Short answer?

Usually yes 🙂

But honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Cake smash sessions are designed to be playful, expressive, and personality-filled. Some babies dive face-first into the frosting immediately, while others carefully poke at the cake one finger at a time.

Either way, the reactions are almost always adorable.

What Happens During A Cake Smash Session?

Most cake smash sessions are divided into three parts:

1. Clean Portraits

We usually start with classic milestone portraits before the cake comes out.

These images are perfect for capturing your baby’s personality and updated portraits before things get messy.

2. The Cake Smash

Once the cake is introduced, we let baby explore naturally.

Some babies:

  • Smash immediately
  • Taste cautiously
  • Cry at the texture
  • Try climbing away
  • Prefer eating tiny bites
  • Become completely covered in frosting

And honestly?

Every reaction is cute.

The goal is never perfection. The goal is personality.

3. Splash Session

Many cake smash sessions finish with a warm splash bath cleanup session.

These are often parents’ favorite images because babies tend to relax, splash, laugh, and have so much fun by this point.

Will Frosting Get Everywhere?

Probably 🙂

But I handle the cleanup process carefully, and most of the mess stays contained to the set area.

I always recommend bringing:

  • Wipes
  • A change of clothes
  • Snacks or water
  • Anything baby may need afterward

What If My Baby Doesn’t Like The Cake?

It happens, but probably not as often as you think!

Some babies love cake immediately. Others are unsure about the texture, frosting, or attention.

And that’s completely okay.

Some of the cutest images come from curious expressions, tiny reactions, or messy little hands rather than full-on smashing.

Custom Cake Smash Themes

One of my favorite parts of cake smash photography is designing custom sets.

I work closely with families to plan:

  • Colors
  • Themes
  • Styling
  • Props
  • Outfit coordination
  • Overall session vibe

Whether you want something whimsical, classic, playful, minimal, floral, rustic, or themed around your child’s favorite things, we can create something unique together.

Looking For A Cake Smash Photographer In The Bay Area?

Sara Pope Photography specializes in custom cake smash and milestone photography for families throughout Oakley, California, USA, Brentwood, California, Antioch, and surrounding East Bay communities.

Learn more about my custom cake smash sessions in Oakley and the East Bay.