From the Studio

Blog

Tips, guides, and inspiration for your baby's first birthday cake smash session in Chicago.

The aftermath of a cake smash session — destroyed cake, party hat, and crumbs on the studio floor
After the Session

The Smash Is Over — Now What?

Your baby just destroyed a beautiful cake. From cleanup to gallery delivery to printing and sharing, here's everything that happens after the frosting settles.

March 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Baby in lavender tutu crawling with pink and white balloons during a cake smash session
Studio Guide

What to Expect at Your Cake Smash Session

A complete walkthrough of your Chicago cake smash session — from arrival at our Edgewater studio to gallery delivery. Know exactly what happens at every step.

March 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Baby in a playful outfit with balloons and banner at a cake smash session
Styling Tips

Best Cake Smash Outfit Ideas for Your Baby

What to wear, which colors photograph best, and how we coordinate the entire setup — cake, banner, balloons — to match your baby's outfit.

March 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Happy baby with balloons and garland during a first birthday session
Planning

When to Book Your Cake Smash Session

The sweet spot is 11-14 months. Learn how far in advance to book, whether it needs to be on the actual birthday, and seasonal considerations in Chicago.

March 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Baby with a pink smash cake, crown, and balloons in a styled studio
Local Guide

Chicago's Best Bakeries for Smash Cakes

Your session cake is included, but parents always ask about the party cake. Here are five Chicago bakeries we love for first birthday cakes.

March 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Baby celebrating first birthday with a teal cake, balloons, and banner in studio
Education

Cake Smash vs. Regular Birthday Photos — What's the Difference?

A dedicated studio session and birthday party photos serve very different purposes. Here is what you get from each and why many families do both.

March 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Baby with a blue smash cake, balloons, and number one sign at a Chicago cake smash photography studio
Session Spotlight

Blue Cake Smash Session in Chicago

See how we coordinated a blue cake, matching balloons, and birthday banner for a bold, cohesive first birthday celebration at our Edgewater studio.

February 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Baby with a teal smash cake and coordinated decorations at a Chicago photography studio
Session Spotlight

Teal and Mint Cake Smash Session in Chicago

A fresh, gender-neutral color choice that photographs beautifully. See how teal and mint create a modern, styled cake smash set.

February 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Baby with a purple smash cake, balloons, and birthday banner at a Chicago cake smash photography studio
Session Spotlight

Purple Cake Smash Session in Chicago

Bold, rich, and a little bit royal. See how a vibrant purple palette creates dramatic, celebratory first birthday images.

January 23, 2026 · 4 min read
Baby with a yellow smash cake and sunshine-themed birthday setup at a Chicago photography studio
Session Spotlight

Yellow and Gold Cake Smash Session in Chicago

Sunshine, warmth, and pure joy. See how a yellow palette creates cake smash photos that radiate happiness and energy.

January 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Baby with a hot pink smash cake, balloons, and tutu at a Chicago cake smash photography studio
Session Spotlight

Hot Pink Cake Smash Session in Chicago

Not for the faint of heart. See how a vibrant hot pink palette creates bold, unforgettable first birthday photos with serious personality.

December 19, 2025 · 4 min read