53 Alternative ideas to a cake smash photo shoot | Gold Coast

first birthday photo shoot, one year old boy birthday celebration with a wreath of bamboo and greenery

You might not want the mess. You might not want the sugar. You might not want to take home a messy laundry bag of frosting covered clothing to soak and wash later. It doesn’t HAVE to be a cake smash… There are so many other options out there.

And I know you want to celebrate your babies first birthday with a gorgeous styled photo shoot! So, let’s make it happen!

I have SCOURED the internet for all the unique ideas and themes for a birthday photo shoot that are not cake smashes and compiled a comprehensive list of feasible, yet unique, ideas for cake smash alternative birthday photo shoots.

I’ve listed below a collection of styled and themed birthday photo session ideas to get you inspired and excited to start planning your little one’s first birthday photo shoot.

  1. Painting a canvas (to keep for the nursery/bedroom)

  2. First Food smash (pureed pumpkin, avocado, banana, etc)

  3. Watermelon session

  4. Spaghetti

  5. Donuts

  6. Taco Smash

  7. Pie smash (pumpkin pie, banana cream pie, apple pie - my fave!)

  8. Cupcake smash (who needs a whole cake, right?)

  9. Gingerbread smash (for birthdays around Christmas)

  10. Ice cream

  11. Pancake smash

  12. Flower smash

  13. Pizza smash

  14. Yoghurt smash

  15. Bubbles

  16. Confetti

  17. Bubble Bath

  18. Ball Pit

  19. Fancy dress - formal wear

  20. Boho styled

  21. Hamptons styled

  22. Party styled

  23. Minimalist/neutral

  24. Tea Party

  25. Movie themes/Disney themes/favourite TV show styling

  26. Favourite character dress ups

  27. Choose a colour palette and style

  28. Match the decor and styling in their nursery/bedroom

  29. Hot air balloon

  30. Fairies

  31. Jungle

  32. Whimsical

  33. Elegant

  34. Sports themes or sporting team

  35. Garden Party

  36. Teddy Bears Picnic

  37. Hungry Little Caterpillar

  38. Butterflies

  39. Bugs and creepy crawlies

  40. Animal themes

  41. Cultural connections

  42. Traditional clothing

  43. Seasonal themes if their birthday coincides

  44. Space and Rockets

  45. Fake champagne

  46. Cowboys, farm theme

  47. Luxury brands

  48. Occupations

  49. Cars and monster trucks

  50. Favourite toys

  51. Floral

  52. Farmer’s market

  53. Cooking/Baking

Jade
Xx

For newborn or family enquiries and questions, fill out the below form and I’ll be in touch with you to chat more!

JADE READ PHOTOGRAPHY
Helensvale, Gold Coast
-
PORTRAITS: Newborn/Baby . Maternity . Fresh 48 . Children . Families . Fine Art
EVENTS: Baby Showers, Gender Reveals, Birthdays, Baptisms, Naming Days, Dedications
CLASSES/COURSES: Beginner + Intermediate DSLR Classes, Newborn Posing Course

Jade ReadJade Read PhotographyComment