Your baby’s first birthday is a huge milestone, and a cake smash session is a fun way to celebrate! But when it comes to capturing this special moment, should you go the DIY route or book a professional photographer? While both options have their advantages, there are some key differences that can impact the final result. Let’s break it down so you can decide which is best for you!


1. Quality of Photos

📸 DIY Cake Smash:

  • Photos will likely be taken on a phone or an entry-level camera.
  • Lighting may be uneven, leading to shadows or harsh highlights.
  • Background clutter or distracting elements might be hard to avoid.
  • You may have to take dozens (or even hundreds) of shots to get just one good one.

📷 Professional Cake Smash:

  • High-resolution images with expert lighting, composition, and editing.
  • A clean, beautiful setup with no distracting backgrounds.
  • Professional equipment ensures your baby’s expressions are sharp and clear.
  • A pro photographer knows how to capture candid moments and genuine smiles!

✨ Verdict: If you want high-quality, frame-worthy images, professional photography is the way to go.


2. Cake Smash Setup & Theme

🎨 DIY Cake Smash:

  • You’ll need to buy or create your own decorations, backdrop, and props.
  • Choosing the right colors and setting up a visually appealing scene takes time and effort.
  • Finding or making a cake that is both cute and baby-friendly can be a challenge.

🎈 Professional Cake Smash:

  • Many photographers (like Precious Steps Photography) offer customized setups based on your theme and colors.
  • The backdrop, props, and cake are carefully selected to match and enhance the photos.
  • Everything is designed with photography in mind—ensuring the setup looks polished and professional.

✨ Verdict: If you want a stress-free, beautifully coordinated setup, professional is best.


3. Baby’s Comfort & Experience

😊 DIY Cake Smash:

  • Since you're at home, your baby may feel more comfortable in a familiar environment.
  • However, without guidance, they might be hesitant to interact with the cake.
  • If you’re the photographer, you may struggle to capture expressions while also managing cleanup.

🎉 Professional Cake Smash:

  • A photographer experienced with babies knows how to engage them and encourage adorable reactions.
  • Studios are designed to be baby-friendly, with soft lighting and minimal distractions.
  • The session is structured but relaxed, making it easier for your baby to enjoy the moment.

✨ Verdict: If you want a smooth, enjoyable experience for both you and your baby, professional sessions make a big difference.


4. Cleanup & Mess Factor

🧼 DIY Cake Smash:

  • You’ll have to clean up cake-covered floors, outfits, and possibly your walls.
  • Your baby may need a bath immediately after, and getting icing out of hair and clothes can be a hassle.
  • Some DIY parents choose to do the session outdoors to minimize mess, but weather can be unpredictable.

🚿 Professional Cake Smash:

  • The mess stays at the studio—you don’t have to worry about cleaning up!
  • Many photographers offer an optional bubble bath session after the cake smash, doubling the fun and making cleanup easier.
  • You leave with adorable photos and zero stress about the mess.

✨ Verdict: If you’d rather enjoy the moment and leave the cleanup to someone else, a professional session wins!


5. The Final Result

📱 DIY Cake Smash:

  • The final photos might be cute but may not have the same polish and professionalism.
  • You may need to edit the pictures yourself, which can be time-consuming.
  • You might miss out on capturing key expressions because you’re busy managing everything.

🖼 Professional Cake Smash:

  • You’ll receive beautifully edited, high-quality images ready to print, share, and cherish forever.
  • A professional photographer knows exactly how to capture those perfect giggles, messy hands, and wide-eyed wonder.
  • The investment means you’ll have stunning, timeless images to look back on for years.

✨ Verdict: If you want keepsake-worthy images, a professional session is the best choice.


Final Thoughts

Whether you go the DIY route or choose a professional cake smash session, the most important thing is celebrating your baby’s first birthday in a way that feels special to you.

At Precious Steps Photography, I take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy this milestone moment. From custom themes to adorable bubble bath clean-ups, I ensure a fun, stress-free experience that results in beautiful, frame-worthy images.

📅 Ready to book a cake smash session? Contact me today to start planning a session your little one will love!