From one mother to another—what to know before your little one meets the cake
You made it.
Twelve months of giggles, spit-ups, sleepy cuddles, wonky routines, and a love that still catches you off guard.
And suddenly… it’s birthday time.
And you’re googling “cake smash photographer in Kolkata” while hiding a balloon pump from your one-year-old.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you want this shoot to feel fun.
Not stiff. Not fake. Definitely not stressful.
You just want someone who “gets it.
Who knows this isn’t about cake—it’s about catching your baby exactly as they are, in this messy, magical moment between babyhood and everything else.
So, how do you choose the right person for the job?
Let’s talk it through. Gently. With frosting on our minds. 🧁
1. Some babies smash the cake. Some study it like art.
Both are perfect.
I’ve had babies sit politely for five whole minutes before poking the cake like it was a science experiment.
Others? Straight in—fistfuls of icing, headfirst into the sponge, zero hesitation.
There’s no right way to smash a cake.
And the best photographers know that.
You want someone who’s comfortable going with the flow.
Someone who won’t panic if your baby suddenly decides the balloons are more exciting than the actual cake.
2. Babies don’t follow cues—but they do light up
One-year-olds don’t take direction.
They explore, they ignore, they surprise you. That’s part of the fun.
So look for a photographer who knows how to watch, not just shoot.
The one who’ll catch that scrunched-up giggle, that frosting-covered high five, that look of complete confusion right before delight.
If every photo feels like the same scene on repeat… keep looking.
Your baby isn’t everyone.
3. Cute themes are lovely—being cosy matters more
Now, I know the Pinterest setups can be tempting.
Balloons, buntings, those tiny crowns.
They’re cute. But they’re not everything.
What matters more is how your child feels in the space.
Can they crawl around freely?
Can you sit with them for a minute if they need it?
Does it feel like a friendly, comfy room where they can be themselves—not a big studio with strangers hovering?
4. What makes someone great at this?
Here’s where I get personal.
I’ve been photographing babies for over ten years now.
But before that, I was a mother. Still am. 😂
And I can tell you—nothing teaches you patience and instinct like parenthood.
So when things go off-script (and they will), I don’t blink.
If they need to be held, we pause.
If they want to smash and run, I’m already moving.
If they just want to sit and poke a balloon for ten minutes, I’m right there with them.
Because this isn’t really about camera settings or perfect backdrops.
It’s about knowing how babies feel. And what they need in the moment.
And that’s something I’ve learnt with time, and tenderness—and a whole lot of cake.
5. Let’s talk about the cake… and the unexpected
Here’s the thing no one tells you before a cake smash shoot:
Sometimes, the baby wants nothing to do with the cake.
They might touch the frosting and burst into tears.
Or they’ll look at it like you’ve just served them a plate of aliens.
Or they’ll cry until you hand them a banana instead.
Even if you’ve done a cupcake trial at home, there’s just no predicting what they’ll feel on the day.
That’s why I never treat cake smashes as standalone sessions.
They’re always part of a regular baby or child shoot—slotted towards the end, when we’ve already eased into the session, and your baby feels a little more at home.
Because yes, things will get messy.
Not just the floor, but sometimes the mood.
And it helps to have a quiet bedroom right next to the studio—with an attached toilet and all the space you need to wipe down sticky fingers or give your little one a cuddle break.
And if the cake never gets smashed? That’s okay too.
We still get lovely photos.
Of the setup. Of your baby looking curious or unimpressed or totally over it.
It’s always a story.
And it always makes for wonderful memories—frosting everywhere, or not a single crumb touched.
One last thing, before the candles and chaos
This first birthday?
It’s yours too.
You made it through a year of firsts.
And this messy, hilarious, frosting-filled moment deserves to be remembered.
So take your time choosing who gets to hold this moment with you.
Find someone who makes it feel easy.
Someone who’s done this plenty—probably more times than she can remember—and still laughs when the cake hits the floor.
Because when the hands are gentle, and the heart is in it…
The photos will feel just right.
🎂 Ready when you are.
With soft light, wide space, and all the patience your little one needs to make a delicious mess.
📸 Learn more about cake smash sessions at Niddledy Noddledy
Suchanda
Niddledy Noddledy
Bumps to Babies Photography
Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸
As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.
My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.
Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.
