CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY
LOS ANGELES
BECAUSE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY ONLY HAPPENS ONCe
CUSTOM CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR BABY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY
Can you believe it? In the blink of an eye, your tiny newborn has blossomed into a big one-year-old, ready to conquer the world one cake at a time! Our cake smash photoshoots are the perfect way to celebrate this incredible milestone. we always start each session with shots of just baby and then move on to the cake smash. Imagine capturing your little ones's range of expressions at this age. From curious, inquisitive looks to joyful giggles, deep wonder to those adorable pouty moments- everything that makes your baby uniquely them! Every photo we take is like a window into their blossoming personality, memories that you'll treasure forever. In our experience, some will delight in their first taste of birthday cake, and some will be a little unsure! But our goal is always the same: to capture not just a joyful celebration, but also the amazing journey of growth over the past year.
Let's create fun, heartwarming memories together, celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime milestone with laughter, love, and maybe a little frosting on the nose!
questions for your los angeles CAKE SMASH photographer
What is a Cake Smash?
A 'cake smash' is an adorable and increasingly popular trend in baby portrait photography, especially for commemorating the all-important first birthday. It's a creative and joyful way to celebrate this significant milestone in your baby's life. During a cake smash session, we set up a fun, festive environment and let your little one have their very own birthday cake to play with. The idea is simple yet delightful: babies are encouraged to do what they do best with the cake - smash it! Whether they dive right in, getting cake in every possible place, or if they're a bit more hesitant, requiring a gentle nudge to start the fun, every reaction is priceless. Our job is to capture these spontaneous, adorable moments, ensuring you have unforgettable photos of your baby’s first adventurous taste of birthday fun. Note this is a studio session where we focus on baby only (no family or sibling shots).
What is included in the Cake Smash photoshoot?
Our cake smash photo session is a delightful two-part adventure for your baby's first birthday. In the first setup, we aim for clean, classic portraits that capture your baby's milestones. Set against neutral-colored backdrop with a selection of simple yet charming props, these photos highlight your baby's personality and cuteness. You can choose from the adorable outfits from our studio wardrobe collection or bring some favorites from home. parents typically bring 2-3 outfits from home for shots prior to the cake smash, and we also have a nice selection of adorable handmade outfits, knit overalls, custom knit rompers, hats, headbands, etc. that fit the average 12 month old and go well with our style of photography. Between what parents bring from home and what we have here, we narrow down and decide together the best outfits to use for the pre-cake smash shots.
Then comes the highlight of the session – the cake smash! This setup is more vibrant and festive, tailored to celebrate your baby's big day. The best part? We have the process completely nailed down! Once we decide on the color theme, we provide a custom cake (pending no food allergies), beautiful balloons, cake stand and cake topper! If your baby has food allergies we ask that you plan for and bring your own cake.
What does my baby wear for the Cake Smash?
GIRLS: there are two set ups that are the most popular here.
"Pink set up": Light pink balloons, pink rosette cake, light cream background paired with a beautiful custom faint pink, cream and light gold tutu and mini crown headband.
"Floral set up": beautiful hanging floral circles, natural naked cake with floral embellishment at base, light cream background paired with a neutral outfit.These are popular choices for parents, as they don't have to shop around or purchase anything! If parents prefer a different color story, we also have a few other beautiful, solid color tutus to choose from!
Both can be seen in this photo collage of baby girl cake smashes we've done:
BOYS: the balloon background with an adorable felt "1" crown from the Etsy shop Little Blue Olive is by far the most popular choice here for boys!
These are the top choices:
"Light": Light cream background, silver gray balloons, grey ombre cake on a wood slice cake stand paired with cream outfit
"Dark": Thunder grey background, silver gray balloons, grey ombre cake on a wood slice cake stand paired with either denim bottoms, suspender and bow tie outfit or neutral sweater knit shorties.
Both can be seen in this photo collage of baby boy cake smashes we've done:
We can also play with the balloon colors too! Parents will order the felt "1" crown in the color that matches the balloons or the cake and will often reuse for baby's one year birthday party or family gathering!
What time do the sessions start?
