playful, safe, and full of laughter while reflecting the thoughtful aesthetic and emotional depth that define my work.

All cake smash sessions occur in my calm, welcoming home studio in Stanmore, North West London (1 Hilltop Way, HA7 3DB). The studio is fully equipped for a fun and safe celebration, designed to make your little one feel at ease.
It’s conveniently located for families travelling from Harrow, Edgware, Wembley, Pinner, Bushey, Watford, and other nearby areas across London and Hertfordshire.
Sessions are available by appointment, Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  • Initial Contact: The first step is to check my availability. Please fill in the contact form with as many details as possible to help me better understand your vision and preferences. I recommend booking at least four weeks before your baby’s birthday. I take a limited number of photoshoots each month to ensure the highest quality of service, so it’s best to book well in advance.
  • Secure Your Booking: A £99 non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your session date. This retainer will be deducted from your final order, confirming your booking and securing your spot on my calendar.
  • Choose Your Package: During the booking process, you’ll choose the package that best suits your needs.
  • Phone Consultation: Once your booking is secured, we’ll schedule a phone consultation to plan all the details of your cake smash session. We’ll review outfit choices, preferred themes and setups, any allergies I should be aware of, and the overall style you envision. This ensures everything is thoughtfully prepared and ideally suited to your little one.
  • Provide The Cake: The birthday cake is not included in the photoshoot. I encourage you to provide a small cake in the agreed-upon colours and theme. This way, we can ensure that the cake meets your preferences and accommodates any allergies you may have.
  • The Photoshoot: The session consists of a pre-cake portrait, a fun and messy cake smash, and a relaxing bubble bath splash to conclude. Throughout it all, I focus on creating a joyful, stress-free experience—capturing the giggles, curiosity, and pure delight of your baby’s big moment.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance for your session is due upon completion of the photoshoot. You can pay by bank transfer, card, or cash.
  • Viewing Your Images: Approximately 3-4 weeks after your photoshoot, you will have access to a private online gallery to view your fully edited images and select your favourites.
  • Ordering Additional Products: You can purchase extra digital files, prints, and wall art separately as à la carte products:
    • Additional high-resolution digital image: £30
    • The Wall Art page has a detailed price list for additional products.
    • If narrowing it down feels impossible, you’re not alone—many clients feel the same way. That’s why the Full Gallery is the most popular and valuable choice.
    • Complete Gallery upgrades and wall art purchases are available with flexible payment options. I’ll provide a secure payment link where you can pay via credit card, PayPal, or Klarna (3 interest-free instalments) – whichever suits you best.
  • Delivery of Your Products: Once you’ve selected your images, you can download your digital files. Your prints and wall art will be delivered to your home within up to 4 weeks.

Please note that unedited images are not included in any packages and are unavailable for purchase.

Your baby only turns one once – let’s make it unforgettable.
A joyful mess, a splash of colour, and portraits that radiate happiness.
✨ Book your cake smash photography session – and capture the magic of their first big celebration.

Cake Smash Photoshoot Packages

Premium

£699
Most loved
  • Pre-session phone consultation
  • 1.5 to 2-hour photo session
  • 20 high-resolution digital images, fully edited, via download
  • Folio Box with 20 pre-assembled 8"x10" prints mounted in a refined frame, matching your chosen digital images
  • Family / siblings images included in the session
  • 2 birthday set ups
  • 2 baby outfits
  • Splash in a bubble bath
  • £100 credit towards any wall art purchase
  • £50 off your next session booked with Mihaela Mocanasu Photography
I want this experience!

Standard

£499
  • Pre-session phone consultation
  • 1 to 1.5-hour photo session
  • 15 high-resolution digital images, fully edited, via download
  • Family / siblings images included in the session
  • 1 birthday set up
  • 1 baby outfit
  • Splash in a bubble bath
  • £50 credit towards any wall art purchase
  • £25 off your next session booked with Mihaela Mocanasu Photography
I want this experience!

