Boho Floral Cake Smash | Saratoga Springs NY Cake Smash Photographer

Our cake smash sessions are a whole lot of fun, and as much as I love watching babies try their birthday cake for the first time, I also ADORE the sweet cuddles and giggles during the family portraits that we do at the start of every cake smash session.

This summer has been so much fun as we start all of our family portraits outside.  Gianna's family was absolutely wonderful to work with, and I love how playful they were with their one year old baby girl.  Plus, the light in this little spot in downtown Saratoga Springs is absolutely dreamy!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Gianna's mom brought a big pink balloon to their session, and I was so excited to capture these sweet moments with the birthday girl.  Just look at her striking a little pose!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Those first steps are such a momentous milestone for every family, and I always enjoy capturing these little babies as they start to test out their walking feet at this age!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We went back to the studio for Gianna's boho floral cake smash.  This is a very popular theme at the studio, and I love challenging myself as an artist and finding new ways to design each set.  We did a floral wall for Gianna, and it was perfectly soft and whimsical.  She loved it!!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
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A little help from mom...

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Baby toes in the cake!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
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Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We finished Gianna's birthday session with a bathtub splash at the end.  This is always a fun way to capture more smiles and so many adorable expressions, and Gianna absolutely loved it!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
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A Fourth of July Cake Smash with Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer

When you're born on the 4th of July, a red white and blue photo session is definitely in your future!  Oscar's family has been coming to our Saratoga Springs portrait studio since their oldest son turned one, and this summer I got to celebrate their littlest one's first birthday with them, too!  

We started with some gorgeous family portraits outside, and the location matched their wardrobe choices perfectly.  I just love these classic colors in the summertime!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Brothers!!  How cute are they?!?!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

This turned out to be one of my FAVORITE cake smash sets.  I especially love how it photographed from up above with all of the stars covering the floor and surrounding the birthday boy.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Seriously, he was SUCH A LITTLE HAM!  Oscar loved the camera, and he couldn't stop smiling and giggling the entire session!

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Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
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Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Now that is how you smash a cake!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We finished Oscar's cake smash session with a tub bath, and he loved splashing in the water and was all smiles for us.  See that wide-open laugh below?  His big brother made THE EXACT SAME FACE during his tub bath after his cake smash session in 2017.  (It was a cookies and milk session, and oh so cute!  Go check it out on the blog!)

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Killian's Newspaper Inspired Cake Smash | Saratoga Springs NY Cake Smash Photographer

This sweet little guy came to me for his newborn portraits a year ago, and it's hard to believe that he's already a toddler!   Killian joined me at the studio for his first birthday cake smash session, and we had so much fun with this spunky little boy filled with personality & smiles.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Plus, how dapper does he look in his little newsboy hat and vest?  This was the perfect outfit on Killian, and he absolutely rocked it!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

He was all smiles with mama and daddy, and they definitely enjoyed lots of tickles on the couch!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

A year ago, Killian's dad brought his police hat to the studio for the newborn session.  We wanted to incorporate this into his cake smash to show how much their baby boy has grown, and Killian was the perfect little model posing with his daddy's hat!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

That newsboy hat gave us the idea to use newspapers in his cake smash, and I love how this simple backdrop turned out with the white balloons in the foreground!  Killian was a little hesitant about his birthday cake at first, but once he picked up the most massive hunk of cake and took a bite (and we all exploded in laughter), then he really got into it and had so much fun smashing his cake.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Here is his with that huge hunk of cake...

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

And right after that first bite when he was deciding whether he liked it or not!  In the end, he decided that it's cake and it's AMAZING, so he dug right into the rest of it!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

When he stood up at the end to walk away, and wound up toppling over right onto the cake, that was the most perfect ending!!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Declan's Hot Air Balloon Inspired Cake Smash | Saratoga Springs NY Cake Smash Photographer

Declan is another one of our Summer 2017 babies who came back for their cake smash this year, and I love looking back at his newborn portraits and seeing how much that tiny squish has grown!

