Ready, Set, Smash! Your baby has reached their biggest milestone yet and what better way then to celebrate with cake! In this one-hour session, we’ll capture all the adorable moments of your little one’s cake-eating adventure and even freshen up your family portraits! To top it all off, your baby will enjoy a mini splash session and get all cleaned up while having a blast! Let’s make this milestone unforgettable!
Let's get smashing!
Chicago baby milestone & cake smash photographer
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Smashing their way through life
Featured
cake smash
portrait Galleries
Coolest baby name for the coolest kid in town. Baby Rhodes absolutely enjoyed smashing into his cake, so much so he threw it! Some families get to take home the left over cake but in this occasion there was no saving it!
Cute as a button
I was so excited when mom told me she wanted a coquette session for her daughter. It fit perfectly with her personality! They even brought cowgirl boots matching the theme!!
pretty in pink
Savannah
Never would I had imagined a more cuter golfer. I'm sure little man will be following in dad's love for golf soon enough!
A hole in one experience
Connor
x. Close
breathtaking • moments • captured
The Chicago
Cake Smash photography Experience
Your baby’s first year went by in the blink of an eye so let’s slow things down and celebrate just how far they’ve come! My cake smash sessions are playful, joy-filled, and completely customized to your little one’s personality.
From the theme and backdrop to the props and cake, I take care of all the setup so you can simply show up and enjoy the moment. You’ll just need to bring baby, their outfit, and the essentials-I’ll handle the rest!
We’ll start with sweet portraits while they’re still clean, move into the messy fun of the cake smash, and finish with a splash in the tub to wash it all off. It’s a full experience filled with laughter, frosting, and memories you’ll cherish forever.
Turning One Deserves a Celebration
Every cake smash begins with a simple hello. Most families reach out a few months before their little one’s first birthday so we have time to design a session that feels as special as the milestone itself. Whether you’re envisioning something playful and colorful, themed and fun, or a timeless and elegant setup, I’ll handle the details so everything comes together beautifully.
Getting started with ANE Photography is simple: fill out the contact form below, and I’ll connect with you by email to share availability, walk you through investment options, answer any questions, and ensure I’m the right Chicago cake smash photographer for your family.
1. Say Hello
Once you’ve decided to move forward, the next step is to reserve your session date with a retainer and signed contract. Some families prefer to schedule a few weeks before the big day so their portraits are ready to showcase at a birthday celebration, while others plan the session right around their little one’s birthday to make the cake smash the celebration itself.
2. Schedule it
Now comes the fun part, bringing your vision to life! Booking at least three weeks in advance gives us time to explore all the possibilities: an elaborate themed setup, timeless neutrals with a balloon garland, or even a blend of both. Together, we’ll refine every detail so the session feels special.
Once we’ve finalized the theme or color palette, the baker I partner with will create a custom cake designed to complement your setup perfectly. All you need to bring is your baby’s coordinating outfit, I’ll handle the rest.
3. Planning it
The big day has arrived, and it’s time to celebrate your little one in style! We’ll begin with family portraits, capturing those sweet connections before moving on to the cake smash itself. Whether your child dives right in or takes a few curious tastes, every reaction is part of the joy I love to capture.
To finish, we’ll end with a mini splash bath, washing away the frosting while creating playful, joyful portraits you’ll treasure. Not only does your little one get squeaky clean, but you’ll walk away with a complete collection of memories from start to finish.
4. Your Session
Two weeks after your session, you’ll return for a private viewing where your child’s portraits are revealed for the first time. From sweet cake smash moments to playful splash portraits, you’ll select your favorites and turn them into timeless artwork for your home.
5. Your Photographs
You captured so many precious moments of our daughter. The cake smash session was amazing! If anyone is looking for an outstanding photographer look no further contact and Carmen she is very caring and professional. She treats you just like family. We will definitely be coming back for more pictures of my kids. Thank you so much for everything!!!
-Cristina
"She treats you just like family"
Carmen is great at explaining her process and was very easy to work with. Carmen really captured our baby's personality so well. The cake smash photoshoot could not have turned out any better. Book with her immediately!
-Peter
"We are over the moon delighted how the pictures turned out!"
Please fill out the contact form below with all of your details as well as any questions that you have for me.
PLEASE NOTE: Portrait sessions from $600