Mini

£299
  • Pre-session phone consultation
  • 45-minute photo session
  • 5 high-resolution digital images, fully edited, via download
  • Baby only / no parents or siblings
  • 1 birthday set up
  • No splash
I want this experience!

Frequently asked questions about cake smash photoshoots

If this is your first time planning a baby’s birthday photoshoot, you likely have a few questions – and that’s perfectly normal. Below are the most common ones parents ask when booking their baby’s first birthday session.

Absolutely. Your baby’s first birthday is more than just a milestone – it’s a joyful celebration of growth, love, and personality.

A first birthday photoshoot – especially a cake smash session – is the perfect way to capture this special moment. These playful, messy sessions are full of laughter and result in creative, one-of-a-kind portraits that beautifully reflect your baby’s unique spirit.

Each session is tailored to your little one’s personality, ensuring a relaxed and fun experience. It’s a vibrant and memorable alternative to traditional portraits – and a keepsake you’ll treasure for years.

To keep your session smooth and stress-free, here’s what I recommend bringing:

  • A soft, baby-friendly cake (avoid fondant or intricate decorations)
  • A backup outfit for your baby
  • A change of clothes for after the smash
  • Optional: any personal props you’d like to include

I also provide a curated selection of outfits for your baby and siblings, along with a wardrobe of elegant gowns for mums – so everyone feels included and special in your baby’s cake smash portraits.

No – and that’s intentional. Every baby has different dietary needs and sensitivities.

To keep your little one safe, I ask parents to bring their baby-friendly cake in the agreed theme and colour palette.

A simple sponge cake with soft icing works best – no fondant, food colouring, or complex elements.

If you’d like inspiration or a bakery recommendation, I will share examples from past birthday cake smash sessions in North West London.

Yes – absolutely! Including parents, siblings, or even pets adds warmth and meaning to your portraits.

Those shared smiles, snuggles, and giggles turn your baby’s milestone shoot into a joyful celebration of family love.

Bring coordinated outfits in soft, neutral tones for a polished, timeless look.

Typical – and not a problem at all.

Every baby reacts differently, and I always follow their lead. Some dig right in, while others take their time.

Even shy or curious expressions make for beautiful, heartfelt images. There’s no pressure or expectations—just a calm, baby-led session where I capture your little one’s personality as it is.

That’s what makes baby photography in London so meaningful.

Yes – and that’s half the fun! But don’t worry – I will take care of the setup and cleanup.

Your only job is to enjoy the experience, relax, and watch your little one explore their cake in my fully equipped North West London studio.

A joyful mess – beautifully handled.

I recommend booking your cake smash photography session in North West London at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’d like the shoot to happen close to your baby’s birthday.

This gives us time to plan the setup, confirm details, and prepare the perfect outfits.

If your baby’s birthday is coming up soon, don’t worry—just let me know, and I’ll always try to accommodate you.

I’d love to help you celebrate this joyful milestone.

Yes, absolutely! Every studio cake smash session begins with a brief, clean portrait segment before the cake is revealed.

These timeless shots are perfect for framed prints, birthday invitations, or simply capturing your baby at their best.

If you’re also considering updated family portraits or including siblings, look at my Family and portrait photography options—they’re a beautiful way to document your growing family.