His family is planning an "Up!" themed birthday party (like the movie), so a hot air balloon cake smash was the perfect way to complement that theme by using the same pastel colors from the balloons in the movie.   His mom found this aviator hat, and I am in love with it!  I'm going to have to find one for the studio because it is oh-so-adorable!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We had the most perfect cake decorated to look like a sky with puffy white clouds, and it matched the hot air balloon backdrop beautifully.  Plus, it was delicious and Declan definitely approved!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Though he did have the most adorable crying face at the end!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We finished his session with a bathtub splash, and I love the second photo below where he looks like he's in an airplane ready to take flight.  That one is going to hang large in their home, and it's such a fun memory from his first birthday session!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Cameron's Blue, Navy, and Gold Cake Smash | Saratoga Springs NY Cake Smash Photographer

Handsome little Cameron turned one, and celebrated with a cake smash at our Attleboro studio!  This little guy was full of smiles, and he LOVED the camera.  We couldn't stop laughing over his adorable little poses and how he couldn't take his eyes off of the camera!  Plus, how cute is he in his newsboy cap?

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

The very first day we started planning their session, Cameron's mama sent me a photo of this dress and asked, "What do you think of this for family pics?"  Ummmmm, YES!  It's perfect and it photographed so beautifully for really classic images, and she was able to coordinate the other two outfits around the white & navy color scheme by adding in some gray as well.  Don't you just love how perfectly styled they all are together?

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

This photo below still makes me laugh.  Cameron is an active little toddler (of course!) and he was crawling all over the bed in the studio.  The second I'd put him on mom and dad's laps, he'd be racing off to the foot of the bed before I had the chance to move back down there with my camera.  I love how he's just hanging out at the edge here -- such a daredevil!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We planned a NAVY & GOLD CAKE SMASH for the birthday boy.  We used gold beaded curtains, a balloon banner.  This was my first time making one and I'm officially in love!  You'll be seeing more of these balloon banners in our sessions now!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

At first, he wasn't quite sure what to make of his cake...

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

But he figured it out quickly, got excited, and dug right in!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We wrapped up the session with a bathtub splash!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Boho Cake Smash with Floral Hoops | Saratoga Springs, NY Cake Smash Photographer

Luiza traveled to our Attleboro studio all the way from Cape Cod to celebrate her first birthday with a cake smash session, and I had so much fun with this happy, smiley birthday girl and her sweet family!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

She enjoyed lots of cuddles with her brother, mom, and dad in the studio, and she didn't stop smiling and laughing the entire time!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

For her cake smash, we used a new backdrop of floral hoops for a boho feel, with pops of light pink per mom's request.  I absolutely love how this backdrop came together for Luiza's session -- check out a DIY tutorial to make your own on the blog!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We have SO MANY BIRTHDAY BABIES on the calendar for this summer.  Have you booked your cake smash session yet?  Be sure to reach out with at least one month before your baby's birthday to ensure a spot on the calendar for your little one's birthday session!
 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Blake is ONE! A Sparkly Pink and Gold Cake Smash with Boston Baby Photographer

I love when our newborn clients come back to celebrate their first birthday at the studio!  It's hard to believe that it's been a year already since Blake's newborn session, and I truly enjoyed getting to celebrate this vibrant baby girl's first birthday with a very special cake smash session at our Attleboro baby photography studio.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer

Our popular paper flower backdrop is at it again, this time with a little SPARKLE!  This drop is now for sale with our Designer Line at Baby Dream Backdrops.  Check it out here!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer

Blake LOVED her cake, especially once she was able to dig in with a spoon!  She surprised us all by keeping her birthday crown on the entire time (rare for a one-year old!), and she had the best time giggling away while we did her cake smash.  Isn't she adorable?!?!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer

Of course, I can never resist clicking the shutter on a good crying photo, and Blake ended the smash with the perfect reaction.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer

No birthday session with Nicole Starr Photography is complete without some family portraits!  We did some classic portraits for this Boston family, with neutral colors and a simple background to let them shine together.  This sweet little girl is so, so loved!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer
nicole starr photography saratoga springs boston cake smash baby photographer_0003.jpgNicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photogr…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer

Go Patriots! A Football Cake Smash Session with Boston Baby Photographer Nicole Starr Photography

This family LOVES the Patriots.  Their son was born in 2017 during the Super Bowl, and of course they wanted to incorporate their favorite sport into his first birthday session.  Ryan is probably the tiniest Pats fan in New England, but you can bet that be brings a lot of spirit to cheer on his family's favorite team!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…

