First Birthday Photos Without a Cake Smash | Meet My 1st Birthday Sessions

Your baby's first birthday is a pretty big milestone.

Somehow, the tiny newborn you brought home feels like they were here five minutes ago and suddenly you're planning their first birthday.

For lots of families, a Cake Smash is the perfect way to celebrate. They're fun, messy and full of personality and I absolutely love photographing them.

But what if a Cake Smash just isn't really you?

Maybe you'd prefer something simpler and more timeless, without the cake, balloons and mess. Something that focuses completely on your little one and the personality they've developed over their first year.

That's exactly why I've introduced My 1st Birthday Sessions at Phoebe Berridge Photography.

They're not quite a baby anymore…

…but they're not quite a toddler either.

And that's what makes turning one such a lovely age to photograph.

By their first birthday, so much of their personality has appeared. The expressions you instantly recognise, clapping, pointing, waving, crawling at approximately 100mph — and maybe even those first wobbly steps.

A My 1st Birthday Session isn't just about documenting the fact they're turning one.

It's about capturing who they are at one.

A first birthday photoshoot without the cake

My 1st Birthday Sessions are a portrait-led alternative to a traditional Cake Smash.

There's no real cake required. Instead, we'll create a small selection of simple, timeless setups that keep the focus on your little one.

We'll follow their lead throughout the session too.

If they're sitting, we'll photograph them sitting. If they're proudly standing, we'll capture it. And if they've recently discovered walking and have absolutely no intention of staying where I put them… I'll follow them. 😂

There's no milestone checklist they need to have completed before they come. We're simply photographing your baby exactly as they are right now.

Cake Smash or My 1st Birthday?

Don't worry —Cake Smashes aren't going anywhere!

My 1st Birthday Sessions simply give you another option for celebrating the same milestone.

Cake Smash Sessions are fun, messy and playful, with portraits, the cake smash itself and a splash afterwards.

My 1st Birthday Sessions are simpler and more portrait-led, with timeless styling and the focus firmly on your baby.

Neither is better it's simply about choosing which feels most like you and your family.

What should they wear?

Simple outfits photograph beautifully for these sessions.

Think neutral colours, soft textures, knitted rompers, dungarees, simple dresses, bloomers and little cardigans.

You don't necessarily need to buy something new either. An outfit you already love seeing them in can make the photographs even more meaningful when you look back at them.

And you won't be left to work it all out yourself we'll discuss styling before your session.

Parents and siblings can also be included, because although we're celebrating your baby's first birthday, some of the loveliest photographs are often the ones that show their relationship with the people they love most.

Why photograph their first birthday?

If you had newborn photographs, take a second to think about just how different that tiny baby is now.

In twelve months they've gone from sleepy newborn cuddles to smiles, giggles, movement and a whole personality of their own.

It's one of the biggest periods of change they'll ever go through.

The birthday decorations will come down, the presents will eventually disappear into the toy box and the party will probably pass in a slightly chaotic blur.

But the photographs are the bit you get to keep.

My 1st Birthday Photography in Bedfordshire

My 1st Birthday Sessions take place at my home studio in Ickwell, Bedfordshire, welcoming families from Bedfordshire and the surrounding Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire areas.

I'm currently running an introductory offer on My 1st Birthday Sessions from September–December 2026, so if your little one's first birthday is coming up, now is a lovely time to book.

Whether you're looking for an alternative to a traditional Cake Smash or simply want some beautiful portraits to remember exactly who they were at one, I'd love to welcome you into the studio.

And if you're firmly Team Cake Smash?

Don't worry. I've still got the cake ready. 🎂

Phoebe x

Phoebe Berridge Photography
Newborn, baby, maternity & family photographer
Ickwell, Bedfordshire

When Is the Best Time to Book a Cake Smash Session?

One of the questions I receive most often is:

"When should we book our baby's cake smash?"

The simple answer is...

Earlier than you probably think!