Cake Smash Gallery

A baby sits in a transparent tub filled with water, splashing playfully. Water droplets are frozen mid-air, creating a dynamic and fun scene. A large yellow rubber duck is positioned on the left side of the frame, set against a light teal background.
A baby girl wearing a rust-colored outfit sits in front of a decorated birthday cake during a cake smash session. The cake is adorned with golden spheres, pink accents, and autumn-themed decorations, including leaves and a miniature figure. A balloon arch in warm autumn hues and scattered seasonal decor such as mini pumpkins and leaves complete the festive backdrop. The baby holds a small orange pumpkin and has frosting on her hands and feet.
A baby boy in an orange outfit enjoys a vibrant lemon-themed cake smash session. The cake is decorated with yellow frosting, lemon slices, and sunflowers, with the baby delightfully digging in with his hands. The backdrop features a bright yellow and white balloon garland adorned with sunflowers and greenery. The setup includes white crates, a mini ladder, and scattered lemons, limes, and sunflowers, creating a cheerful and summery atmosphere.
A baby sits in a miniature white clawfoot tub during a bubble bath photoshoot. The baby holds a small yellow rubber duck, with a larger duck placed beside the tub. The background features rows of yellow rubber duck illustrations on a light wooden wall, creating a playful and whimsical setting. The baby's expression is curious, and the scene is lighthearted and charming.
A baby sits on the floor, covered in blue frosting during a cake smash photoshoot. The baby wears a light blue bow tie and suspenders, matching the blue and yellow balloon arch in the background. A partially smashed blue cake sits on a plate nearby. The setting is bright and cheerful, with a
A smiling baby leans over the edge of a small white tub during a watermelon-themed first birthday photoshoot. The baby wears a colorful headband featuring watermelon patterns. In the background, a
A family portrait featuring a couple and their young son against a neutral gray background. The mother is elegantly dressed in a sheer, sparkling gown, holding her son's hand, while the father stands confidently in a white shirt and dark pants, cradling the child. The toddler, dressed in a stylish gray vest, gazes directly at the camera, creating a timeless and sophisticated composition.
A one-year-old boy enjoying a cake smash photoshoot. He sits on a reflective surface wearing a beige romper, with his hands and face covered in green frosting from a partially smashed cake in front of him. Behind him is a festive background featuring green, gold, and beige balloons, along with twinkling lights. A small chalkboard easel to the side reads
A toddler in a white miniature bathtub during a photoshoot. The child is holding a small yellow rubber duck, with another duck on the floor in front. The neutral background highlights the child's bright blue eyes and curious expression, creating a soft and clean aesthetic.
A toddler enjoying a bubble bath in a transparent tub during a photoshoot. The child is smiling with bubbles on their face, surrounded by white flowers on a clean, white background. The setup emphasizes innocence and a soft, elegant aesthetic.
A young child dressed in a vintage-style outfit, including a flat cap, vest, and bow tie, sits on a cream-colored toy car with the number
A mother in an elegant, flowing mauve gown holds her smiling baby daughter, dressed in a matching tulle dress with a bow. The dark background highlights the soft, intimate bond between the mother and child in this timeless portrait.
A baby boy sits on the floor during a cake smash photoshoot, wearing suspenders and denim shorts. His eyes are tightly shut, creating a funny and candid moment. In front of him is a semi-naked cake topped with fresh berries and decorative twigs, set against a backdrop of green and beige balloons with rustic foliage.
A baby girl sits on the floor during a cake smash photoshoot, wearing a pink diaper cover. She is covered in pink frosting while joyfully playing with a pink rosette cake, which is partially smashed. The background features soft pink and white decorations, including balloons, flowers, and a lit
A mother holds her baby girl in a studio portrait. The mother wears an elegant gray gown adorned with sparkling details, while the baby wears a delicate lace dress with a matching headband. Both are posed against a soft gray backdrop, creating a serene and timeless composition.
A cheerful baby sits in a clear tub filled with milk, holding miniature pumpkins in each hand. The scene is set with an autumn-themed backdrop featuring orange and cream balloons, fall leaves, and small decorative gourds, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