We planned a football cake smash for Ryan's first birthday session at our Attleboro portrait studio.  I love getting everything ready for these sessions down to the very last detail, including this adorable Pats jersey cake topper that I designed just for his session!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…

Like a true rough-and-tumble football player, Ryan did not mess around when it came time to dig in.  Look at him shoving fistfuls of cake in his mouth!  We couldn't stop laughing at this cute baby boy's enthusiasm!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…

What does your family enjoy doing together?  Watching sports, reading books, painting, cooking, dancing, listening to music, playing make believe?  Whatever you love, we can incorporate it into your little one's session to infuse your family's interests and personality into your portraits.  Let's chat and plan your session together!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer  |  Albany Cake Smash Photographer  |  Football cake smash  |  Patriots football…

Elijah's Winter Wonderland Cake Smash - Saratoga Springs NY Cake Smash Photographer

First birthday sessions are always SO. MUCH. FUN!

Elijah is the smiliest one-year old, and he absolutely loved the camera.  This little guy had a short nap right before his session, but that didn't dampen his mood at all and he did such a wonderful job during family portraits, baby portraits, a cake smash, and a bathtub splash at the end!

When I first met his parents, they told me that Elijah's favorite toy is his sock monkey, so of course he had to bring that to the studio for a few portraits!  I always love incorporating a favorite toy or book into our first birthday sessions to give you a beautiful portrait to remember their first favorite plaything, and I was so happy when this adorable sock monkey came along for the session!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We planned a winter wonderland cake smash to go along with his birthday party theme.  Birch trees, twinkly lights, snow, and lots of snowflakes were a beautiful and simple way to create this theme, and I love the final effect!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

At first, Elijah wasn't too impressed by his cake.  After a few tries, he really got into it, especially once we gave him a spoon to dig in!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

My favorite part was how he decided to show off his standing skills mid-smash.  He braced himself against the floor and slowly (while wobbling!) raised himself up to look at us with the biggest, proudest smile on his face!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We finished Elijah's session with a bathtub splash, which is definitely my favorite way to end a cake smash at the studio.  Most babies love bath time, and this is always a fun opportunity for portraits while also washing off the sugary frosting.  We got lots of smiles from this sweet boy, and he LOVED splashing around in the tub!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Check out Miss Riley's adorable bathtub splash here on the blog, too!
 

saratoga springs cake smash baby birthday photographer

A Bathtub Splash after the Cake Smash - Saratoga Springs NY Baby Photographer

We have the most adorable new prop in the studio, and I think you're going to LOVE it!  It is simple, classic, and just perfect for our littlest clients! 

Just look at this adorable baby-sized bathtub.  Riley LOVED using it after her cake smash session for a little SPLASH (with a rubber ducky, of course)!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer

At this age, I love capturing all of the little details that make your baby so beautiful and unique.  Thick eyelashes.  Beautiful curls that are just starting to take shape.  Perfect little lips.  Finger dimples.  And those adorable leg rolls that you just want to squish and cuddle.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer

Many babies spend the happiest part of their day splishing & splashing in the bathtub.  For them, it's a playground filled with so many giggles and the biggest smiles.  Riley, of course, adored her bath time and she made the biggest splash!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer

Huge smiles.  Lots of happy squeals.  And non-stop laughter as she played with her rubber duckies.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Children’s Photographer | Boston Children’s Photographer | Upstate NY Children’s Photographer | Children’s Photographer

Are you ready to book your SMASH & SPLASH?  What about a petite session with just a baby bath?  Email me and let's chat to plan your baby's perfect session together!
 

Happy Thanksgiving! A Pumpkin Pie Smash at our Saratoga Springs Studio: NY Cake Smash Photographer

Who says that birthdays can only be celebrated with a cake smash?
How about a PUMPKIN PIE SMASH?

This Thanksgiving-themed birthday session at our Saratoga Springs portrait studio was the perfect way to celebrate the season for sweet little Riley.  With her first birthday coming up soon, this baby girl got to enjoy an alternative to our traditional cake smash session with a pumpkin pie! 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie

Of course, I can't resist a handmade one-of-a-kind backdrop, and gold calligraphy has always been my favorite.  "Gobble 'til you wobble" was the perfect saying for this very fun birthday photo session!  Combined with a few simple fall accents and an adorable outfit, Riley was the star of the show for her birthday session! 

