This Is It. This Is the Moment to Celebrate.It’s more than cake. It’s their very first year—twelve months of growth, discovery, and wonder.
The gummy grin that’s turning into a toothy smile.
The first steps that tumble into your arms.
The curiosity in their eyes that seems to grow by the day.
Cake smash sessions celebrate this milestone in a way that’s joyful, messy, and unforgettable.
Indianapolis Cake Smash Photographer
Peek Inside Recent First Birthday Photoshoots Across Indianapolis
See featured one year cake smash sessions I’ve photographed for Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Noblesville families. From playful portraits to messy cake moments, each gallery captures the joy of turning one with the same relaxed, classic style I’m known for.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Birthday Photos
-
After our one year part of the session I will set up for the cake smash.
I focus on this being completely baby centered. I want natural images that you can hang on your walls at all times of the year.
The session will have a plain backdrop with baby as the focus. After you have chosen the perfect outfit from my currated client closet, I will pick the topper to go onto the cake.
The cake will have a white, softly frosted “naked” cake look. This ensures that it will match an outfit you choose from the closet.
-
Nope! I make a simple “naked” (think little icing) for your cake smash. I also provide the cake stand and cake topper to bring it all together.
IF you want to bring your own special themed cake or cake topper or your child has allergies of some sort, then please feel free to do so!
I do always suggest keeping colors soft or light. It looks much prettier in those final images.
We will discuss this before our session so we have plenty of time to plan.
-
I sure do!
I have adorable outfits that fit up to size 18 months. Really sweet dresses or rompers (for boys & girls), cute jeans & suspenders that you are more than welcome to use & dirty up.
You will have the chance to look through my client closet before we start the one year portion of the session.
Now, if your baby is on the bigger side & 18 months could be a little snug, you may want to bring your own!
-
This is one of the reasons I provide the cake in this session.
We all know babies can be picky on what they touch or eat. You don’t have to go out and purchase something extra on your own.
Also remember… we are capturing memories. Your baby may HATE the cake & we will keep shooting. Nothing better than to talk about this when they are older and cake is their very favorite thing in the world!
Its exciting to see how they react to it!
You Only Get This Once
Their first birthday deserves more than just a phone snapshot. Let’s capture it with care, joy, and just the right amount of frosting.
We don’t know how this part of the session will go. BUT we will capture it anyway. From the smiles & giggles down to the cries. It is now documented JUST FOR YOU.
Don’t Blink—This Stage Doesn’t Last.
You’ll never forget watching them dive into that cake for the very first time—let me help you capture it beautifully.
Before they’re blowing out two candles, let’s create something worth remembering.
I make it so easy for moms! The cake, the outfits, the setup—everything is provided.
All you need to do is bring your baby and enjoy the moment
. The result? Joyful, stress-free photos you’ll smile at every time you see them.
My Process for Your Indianapolis First Birthday Photoshoot
Step 1: Consultation
Let’s Make Their First Birthday Unforgettable
Have questions? Let’s talk.
The best way to communicate is by email to make sure I can answer every question you have & you also have it in writing. Also, It is very important to book sooner than later. These milestones will come at you fast & I want to make sure we have the space to get you in!
Step 2: Booking & Planning
Ideally I like to schedule these sessions a couple week’s before baby’s first birthday.
** IF you would like photos back BEFORE baby’s birthday or party, then we need to schedule at least 3 weeks before.
After we have communicated on timing of your one year session & retainer is paid, you will be officially booked. You’ll let me know color preferences and photos from my portfolio that you love!
We will also talk about actual start time as the session gets closer because I like these babies to be HAPPY babies.
Nap times are important & we will work around those!
What Moms Say After Their Session:
“She thought of everything—all we had to do was show up.”
“She made it fun for our baby, even when he didn’t want to touch the cake at first.”
“It felt like hanging out with a friend who happens to style the cutest setups.”
Step 3: Our Session Day
What You’ll Feel (Because My Moms Tell Me This Every Time)
You’ll feel relaxed. You’ll feel proud. You’ll feel like someone finally made this milestone easy (and adorable).
Because I’ve designed the entire session with busy parents in mind—from the simple setup to focus on your baby, to the cake, sweet outfits, and even the clean-up afterward.
You don’t need to bring a thing (unless you want to). Fresh flowers can always be added if you would like to bring them!
Most of all, you’ll leave thinking:
“She thought of everything.”
“That was actually fun.”
“She captured our baby’s personality perfectly.”
The One Year Cake Smash Portrait Session Experience
Your Baby’s Cake Smash Session Includes:
Cake, cake stand, simple topper and outfit all provided.
Client closet is available for styling full of adorable outfits!
1-1.5 hour session—just enough time for the one year portion & then hopefully giggles, frosting, and a few quiet moments.
Final galleries include 15+ hand-edited images
Don’t worry if your baby is shy, wild, or somewhere in between—this session is designed to meet them just as they are.
Why You’ll Be Glad You Did This
A first birthday isn’t just another day.
It’s the perfect time to pause and see just how much your baby has grown, how much you’ve all grown.
The messy smiles, frosting-covered hands, those wide-eyed looks of surprise—it all happens so fast.
These photos let you hold onto the joy of this stage forever.
With more than 13 years of experience, I create a fun, low-pressure session that keeps your baby “them” and captures their one-of-a-kind personality. Whether that is happy to dig in or upset that their hands are super messy. We will get it!
The Photos You’ll Look Back On
This isn’t just about the cake.
It’s about their big smile when everyone claps.
Their little hands squishing frosting.
That proud look when they realize everyone’s watching them.
It’s proof of how far they’ve come — and how much joy they’ve brought into your life.
Let’s celebrate this milestone beautifully.
Kind Words from Happy Clients
Local Indianapolis families share their experiences!
-
![]()
My experience was amazing with Shannon!
"She worked so well with my toddler who I thought for sure we wouldn’t be able to get pictures of, but Shannon made it happen. She also worked so well with my twins and the pictures all turned out absolutely amazing. I’d 100% recommend her and will be returning!"
Ashley K., mom of twins in Indianapolis, IN
-
![]()
Had such a wonderful experience with Shannon!
“She had a closet full of adorable outfits to choose from and beautiful spaces set up in her studio in her home for pictures! My daughter was being slightly difficult that day lol and she was still able to get TONS of great shots! She is truly amazing at what she does."
Haley N., toddler mom in Fishers, IN
-
![]()
Shannon is the BEST!
“We have used her for newborn and 1 year photos. When it was time to refresh our family portraits, I knew exactly who to call. Even when her normal location fell through, she was able to find a location that worked and gave us some amazing shots in a mini session. She had a quick turn around time with the proofs and gave us the final images even quicker than promised. I've gotten SO many compliments on them and can't wait for our next session."
Jennifer M., family from Fishers, IN
One Year Cake Smash Photography in the Indianapolis Area
Let’s Celebrate This Beautiful Mess
Someday you’ll tell them about this day. How they giggled, smashed their cake and how you felt watching it all go down.
Let me help you capture the joy of it all.
I’d be honored to photograph your baby’s first birthday.