A smiling baby sits in a clear tub filled with blue-tinted water against a soft teal backdrop. A large yellow rubber duck is placed next to the tub, adding a playful element to the scene. The setting exudes a cheerful and clean atmosphere, perfect for a fun splash session.
Two babies are featured in a playful bathtub photoshoot against a vibrant pink background. One baby sits beside a cream-colored tub, while the other splashes inside it, both wearing small hair rollers for a fun touch. Gold and pink decorative elements dangle in the background, enhancing the cheerful and whimsical atmosphere.
1 year old baby celebrates their first birthday with a photoshoot
A baby confidently stands on a vintage-style toy car with
A cheerful baby sits in a vintage cream-colored tub with soap suds on their skin, playfully sticking out their tongue. The tub features a small faucet-like design, adding charm to the scene. A vibrant wooden rainbow toy is positioned in front, adding a splash of color against the minimalist white background. The baby's joyful expression captures a moment of pure delight.
A baby peacefully sleeps on a soft white fur mat, dressed in a formal navy outfit with red shoes, holding a small white wooden toy. The backdrop features a stunning arch of blue, navy, and white balloons, creating a dreamy and elegant atmosphere. The baby's serene pose adds a heartwarming touch to the scene.
Three adorable toddlers are seated in front of a pastel balloon backdrop. The girl in the center wears a delicate pink dress with a floral clip in her hair, flanked by two boys in light blue shirts and dark pants. Their innocent expressions and the vibrant yet soft background create a cheerful and heartwarming scene.
A charming toddler dressed in a vintage-inspired tan outfit with a matching flat cap stands confidently beside a classic pedal car labeled with the number
Three toddlers sit in a festive setup with gold-themed decorations, including balloons and streamers, while celebrating a cake smash session. Each child has a differently colored cake—blue, pink, and another blue—creating a lively and emotional scene as they react with cries and playful gestures, surrounded by a glamorous party backdrop.
Three toddlers are playfully positioned in a festive setting with gold-themed decorations, featuring large balloons and elegant fan ornaments. The central child sits inside a vintage-style cream-colored tub with yellow rubber ducks, while the others sit on the floor, interacting with their own rubber ducks. The scene captures a cheerful and whimsical bathtime celebration.
A toddler dressed in an elegant black lace outfit sits gracefully on a small wooden chair against a dark brown background. The delicate details of her dress and her thoughtful expression create a timeless and sophisticated portrait.
A cheerful toddler enjoys a bath in a cream-colored vintage tub adorned with a faucet, surrounded by soft pink flowers and yellow rubber duck toys. The backdrop and props complement the warm and playful atmosphere of the photograph.
A close-up of a toddler's foot covered in vibrant blue frosting, next to a matching cake with decorative swirls. The playful mess highlights the joyful and candid moments of a cake smash photoshoot.
A toddler wearing a soft pink headband with a velvet bow lies on a white wooden floor, surrounded by pastel pink balloons, decorative lanterns, and flowers. The soft lighting and dreamy setting create an enchanting and whimsical portrait.
A smiling toddler wearing a navy blue bow tie and matching shorts sits on a white floor with a small rectangular cake topped with miniature orange pumpkins. The backdrop features a vibrant balloon arch in shades of light and dark blue, creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere.
A baby girl sits on a white swing adorned with vibrant pink and white flowers, wearing a sparkling rose gold outfit and a matching bow headband. The background is a lush arrangement of pink balloons in varying shades, accented with fairy lights. To the side, a small easel displays a sign reading
A baby girl wearing a lavender tutu dress with floral embellishments smiles while sitting on a white floor. The background features pastel-colored balloons forming an arch over a rainbow design, illuminated by fairy lights. A decorative
A baby sits in a transparent tub filled with soapy water, playfully sticking out their tongue. They wear a charming floral bonnet adorned with blue and white roses and tied with a delicate blue ribbon under their chin. The baby holds a colorful ball in their hands, with a dark, blurred floral background adding a dramatic and elegant touch to the image.