And just look at that tiny little tooth poking through her smile!

Nicole Starr Photography_Saratoga Springs Pie Smash Photographer Boston Pie Smash Photographer-2.jpg
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie

I always prep parents before a cake smash session that some babies love their cake, and others need a little more convincing.  But don't worry -- I have so many tricks to get babies interested in their cake, and we're always able to capture the most adorable portraits!

Sometimes giving the baby a spoon is all it takes because it's something that they're familiar with and that they've enjoyed using at home lately.  A tiny silver spoon did just the trick for our birthday girl, and she went to town on her pie with that spoon!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie

Is your little one's birthday coming up soon?  We're now booking cake smash sessions (or pies, cheerios, avocado, and other favorite food smashes!) through March 2018, which is perfect for babies who will turn 1 between now & May!  You can read all about our birthday sessions here on our website.  
 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Boston Pumpkin Pie Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | pumpkin pie

A Pastel Cake Smash at our Massachusetts Studio - Boston Cake Smash Photographer

Mia's pastel cake smash at our Attleboro studio was the perfect way to celebrate this sweet girl's first birthday!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

We brought in all of the whimsical elements with twinkle lights, a sparkly dress, a handpainted backdrop, and a "unicorn swirl" cake -- what a fun name for those colorful swirls, right?

Mia brought the adorable expressions and so much excitement!  Seriously, how cute is she?!?!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Some babies don't love getting their fingers all messy, and a spoon makes all the difference!  Mia wanted two spoons, and before we knew it she was digging in and making a great big mess with her chocolate cake.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Her big brother Tai wanted to join in, and he did such a great job showing her how to eat her cake instead of just swirling it around.  Tai was a HUGE fan of the cake, and kept coming back for more!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Two miles from the studio is a beautiful park with so many options for family portraits.  I love going here at the beginning of our cake smash sessions to start with family portraits, giving the kids space to run and explore while warming up to the idea of having a photographer take their portraits.

We found a cozy little spot underneath a low-hanging tree, and the dappled sunlight against the leaves was the perfect backdrop for this sweet family.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer

Before our session Tai's mom told me multiple times that he really doesn't like having his picture taken, and that we'd be lucky if we got one good image of him.  So many parents worry about this, and it is a completely normal concern to have before your session.  BUT, my goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and capture your true selves together.

With room to play, lots of tickles, and some silly games, this sweet boy warmed right up and showed us his playful personality!  We captured so many beautiful laughs and giggles, and I just love how animated he was during the family portraits!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer

SUPERMAN!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer
Boston baby and child photographer, Nicole Starr Photography
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer | Upstate NY Family Photographer | Family Photographer

Did you love this playful session?  Check out some more fun family sessions here!
 

A Donut Smash for Dylan's First Birthday with Union Square Donuts | Boston Baby Photographer

Who said cake smashes can only include cake?  Dylan celebrated her first birthday with donuts from Union Square Donuts in Somerville, and I'm in love!!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts

This donut smash was such a fun way to celebrate Dylan's first birthday, and I love that her mom came to me with a totally unique idea, inspired to try something new and give her daughter a birthday experience that was extra special to their family -- they are regular Sunday morning customers at their local donut shop, of course!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts

Of course, dad couldn't resist jumping in for a bite!  I always love it when babies get to happy to share their birthday smash food with family, and this is definitely a favorite moment captured from Dylan's session!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts

All of our birthday sessions include family portraits, and one-year olds are so much fun to play with!  Dylan's mom and dad enjoyed cuddles, tickles, and so many sweet little giggles from their birthday girl!  She was just learning to walk at the time of her session, and I am obsessed with the images of her walking with her daddy.  Her expressions are priceless!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Donut Smash Photographer | Boston Donut Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Baby Photographer | Boston Baby Photographer | Union Square Donuts

Did you love this session?  Looking for inspiration for your cake smash?  Check out our blog post with 70+ theme ideas (including food alternatives!) for your baby's cake smash session.

