CAKE SMASH
a first birthday to remember
Your baby’s first birthday is such a meaningful milestone—
and one of the most fun to photograph.
From curious little hands to messy frosting smiles, these sessions are all about celebrating your baby in a way that feels joyful, simple, and true to your style.
One whole year..
Cake smash sessions are designed to feel clean and timeless—not overly themed or busy.
We focus on your baby first, with soft, intentional styling and a setup that complements rather than distracts.
The result is a balance of:
classic portraits
playful moments
and the celebration itself
the approach
We offer a full cake smash experience designed to celebrate your baby’s first year in a way that feels joyful, simple, and timeless.
Each session is approached with the same intention — to photograph this milestone in a way that feels natural and true to your family.
Sessions are scheduled Monday through Friday, with flexible start times between 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM.
Cake smash sessions are offered as a Classic Session.
Your session includes:
– heirloom portraits on a clean white backdrop before the cake smash
– baby-only portraits
– the cake smash portion
– family and/or sibling portraits
– multiple looks if desired
– access to curated wardrobe (up to 18 months)
– guided direction throughout
– a custom, simple setup design (balloons + banner)
– a classic white cake provided for your session
Custom-designed cakes may be arranged for an additional cost.
The creative fee to reserve your session is $300.
After viewing your images, collections begin at $800.
Additional images may be added at $90 each.
All selected images are fully retouched and include both color and black & white versions.
Additional images may be added to any collection at $90 each.
cake smash session
INVESTMENT:
minimum spend $1,100
Included With Every Collection
Fine Art Prints + Keepsake Box
Family and non-birthday portraits are part of your session and always optional.
family portraits included
Setups are designed to feel simple, soft, and timeless.
Once your session is booked, we’ll go over a few options together—focusing on neutral tones and minimal elements that complement your baby without overwhelming the image.
The goal is to create something that feels elevated and cohesive, rather than overly themed.
how do we plan the setup?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Absolutely—I'm always happy to hear your ideas.
We’ll refine them together to ensure the final setup feels clean and timeless, and aligns with the overall look of my work.
can i request a specific theme or colors?
Sessions take place in my Flatiron studio, designed with soft natural light and a clean, minimal aesthetic.
where do sessions take place?
A simple white cake is included with your session, designed to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby.
If you’d like something more custom, I’m happy to help arrange that for an additional cost.
what kind of cake should we choose?
Totally normal.
Some babies dive right in, others take their time. We gently guide the session and capture a mix of reactions—those moments are part of the story.
what if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
I offer a curated wardrobe for babies up to 18 months, with soft, neutral pieces that photograph beautifully.
Many families choose one look for portraits and a second look for the cake portion.
what should my baby wear?
Your baby’s safety is always the priority.
Please let me know about any allergies ahead of time, and we can adjust the cake or setup accordingly. A simple alternative can be arranged, or you’re welcome to bring a cake that you feel comfortable with.
We’ll make sure everything feels safe while still creating a beautiful session.
what if my baby has allergies?
Yes—family and sibling portraits are absolutely welcome.
If you’d like to include a pet, I recommend bringing an extra set of hands to help so everything runs smoothly while we keep the focus on your baby.
can we include the whole family or pets?
Laura W.
We had such a great experience working with her for our daughter’s 1st birthday shoot. She is so great with babies! The cake smash photos turned out absolutely adorable, and she had everything perfectly set up when we arrived. The outfit options were so cute, and we couldn’t be happier with how our photos turned out. We’ll definitely be using Melissa for all of our future family photos!
Melissa is the BEST!
Named among New York’s best newborn photographers, 2024
trusted by new york city families
You can’t see me... but I am BEAMING right now.
I’m so thrilled that you’re reaching out! Your interest in Windom Hill Photography’s heirloom cinematic photography truly warms my heart. Every photograph is a sentence in the story of your life, and I’m honored that you’re considering me to be your visual storyteller. I’ll be in touch soon to explore how we can create a timeless story together. Until then, may your days be filled with moments worthy of capturing.
Talk soon,
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nyc & surrounding areas
nyc@heirloombymelissa.com