A baby sits in a beige tub with a playful faucet attachment, surrounded by soapy bubbles, against a soft beige background. The child looks curiously at the camera with wet hair and a calm expression. Beside the tub, a large, cheerful yellow rubber duck and two smaller ducks add a fun and whimsical touch to the setup.
A baby wearing a purple dress sits on the floor of a colorful ice cream-themed setup, holding an ice cream cone and looking playfully at the camera. In front of the baby is a pastel-colored cake decorated with macarons and ice cream cones on a white cake stand. The background features a whimsical ice cream shop design with pink and teal accents, balloons, and an ice cream cart prop. A
A baby girl dressed in a white lace outfit with a matching headband sits next to a pastel pink cake decorated with flowers. The background features a dreamy setup with pink, white, and gold balloons, floral arrangements, and delicate butterfly accents. Large white letters spelling
A baby girl sits in a wicker basket wearing a delicate white outfit adorned with feathered details and a matching headband. The setup features a rustic wooden floor and is decorated with greenery and peach-colored flowers. In front of the basket, large pastel purple letters spell
A baby boy enjoying a cake smash session sits on a rustic wooden floor. He is wearing a lion-themed headband with a fluffy mane and orange bottoms, adding to the wild-themed setup. He holds a wooden fork in one hand while tasting the cream from his fingers. The cake in front of him is beautifully frosted in green and white ombre. The backdrop features green, gold, and beige balloons, along with a burlap banner that reads
A baby girl sits on a light pink wooden floor during a cake smash session. She is dressed in a soft pink tulle tutu and wears a large pink bow headband, adding charm to the occasion. Her face and hands are covered in frosting as she looks up with curious eyes. Beside her is a pink frosted cake with hints of green on a cake stand, partially smashed, and a white wooden number
A baby is joyfully splashing in a transparent tub filled with milk during a milk bath photoshoot. The baby’s expression exudes happiness and innocence as droplets of milk splash around. The backdrop features golden tones with circular fans and balloons, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere. The image captures a playful moment filled with charm and simplicity.
A cheerful baby girl, Eva Rebecca, is sitting on a beige floor during her first birthday photoshoot. She is wearing an orange romper and a matching headband with a bow, holding a small pumpkin and a treat. The backdrop is adorned with an arrangement of orange, cream, and red balloons interspersed with autumn leaves, creating a warm and festive fall theme. A sign on an easel reads, “Eva Rebecca is ONE,” featuring a beautiful illustration of an autumn tree.
A delightful baby girl celebrates her first birthday in a watermelon-themed photoshoot. She wears a red and green off-shoulder romper adorned with watermelon prints, paired with a matching headband tied into a bow. In front of her is a pink, green, and yellow cake decorated like a watermelon, with black seed-like details and a topper reading
A baby sits in a transparent tub filled with milk during a fruit-themed photoshoot, holding an orange while crying. Around the tub, vibrant citrus slices, including orange, lemon, and grapefruit, are placed on a light blue surface, adding pops of color to the composition. The setup emphasizes a fresh and playful summer vibe.
A baby boy dressed in white suspenders and a sparkly gold bowtie celebrates his birthday with a vibrant autumn-themed cake smash photoshoot. He sits surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and orange and green balloons. The tiered cake, decorated with swirls of orange and green frosting and a topper that reads
A baby boy dressed in a plaid shirt and denim overalls sits surrounded by a charming autumn harvest scene. The setup includes pumpkins, grapes, pears, and leaves, emphasizing the fall theme. A banner above reads
A joyful baby girl sits in a translucent tub filled with milk bath, adorned with a vibrant floral crown. The backdrop features a stunning arrangement of pink and magenta balloons, complemented by soft floral decorations. The bright and dreamy setting is illuminated by warm fairy lights, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere perfect for a celebration.
A baby boy sits on a miniature wooden bench, dressed in a navy blue overall with a white shirt and bright red shoes, holding a wooden letter
