Indianapolis Cake Smash Photography
Full Service Smash Cakes Photos for your child’s First Birthday Portraits
A Messy, Joy-Filled Celebration—Because Turning One is a Big Deal!
Your baby’s first year has been full of growth, love, and the sweetest little milestones—and now, it’s time to celebrate! A cake smash photography session is the perfect way to document their big personality, their curiosity, and their joy in the messiest, most fun way possible.
With setups options full of sass that also keep the focus on your baby, I capture every moment—the cake-covered fingers, the delighted giggles, the surprise at their first taste of sugar, and even the serious faces of deep cake concentration..
Whether your little one dives in headfirst, or delicately picks at the frosting, these sessions are all about celebrating their one-of-a-kind spirit in a way you’ll cherish forever. I take care of everything, so you can sit back, enjoy the moment, and walk away with photos that bring you right back to this fleeting, joy-filled season.
Serving families in Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, and surrounding areas..
Because one day, that cake-covered grin will be your favorite memory
Indianapolis Cake Smash Photography & First Birthday Portrait Sessions
The Indianapolis Area Cake Smash Collections
One day, that cake covered, gap toothed grin will be your favorite memory… let’s make sure it’s captured.
Your baby only turns one once, and planning a cake smash shouldn’t add to the chaos of party prep. From cake to setup to every little detail in between, I take care of it all so you can simply show up, watch the fun unfold, and soak in the moment.
Every cake smash collection is built to feel effortless for you and magical for your baby. Coordinated cakes, styled sets, and simple outfit guidance mean you never have to scramble or wonder if you’ve “done enough.” Each package includes a carefully curated experience that ends with a gallery full of frosting-covered smiles and frame-worthy memories. Whether you want a clean, timeless setup with a simple smash cake or a custom-designed theme complete with props and colors, there’s a package that fits your vision.
Falling in love with every squishy, frosting-covered expression? You’ll have the option to upgrade your gallery and keep every single image. And when you book three sessions within the year (from newborn to milestones to family) you’ll automatically receive full gallery upgrades for all three sessions, no extra hoops or add-ons.
Want something even bigger than a one-and-done cake smash? A lot of families build a custom plan to document baby’s whole first year (or to include siblings and family moments, too). If you’re dreaming about more than just the smash, reach out! I’ll help you create something that grows with your family and tells the whole story, not just one chapter.
The One-derful Baby Collection
$700 || 60+ Minutes || 40 Images
No planning, no scrambling, and no guessing. You show up and I take care of the rest, including the custom set, coordinating cake, portraits of your baby, and sweet photos with siblings and family. With room for two to three outfits and plenty of time for your little one to warm up, this session captures every expression and every chapter of your celebration. It is joyful, meaningful, and full of personality, giving you a gallery that feels just as big and unforgettable as this milestone.
The Wholehearted Birthday Collection
$600 || 60 minutes || 30 images
This in home session tells the heart of your baby’s first birthday in an honest and sentimental way that includes the whole family. We will photograph the real moments and the little in between pieces that you never want to forget, from candle blowing and cake crumbs to cozy cuddles in your favorite room. If you want a gallery that looks like real life, filled with connection and nostalgia, this collection will mean the world to you years from now.
The Simple Cake Smash Collection
$500 || 35 Minutes || 15 Images
Short, sweet, and centered on your baby, this collection keeps the focus on pure first birthday joy. The cake is included and the session can take place in studio or on location, giving you fun and flexibility without a long time commitment. It is perfect for families who want adorable keepsake images and a playful experience that is easy from beginning to end.
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![A couple walking hand-in-hand along a rural dirt road at sunset, with a cornfield on one side and trees on the other.]()
Love Lauren!! She took wonderful pictures and captured our beautiful baby perfectly!! Excited to schedule another family session!
Michelle G.
How to plan cake smash photos without losing your mind
Start With How You Want to Use These Photos
Before we spiral into themes and outfits, think about where these photos are going. Are we talking wall art, birthday invites, or a cute album you’ll cry over later? Once you know the end goal, it’s way easier to choose a direction without second-guessing every idea.
Share Your Inspo and Let Me Take the Wheel
Send me your Pinterest board, colors, or even one photo you’re obsessed with. I’ll bring it to life- the set, cake, style, all of it! Now you can stop stressing and just show up with your adorable baby. You dream it, I’ll handle the execution.
Choose a session vibe you’re excited about
If you love clean and timeless, we’ll keep it simple and classic. If you’re extra and already have a whole theme planned in your head, I am absolutely here for that too. I’ll help narrow the options so you’re not 47 pins deep wondering who you even are anymore.
Keep it baby-led and fun
Babies don’t follow scripts, and that’s where the magic is. We let them explore, taste, poke, smash, or ignore the cake entirely if that’s their truth. My job is to keep the vibe happy and playful so we get real reactions and zero meltdown energy..
The Smash Cake and First Birthday Photo Galleries
Scroll through these playful Indianapolis-area cake smash photography sessions to see how families from Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, and beyond chose to celebrate their little one’s big milestone.
frequently asked questions
When should I book my cake smash session in Carmel or Westfield??
Most families schedule their session three to six weeks before baby’s birthday so there is plenty of time for shooting and gallery delivery. When you book, I will ask if you want your photos back by the birthday or as close to it as possible, and we will plan your session date with my editing timeline in mind. This helps everything feel relaxed and intentional instead of rushed.
Where do sessions take place, and what locations do you recommend?
Studio cake smash sessions take place in my home studio in Sheridan, just a short drive from Carmel and Westfield. You can also choose an on location smash at a nearby park or in your home if you prefer a more personal setting. I am happy to walk you through the options and help you choose a location that matches the look and feel you are dreaming of.
Do you provide the cake and setup for your cake smash sessions?
Yes! I take care of the cake, the styling, and the entire setup so you can simply show up and enjoy the moment without planning a thing. The One-Derful Baby Collection includes a fully custom designed set with props and a coordinating cake, and the Simple Cake Smash Collection includes a baby focused setup with a matching cake. For in home storytelling sessions, I photograph your real celebration so the images feel sentimental and true to your family
What should my baby wear for their cake smash photos?
All sessions include outfit guidance and access to Style and Select, and you are always welcome to send outfit photos my way if you want a second set of eyes. I provide a few simple wardrobe pieces for one year olds in studio, and I am happy to share photos of those options if you would like to see them. The number of outfit changes depends on the collection and the look you want, and I will guide you through it so the final gallery feels cohesive and full of variety.
Can we include family or sibling photos in our cake smash session?
Yes. The One-Derful Baby Collection includes family and sibling portraits in addition to baby photos and the smash. The Simple Cake Smash Collection is baby only, and the Wholehearted Birthday Collection tells the story of your celebration at home, naturally including the people who matter most. I am always happy to help you choose the experience that fits your vision.
What happens after the session and how soon will we receive our gallery?
You will receive a fully edited custom proofing gallery with a slideshow so you can relive the moment before choosing your favorite images. Once you select your favorites, you can download them and order prints directly through your gallery. Final delivery takes up to four weeks, and I will keep you updated throughout the process.