Cake Smash Series: 70+ Theme Ideas for your Next Cake Smash Session

Your baby's first birthday is coming up, and it's time to party!  What better way to celebrate than with a portrait session?  Personally, cake smashes are my FAVORITE! 

We've come up with a list of the most popular (and also some of the most unique!) ideas for first birthday sessions and cake smashes.  We hope that you'll be inspired to plan a one-of-a-kind cake smash for your baby's first birthday!


Cake Smash Themes, Nicole Starr Photography

Classic themes:

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Construction/Trucks
Baseball
Nautical
Tea party
Circus
Flowers
Airplanes
Dr. Seuss
Rubber Duckies
Music/Band/Instruments
Sock Monkeys
Superheroes
Rainbow colors
Bohemian
Circus
Camping
Shabby Chic
Ballet


Animals:

Unicorns
Teddy bears
Farm animals
Woodland animals
Ocean animals
Zoo animals
Bumble bees
Monkeys
Owls
Whales
Butterflies


Seasonal cake smash theme ideas, Nicole Starr Photography

Seasonal:

Winter wonderland
Valentine’s
At the beach
Surf’s up
Cherry blossoms
Spring garden
Falling leaves
Halloween
Christmas
New Years Eve
Snowmen


Cake Smash Themes with Children's Books, Nicole Starr Photography

Classic Children’s Books:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Guess How Much I Love You
Corduroy
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Oh the Places You’ll Go
The Little Prince
Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter books
Where the Wild Things Are
Make Way for Ducklings
Blueberries for Sal
Goodnight Moon
Harry Potter
Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan
Alice in Wonderland
 


Cake Smash Alternatives, Nicole Starr Photography

Food alternatives:

Spaghetti & meatballs
Watermelon
Pumpkin pie
Pancakes
Seasonal fruit (strawberries, blueberries)
Cheerios
Pineapple
Apples/apple pie for fall
Tacos
Waffles
Donuts
Ice cream
Pie
Cookies & milk


You've got the perfect theme -- now what do you decorate with?  I provide all of the decor for my cake smash sessions at the studio.  Here are some of my favorite items I like to keep on hand to make our sessions a little more whimsical, creative, and fun!

Decor ideas:

Paper bunting in many shapes
Tulle balls
Tissue paper puffs
Twinkle lights
Patio lights
Lanterns
Cotton clouds
Hanging flowers
Ribbon streamers
Flower garlands
Eucalyptus garlands
Fake flowers to hang from the ceiling
Mason jars
Beaded curtains
 


Don't forget to check out the other posts in our Cake Smash Series!

Three of Hearts Cake Smash | Down Syndrome & CHD Awareness

Meet Harper, Catherine & Mae.  These birthday girls are our "Three of Hearts."

Cake Smash with three babies with Down syndrome.  Special needs photographer in Boston, MA.

These three baby girls met for the first time at our breastfeeding photoshoot on the beach with Julia's Way in June 2017.  During the photoshoot we discovered that they all were born three days in a row, and they all underwent major heart surgeries at Boston Children's Hospital in their first few months of life.  

These girls are now thriving -- they are heart warriors and breastfeeding champions.  When we also realized that their first birthdays were coming up, we knew we had to do something special to celebrate!  


TIME FOR A VERY SPECIAL CAKE SMASH!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

I'm pretty sure that Mae is the smiliest of the bunch -- she has such a wide range of expressions, and I love how excited she was during our session together!  Her sparkling eyes and auburn hair will melt your heart!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

You'll see that every baby's journey is unique, and Mae's mom shared a little bit about what makes her daughter "Mighty Mae."

Mae has had quite a first year. 3 separate heart surgeries including a pacemaker all before 7 months of age. She was inpatient for 75 days before coming home for the first time! A total of 136 days in the hospital in her first year of life. I can’t wait to celebrate her resilience and beauty in this photoshoot. She’s our “Mighty Mae”
— Mae's mom
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

Little miss Catherine (Cate) is adorable & sweet, and oh-so-dainty.  This sweet little girl didn't want to get her fingers too messy during the cake smash, and she spent most of the time trying to figure out how to get the frosting OFF of her fingers.  Oh, and she has the most adorable eyes framed by her purple glasses!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

Cate has come such a long way, and I love this message from her mom!