A baby sits on a small wicker chair wearing a white feathery outfit and a floral headband, set against a rustic backdrop featuring a barn door adorned with greenery wreaths. The foreground displays decorative elements including a
A baby dressed in a smart gray vest, white shirt, and matching trousers stands confidently beside a rustic white ladder adorned with large letters spelling
A baby dressed in a vibrant watermelon-themed outfit beams joyfully, seated beside a matching watermelon-inspired birthday cake. The colorful backdrop includes pink and green balloons, a
A radiant mother lovingly holds her baby, both draped in vibrant red fabric. The baby wears a matching red headband, while the mother exudes warmth with a soft smile. The dark, minimalistic background emphasizes their connection and the bold red accents, creating an elegant and intimate portrait.
A cheerful baby boy named Liam enjoys his cake smash celebration, surrounded by a bright yellow sunflower-themed setup. He wears yellow shorts and is seated next to a yellow cake adorned with lemon slices and sunflowers, with a topper reading
A smiling baby sits in a transparent tub filled with milk water, holding a yellow rubber duck. The setup is placed on a rustic wooden floor, accompanied by a larger orange toy duck beside the tub. The baby’s cheerful expression and bright blue eyes create a warm and playful atmosphere.
Two adorable babies sit side by side on small wooden chairs against a neutral beige background. Both are dressed in delicate lace outfits, one in cream and the other in taupe, each adorned with a bow at the waist. They wear matching headbands—one with white flowers and the other with a small bow. The baby on the left has a curious expression, while the baby on the right smiles joyfully, creating a heartwarming moment.
Two adorable babies are seated side by side on a vibrant pink backdrop, surrounded by colorful balloons in shades of red, green, and pink. Both are dressed in matching watermelon-themed outfits, complete with headbands, and each has their own small red cake adorned with watermelon designs and
A stunning mother is elegantly dressed in a shimmering silver gown adorned with delicate sequin details and soft feather accents on the shoulders. She lovingly holds her young child, who is dressed in a simple grey romper, against a classic, dark backdrop. The mother's serene smile and the child's curious gaze create a heartwarming and timeless portrait that exudes elegance and warmth.
A cheerful baby dressed as a fairy with purple wings and a matching headband is seated in front of a beautifully decorated pink cupcake. The setup features a whimsical pink and rose-gold balloon arch adorned with butterflies, flowers, and soft lighting, creating an enchanting, fairy-tale atmosphere. The word
A happy baby sits in a clear glass tub filled with bubbles, set against a vibrant green and gold balloon garland background. The baby's joyful smile and playful demeanor create a delightful atmosphere. The tub is adorned with butterfly decals, complementing the lush, nature-inspired setup.
A smiling toddler dressed in a vintage-style outfit, including a beige flat cap, matching vest, and bow tie, poses with a classic ride-on toy car. The car, numbered
A cheerful toddler wearing a white shirt and light blue jeans holds a pastel-colored wooden sign that says
A smiling toddler dressed in beige suspenders and a matching bow tie sits beside a white frosted cake with a yellow candle on top. The background features a vibrant balloon arrangement in yellow, white, and silver tones, illuminated with soft fairy lights, creating a festive and cheerful first birthday cake smash setting.
A baby boy wearing light blue suspenders and a bow tie enjoys a cake smash session, holding a wooden spoon with icing. He is seated next to a white cake adorned with blue and gold decorations and the word
A baby boy dressed in a gray knitted romper sits on a vintage white wooden chair holding a wooden number
A baby boy sits on a rustic wooden chair, wearing beige shorts and suspenders. He holds a small cluster of orange berries in his hands. The background features an autumn-themed balloon garland in warm tones of orange, beige, and white, along with decorative leaves and small pumpkins. A wooden number
A baby girl sits on the floor with a pink ombré cake in front of her, covered in cake and frosting. She wears a beautiful floral crown featuring purple and pink flowers, along with a matching pink diaper cover and a lavender scarf tied as an accessory. The background is adorned with soft pink and purple balloons, floral arrangements, and a decorative

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