We try to work around baby's nap schedule, offering either a 10:30am or 11:30am start time. We kindly request parents to ensure their little one is well-rested, fed, and happy for their photoshoot. Good planning can really help in making the session a success. If your baby happens to fall ill, it's essential to reschedule the appointment. Given the number of newborns we work with, adhering to this policy is crucial for everyone's well-being and is non-negotiable. Please do not schedule your session if you have recently started any kind of sleep training.
How long will the session last?
This session normally lasts about 1-1.5 hours, depending on when the birthday baby says they are done! We always try for a few outfits prior to the cake smash, but if we feel like we are losing baby at any point, we go straight to the cake smash.
can't recommend them enough!
Jess and Matt are absolutely amazing. I can't recommend them enough! They are super talented. Their studio is super cozy and their patience is amazing to be able to shoot all these great shots. I've been recommending them to all my friends and family that are expecting.
Rosalia
OUR VERY
LATEST
Studio located in Burbank, CA
Matt Cramer Photography is a Los Angeles based husband and wife newborn & baby photographer team serving the Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita and Orange County areas, including Pasadena, Burbank, Glendale, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, Arcadia, El Monte, Monrovia, as well as the South Bay and Beach Cities.
This is one of our all time favorite shots. The eyelash macro. Swoon!
Sweet baby Jordan was a rockstar during his mini swaddle session!
We got through so many adorable swaddled set ups and yes, we always include macro shots too in our mini swaddle sessions!
FAQ: What’s the best time for newborn photos?
The best time for newborn photos is between 9–17 days old. This is the sweet spot where baby is still quite sleepy and usually snoozes through the entire session. If your baby is past this timeframe, don’t fret! We can still capture beautiful images—just give us a shout and I’ll send you all our information on our newborn sessions in our cozy, Burbank home studio.
We’re Matt Cramer Photography, a Los Angeles-based husband and wife team specializing in newborn and baby photography. With over 14 years of experience and more than 1,600 babies photographed, our style is classic, natural, and timeless.
#Newbornphotoslosangeles #losangelesnewbornphotographer
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Loving these sibling shots! Big brother so totally dapper! Was not that long ago that we did his newborn photos too!
Love watching our clients grow their families! @morganhsuzuki your sweet boys! 🤍
We’re Matt + Jess, a husband-and-wife team in Los Angeles. For the last 12 years, we’ve photographed over 1,600 babies in our home studio. Families come to us for a relaxed experience and classic newborn portraits that never go out of style.
Q: How do you get siblings to take photos with the new baby?
We keep sibling photos short, fun, and pressure-free. That said, it really depends on the child—sometimes they’re all in, and sometimes they want nothing to do with baby (especially ages three and under, where it’s about a 50/50 chance).
Sessions start with about an hour of newborn-only poses, so we recommend having someone take siblings out or keep them busy during that time. Once baby shots are done, we’ll bring siblings back for family photos and a few sibling + newborn images if it feels safe and they’re up for it. We usually give this about 30 minutes and won’t push if it’s not working.
After their turn, it’s best if siblings head home or out for an activity—newborn sessions are long and warm. Families often have Dad, grandparents, or a caregiver take them to Verdugo Park, Chandler Bike Path, or Romancing the Bean nearby.
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One more of this sweet boy that is so incredibly loved! 🤍🤍
Held in the hands of mom, dad and big brother. We just knew we HAD to do this shot for this beautiful, loving family.
Matt Cramer Photography specializes in classic newborn and baby photography in Los Angeles. With over 14 years of experience and 1600+ babies photographed, Matt and Jess are known for creating a calm, stress-free experience while capturing the sweetest moments for families to treasure forever.
Q: Can siblings be included in the newborn session?
A: Siblings three years old and over can be included in newborn sessions. We like to remind parents that while we always try to capture great sibling shots, at the end of the day it will really depend on what the little ones are game for. Sibling shots can be great when they work, but we like to stress that they are not the main focus of our newborn sessions.
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Oh sweet baby boy!
Your family has been waiting years and years for you and now you are finally here!
So so loved! Matt and I could not be happier for this new family of four!
@heidiallmighty your sweet boy!!
