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
For the boy that is obsessed with animals I designed a cool jungle theme in my cake smash studio in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Animal obsessed milestone
I was so excited when Mom told me she wanted a bow theme for her birthday session. Little Miss looked beautiful and perfectly aligned with her birthday theme.
pretty in pink
kendra
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!
cutest chicago boy
rhodes
x. Close
breathtaking • moments • captured
Unique cake smash experience unlike any other in the chicagoland area
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.
They'll only be this little once, let's celebrate it!
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. let's chat
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. let's book 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. let's plan 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. let's have fun
The Cake smash photography Process
You’ve been dreaming
of this moment
let’s create something beautiful to remember it by.
newborn Portrait
Session Pricing
After your session, during your reveal, choose the package that fits your needs
Collection i
30 Digital Images
Online Gallery
$300 Complimentary Artwork Credit
15% Off All A La Carte Artwork
$1,500
Most Popular
20 Digital Images
Online Gallery
$200 Complimentary Artwork Credit
$1,100
Collection ii
10 Digital Images
Online Gallery
$100 Complimentary Artwork Credit
Collection iIi
$800
5 Digital Images
Online Gallery
Collection iV
$600
THE FINE PRINT
*A $250 non-refundable retainer is due to reserve your session.
*Print credit must be used during your ordering appointment. Unused credit is forfeited. Print credit is non-transferable, has no cash value, and cannot be applied to future purchases.
*Payment plans available
Printed artwork turns your memories into part of your everyday life, not just files saved on a phone and forgotten. Your family deserves to be seen and displayed in the home you’ve built.
At ANE Photography, I help transform your portraits into timeless heirlooms through custom wall art, albums, and keepsakes, so your most meaningful moments are not only captured but seen.
A Joyful Milestone, Captured with Purpose. Displayed with Love.
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We were absolutely pleased and in love with the work and outcome of our daughter’s smash cake pictures. Aside from the pictures themselves, it is difficult to say what was the best part of the experience as it all was truly amazing. From the initial communication, to the set up (considering we booked pretty last minute), she made it all so memorable. It was great that we had options for packages and not to mention the whole presentation to show the end results, it made the decision to pick the entire gallery easy! I am already looking forward to plan a family session in the fall/winter!!
-Lyz
Carmen made us feel welcomed and like we had known each other for years!
Client Reviews & Kind Words
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"
Client Reviews & Kind Words
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!"
Client Reviews & Kind Words
I was looking for a cake smash photographer in Chicago and found ANE Photography on Facebook and instantly liked her craft. Also very detailed and helpful in planning out the backdrop, outfits and cake. She knew how to handle kids and was very patient working with all of us. We enjoyed our session with her. Highly recommended!
-Kirstie
"It was a delight working with Carmen. She was very responsive and able to answer all my questions."
Client Reviews & Kind Words
We found ANE photography on Facebook and immediately fell in love with her work. When we were ready to book our daughters cake smash session with her she replied promptly. She followed up with us about any questions or concerns and even encouraged us to input our ideas for the decor. The day of the session could not have gone any better. We can’t wait to book another session!
-Karla
She was so welcoming and patient with us. The session was so easy going and fun, our daughter truly enjoyed it.
Client Reviews & Kind Words
Frequently asked
questions &
answers
How much is a cake smash session?
A: A $250 retainer holds your date and that's all due upfront. After your session, you'll view your images at a private reveal and choose only what you love. Digital image collections start at $350.
When should I schedule a cake smash session?
A: Book at least two weeks before you want your images in hand. This gives us plenty of time for the session, your reveal, and any printed artwork to arrive before the big birthday.
Q: How far in advance should i book?
A: I recommend booking your session when the baby is about 11 months. That way we can start planning right away.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE SESSION?
A: Cake smash sessions typically take up to an hour. Within that hour, we take family portraits, portraits of the baby before cake, during, and finish off with a splash session.
Can we do custom themed cake smashes?
A: Yes, absolutely! Custom themes are my specialty; every single session is one of a kind. You share your vision and inspo, I design the set, and my baker creates a cake to match.
What should the baby wear?
A: Simple is best. A neutral or solid romper lets the theme and the cake do the talking, since the backdrop is usually the star of the show, and busy outfits compete. More details are given in your Cake Smash Experience Guide once you're booked.
WHAT IF MY BABY IS SCARED OF THE CAKE OR HAS AN ALLERGY?
A: Totally covered. If baby is hesitant, I have wooden spoons on hand so they can still play and explore at their own pace. If cake is off the table entirely due to allergies or preference, I offer a fake cake prop that photographs just as beautifully.
Q: Can my partner and my other kids be in the photos?
A: Absolutely! I encourage it. Family portraits are some of my favorite images to capture. Just let me know who's joining so I can plan the session accordingly.
Q: Where in Chicago is your cake smash studio?
A: My in-home studio is in Lombard, a western suburb of Chicago, about 20 miles west of downtown.
Still have questions?
send me a message below.
I'd love to hear from you. Please fill out the form below & let's get the conversation started.