Cate was in the hospital for 80 straight days starting right when she was born. She has had 3 major surgeries, one of which was open heart surgery. She has come so far from a 5lb 3oz sick little heart baby to a 17lb happy little girl who sits up, babbles, and plays with toys.
— Cate's mom
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

And Harper was the frosting queen!  Not one to shy away from sugar (this is a girl after my own heart!), this cuddly little girl was immediately covered in frosting and loved making a great big mess.  She had her fingers in the cake before I even picked up my camera, and she definitely loved this birthday experience!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

Harper's mom shared a few inspiring words on her heart warrior's journey:

This session is so important to me because prior to her diagnosis we were expecting a “normal” healthy baby. The news of her Trisomy 21 devastated us, but her heart defect caused us to mourn her. We anticipated the worst and grieved her loss prematurely. I want others to know that neither diagnosis is not necessarily a terminal one and that she has brought so much love, joy, patience and understanding into our lives. She has changed every member of our family for the better!!!
— Harper's mom
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Down Syndrome Photographer | Down Syndrome Awareness

Loved this session?  Leave a little love for our "Three of Hearts" in the comments below, and please share this session on Facebook to help us spread the love for these heart warriors!

Telling a Story through your Cake Smash Session Images

I am a storyteller with a camera. 

As a cake smash photographer in Saratoga Springs & Boston, I am all about telling the story of my littlest clients’ first birthday celebrations.   Personally, I love doing this in a classic way with a first birthday cake smash session.  

But it’s not just about making a mess out of the cake.  

As a photographer, your job is to discover and tell a story.  There is an entire story that unfolds when you place a cake in front of a baby, and today’s post will help you discover the key elements so that you can capture the full story in your next cake smash session!


START AT THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY

While you can’t exactly have the words “Once upon a time” to obviously clue us in that this is the beginning of your cake smash, there are so many other ways to visually portray the start of the session and the beginning of the baby’s birthday story. 

I like to start my cake smash sessions with a pull back shot of the entire setup BEFORE the baby is even in the frame.  Capture the cake, the decor, and close ups of the little details.  Capture the perfection before the mess that occurs later on!  I do this while parents are getting the baby ready, and I tell them that I’m just testing out my light — which is true!   Sometimes I take a few test shots while waiting for the family to arrive as well, just to make sure there are no other adjustments I want to make to the setup.

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

After those couple of quick shots, the focus is no longer on the decor, and it’s 100% on the baby.  Forget about the decor and watch the story unfold!
 

Get ready for the action

Next we’re ready for the baby!  I explain to the parents where they will place the baby in the setup.  I ask them to place the baby behind and off to the side of the cake just a little bit.  This way, the baby can crawl or walk towards the cake, showing off their new gross motor skills.  It also gives you a great opportunity to capture the excitement, interest, and curiosity on the baby’s face as they see their colorful cake for the first time!

You are on camera duty, and the parents are on baby-chasing duty.  If you keep getting up to position the baby, you are going to miss a lot of incredible shots, so I make sure the parents know that they’ll bring the baby back into the set if the baby crawls (or walks!) away.
 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

WATCH THE STORY UNFOLD

It’s all about the angles!  Start from far away and move in with your camera to capture the entire scene, and then close ups of the baby.  I like to get really close and capture the frosting on their feet, the little pieces of cake that they’re putting into their mouth, and those tiny fingers grabbing the cake.  

One of my favorite angles to capture in the middle of the shoot is the bird’s eye composition.  I grab my step stool and shoot from up above with my 35mm lens.  I sing, clap, and do anything I can to get the baby looking up at me.  It’s my favorite shot every single time showing those wide and sparkling eyes, their beautiful outfit, and the messy cake that they’ve enjoyed all in one shot.
 

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
saratoga springs cake smash baby photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

FIND A NATURAL ENDING

The image that you use to represent the end of the session may be the very last frame that you capture that day, but I find that the image I choose to show the end often isn’t the very last frame, but one from earlier on when the baby was just over it.  