Matt Cramer Photography | Los Angeles 📍
Specializing in newborn + baby photography for 12+ years
Over 1,600 little ones photographed in our cozy home studio
Classic, beautiful newborn photos for families across LA + beyond
FAQ
Do you provide props?
Yes! Our studio is fully stocked with hand-selected props, wraps, and outfits in soft, neutral tones.
When should I book a newborn session?
Most families book in their second trimester. We photograph babies within the first 8-17 days of life for the sleepiest poses. But if your baby has already arrived, always send an email because sometimes we have last-minute sessions!
Where are you located?
We’re based in Burbank, serving families from all over Los Angeles, including Pasadena, Glendale, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valencia, San Gabriel Valley, and beyond.
#losangelesnewbornphotography #losangelesnewbornphotographer #newbornphotographylosangeles #newbornphotographerlosangeles #LAnewbornphotography #LAnewbornphotographer #newbornphotographerLA #newbornphotographyLA #losangelesbabyphotography #losangelesbabyphotographer #babyphotographylosangeles #babyphotographerlosangeles #LAbabyphotography #LAbabyphotographer #babyphotographerLA #babyphotographyLA #losangelesbabyshower #babyshowerlosangeles #losangeles #baby #newborn #baby #babyontheway #babies #infant #photoshoot #photos #pictures
Oh sweet Mia! You stole our hearts! The second baby for this beautiful Los Angeles family and we could not be more happy for them!
And the best part? They ordered an heirloom album for themselves, and two grandparent brag books for each of the grandmothers!
FAQ: How do I view and select my photos?
About 2–3 weeks after your session, you’ll receive an online proofing gallery with the best images from your session. From there, you’ll choose your favorites to be fully retouched and delivered as high-res digital files.
We’re Matt Cramer Photography, a husband-and-wife team based in Los Angeles. For over 13 years, we’ve created newborn sessions that are calm, natural, and focused on what matters most—your baby. Everything you need is provided in our home studio so you can show up, relax, and know you’re in good hands.
#newbornphotography #babyphotography
#newbornsession #parentandbaby
#losangelesphotographer #newbornphotographerla
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Held with love. One of our top requested shots. There are the images that say everything—without needing a single word. And this is one of them.
FAQ: Can we be in a few photos too?
Yes! Family shots are included in our Deluxe Family session- where we go through a series of mom+baby, dad+baby, and all+baby poses!
We’re Matt Cramer Photography, a husband-and-wife team based in Los Angeles. For over 13 years, we’ve created newborn sessions that are calm, natural, and focused on what matters most—your baby. Everything you need is provided in our home studio so you can show up, relax, and know you’re in good hands.
#newbornphotography #babyphotography
#newbornsession #parentandbaby
#losangelesphotographer #newbornphotographerla
#losangelesbabyphotographer #newbornphotoslosangeles #newbornpictureslosangeles
All snuggled up in soft creams—this sweet boy was pure perfection in one of our favorite classic poses. Our little matching sleepy hat and knit wrap set made it even better! xo, Jess
We just released the final, retouched photos from this session and here’s what mom has to say:
“The photos turned out beautifully. You are both truly talented and we couldn’t thank you enough for these timeless photos.” Kayla- Van Nuys, CA
Made our day!!! 😊😊😊
FAQ: Do I need to bring anything to the newborn photo shoot for baby to wear?
Nope! We provide everything needed for your session—wraps, sleepy hats, headbands, blankets, baskets, and more. We’ve got it all covered!
Matt Cramer Photography is a husband-and-wife team based in Los Angeles. For over 13 years, we’ve photographed 1600+ newborns in our home studio in Burbank creating a relaxed experience for new parents and timeless images of their baby’s first days.
#newbornphotography #babyphotography
#newbornsession #newbornboy
#losangelesphotographer #newbornphotographerla
#losangelesbabyphotographer #losangelesnewbornphotography #newbornphotoslosangeles #newbornpictureslosangeles
This beautiful family!! I was going through past sessions and realized I never shared this! The love shared in this family and the love they felt for newest addition was a sight to see! The sweetest!! 🤍🤍 xo, Jess
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@mattcramerphotography
Hours:
Mon- Sun: 24/7