Lehigh Valley Cake Smash Session | Rebecca Groller Photography | 10 Tips for a Sweet + Stress-Free Experience

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating and what better way than with a Lehigh Valley cake smash session full of laughter, frosting, and unforgettable memories?

Whether you’re planning a simple setup or an all-out theme, here are ten tips to help you prep for a photo session that’s enjoyable, low-stress, and capture's your baby's personality.

1. Schedule for Baby’s Best Time

Book your session for when your little one is typically rested and content. Usually a great time is mid-morning after their first nap. Also make sure they eat before they come for the session. A happy baby = relaxed parents and way more natural smiles.

2. Keep the Outfit Comfy and Simple

Yes, we want cute, but comfort comes first. Choose something soft, non-restrictive, and easy to clean. Don’t forget a backup outfit for the ride home.

3. Choose a Cake That’s Soft and Easy to Smash

Skip bold icing dyes and fondant. A soft, buttercream-covered cake with whipped frosting is perfect for smashing and shows up beautifully in photos. Bonus: it’s less likely to stain skin or clothes. Make sure it's out of the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to your session, so it's "smashable"!

4. Practice at Home

Some babies aren’t sure what to do with a whole cake in front of them. Let them explore frosting with their hands before the session, so it’s not their first time feeling that texture. Or if you want it to be their first time having cake during their session, have them play with and explore mashed potatoes. It's a similar texture without the sugar.

5. Bring Comfort Items

A favorite toy, blanket or even your baby’s go-to playlist can help them feel more at ease during their cake smash session in Lehigh Valley. Little touches of home make a big difference.

6. Bring Familiar Snacks

If your baby is hesitant about the cake, we can hide puffs or fruit inside to get them excited. It’s a great trick that often works like magic. Also bring milk or water, they may need it after the sugary cake!

7. Let’s Talk About Themes

Simple sets always photograph best. I’ll work with you to design a setup that reflects your style, whether that’s classic and minimal or playful and colorful, without distracting from your baby. Check out my portfolio for lots of theme ideas!

8. Expect (and Embrace) the Mess

Some babies dive right in. Others need a little time. Either way, we’ll let the session unfold at your child’s pace. No pressure, no rush...just honest moments. It's called a smash session for a reason. We’ll have towels and wipes ready, and a cleanup plan post-session.

9. Bring a Favorite Toy

Familiar items can help ease nerves and spark those big smiles. I’ll incorporate them into the shoot naturally.

10. Bring Two Adults!

It's super important to have two adults come for a first birthday session. One is usually close to the baby for safety and repositioning and the other is near the photographer. You baby is going to smile much more for a familiar face than one they just met.

As your Lehigh Valley Cake Smash Photographer, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, from session planning to final image delivery. With years of experience behind the camera (and plenty of frosting-covered fingers), I know how to turn these once-in-a-lifetime moments into timeless keepsakes.

Ready to plan your session? [Contact me here!]

Bonus...

Here's a couple of my favorite bakeries for your smash cake:

Sweet Girlz Bakery- Easton, PA

Vegan Treats- Bethlehem, PA