Maybe they’re crying or crawling away from the cake.  Maybe their big brother or sister came in for a few photos and for a taste of the birthday cake.  Maybe mom’s arms are reaching into the frame to pick up the baby at the end.  Maybe the baby is signing “all done” with their hands all covered in frosting.  Whatever it is, there’s your shot to show the end of the story!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Some cake smashes last for 20 minutes, and others last for 5 minutes. If you prepare the family to expect this ahead of time, it will be no big deal if the sessions goes a little short because the baby is not feeling it.  Nevertheless, you can still capture a beginning, middle, and end to the story through your images by changing your angles, composition, and looking for storytelling transitions that occur naturally in the session.


Think they're all perfect and filled with smiling, happy babies?  No way!
If your next cake smash session doesn't go as planned, don't worry!  
Check out my favorite blog post that's a compilation of so many recent sessions: 


After the Session

Don't let the story end with that last photo!  Take it to the blog to share behind the scenes pictures, details about planning the session, and tell your readers a little more about what happened in between frames to tell the full story of baby's first birthday cake smash!

A Pink & Teal Cake Smash in our Saratoga Springs Portrait Studio

One of my FAVORITE things about our cake smash sessions is getting to become fully immersed in the creative side of things while I make each baby's custom birthday set-up.  

When we started planning her daughter's cake smash, Addison's mom told me that she loved our blush pink paper flowers (you know these flowers by now, they're the super popular ones in this post, this post, and this post -- and they're for sale here!).  I wanted to do something unique for her session, and after seeing her inspiration boards that included pops of teal & gold as well as pink, I knew exactly what we would do for a shabby chic cake smash for her baby girl!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Addison LOVED IT.  When the birthday girl first realized that the sugary confection was just for her, she gave us the most awe-filled look that said, "Really?!?!  For me?!?!?"  And then she dug right in!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

I first met this sweet family from Rutland, VT a year ago when Addison was only two days old.  I visited them in the hospital for a Fresh 48 session to celebrate her arrival, and we captured some of my favorite Fresh 48 moments ever in their light-filled hospital room.  And now she came to my Saratoga Springs portrait studio one year later, all grown up with the biggest smile and the most bubbly personality.   This little girl is pure sunshine, and I loved capturing these family photos of everyone together.  They adore their baby girl, and she very clearly brings so much light into their lives.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Thank you so much for joining me at the studio for your first birthday cake smash!  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Did you love this whimsical cake smash? Check out a few of my favorite cake smash sessions here on the blog!

A Butterfly Cake Smash in Saratoga Springs
A Cookies & Milk Cake Smash in Saratoga Springs
"I Love You to the Moon & Back" Cake Smash in Boston
 

A Rainbow Cake Smash for Lucas | Boston Cake Smash Photographer

Sometimes our cake smash sessions are SUPER COLORFUL (like this Very Hungry Caterpillar cake smash here!).  When Lucas' mom told me that she wanted bright rainbow colors in her son's cake smash, I was thrilled to find a creative way to develop this set in a whimsical way without overpowering her sweet little boy.  Some balloons, garland, and a felt banner did the trick!  Oh, and lots and lots of sprinkles on his birthday cake!  His parents own an ice cream shop, so how could we not include sprinkles?  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

This sweet little birthday boy wore the cutest striped romper from June and January, and I just love how well it coordinated with his set.  Plus, it was simple and playful, and perfect for a little baby boy.  By the way... he LOVED his cake.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

This is definitely my favorite shot as he's reaching for his first bite of cake, and I love how he is suspended in midair with those bright blue sparkling eyes looking right at me.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Lucas' big sister, Ella, came and joined in the fun.  She was so excited to show her brother how to eat his cake like a puppy dog, and she really got into it.  There were sprinkles everywhere, and we loved every second of watching these two sweet little siblings interact.  

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer

Of course, all of our birthday sessions also include family photos, and we had so much fun playing and laughing together to capture some fun memories for this family to enjoy.  Want to see how much Lucas has grown?  Check out his lifestyle newborn session here on the blog to see this cutie when he was only a few days old!  Even back then, his big sister was so sweet and attentive!

Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer
Nicole Starr Photography | Saratoga Springs Cake Smash Photographer | Boston Cake Smash Photographer | Saratoga Springs Family Photographer | Boston Family Photographer