Why booking ahead matters

Most families choose to celebrate their baby's first birthday with a cake smash session.

If you'd like your photographs ready to share on your baby's birthday, invitations or party decorations, it's worth planning ahead.

Booking a few months in advance gives you the best choice of dates and plenty of time to plan your baby's special session. For weekends booking I recommend booking at least 8 weeks ahead.

The ideal age

Although they're called first birthday sessions, I actually recommend photographing them before your baby's birthday.

Most babies are happiest and most confident sitting independently between 10 and 11 months, making this the perfect age for a cake smash.

By photographing your session a few weeks before their birthday, you'll also have your final gallery ready in time for birthday celebrations.

If your little one is still a few months away from their first birthday, don't forget I also offer My Baby's First Photoshoot sessions, perfect for capturing all those beautiful milestones before it's time for birthday celebrations

What happens during a cake smash?

Every session includes three parts:

Portraits

We begin with beautiful birthday portraits before the cake comes out.

The Cake Smash

Then comes the fun! Whether your little one dives straight in or prefers to investigate one tiny finger at a time, every reaction is unique.

Bubble Bath

Finally, we finish with a warm bubble bath full of splashes, bubbles and lots of smiles.

It's often the part babies enjoy the most!

Can we choose the colours?

Absolutely!

Every session is styled to complement your family and your baby's personality.

Whether you love soft neutrals, timeless greenery or something a little brighter, we'll create a setup that feels perfect for your little one.

More than just photographs

Your baby's first birthday is such a special milestone.

A cake smash isn't simply about the cake it's about celebrating an entire year of love, growth and unforgettable memories.

If you're beginning to plan your baby's first birthday, I'd love to help you mark the occasion with photographs you'll treasure for years to come.

It's Never Really About the Cake... Why Cake Smash Sessions Are About So Much More Than Cake

When people hear the words cake smash, they often picture a baby covered in icing, making a wonderful mess and giggling their way through a birthday cake.

And whilst that's certainly part of the fun, a cake smash session is about so much more than the cake itself.

For me, it's about celebrating one of the biggest milestones of your baby's life their very first birthday.

A whole year of memories

Your baby's first year is full of incredible moments.

Those sleepless newborn nights.

The first smile.

Rolling over.

Sitting up.

The first giggle.

Tiny hands reaching for yours.

And before you know it, you're planning their first birthday.

A cake smash is a celebration of everything you've experienced together over those twelve months.

It's not all about the mess!

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the entire session revolves around smashing the cake.

In reality, every session begins with a beautiful portrait setup.

This gives us the chance to capture timeless photographs of your little one before the cake even appears.

These are often the images that parents frame around their home for years to come.

Then comes the fun...

Some babies dive straight into the cake.

Others carefully poke it with one finger.

Some would rather crawl away than eat a single crumb and that's perfectly okay!

Every baby is different, and that's exactly how I approach every session.

The best photographs are the unexpected ones

Some of my favourite images aren't actually of babies eating cake.

They're the cheeky smiles.

The curious expressions.

The clapping.

The tiny handfuls of icing.

The proud faces after discovering something completely new.

Those are the moments families remember.

Finishing with a splash!

After all the sticky fun comes one of everyone's favourite parts the warm bubble bath.

Not only does it help clean away all that icing, but it also creates another opportunity for gorgeous smiles, splashes and laughter.

For many babies, it's the highlight of the whole experience.

A relaxed, baby-led experience

Just like every session in my studio, cake smashes are completely baby-led.

There are no expectations.

No pressure for your little one to eat the cake.

No forced smiles.

Instead, we simply let them explore, play and enjoy themselves at their own pace.

Because that's when the real memories are made.

Ready to celebrate?

If your baby's first birthday is approaching, I'd love to help you celebrate this incredible milestone.

Together, we'll create beautiful portraits, lots of laughter and memories you'll treasure long after the last crumb of cake has disappeared.