Your Cake Smash Portrait Experience
at Gillard Studios
At Gillard Studios, our Cake Smash sessions are all about celebrating your little one’s first birthday with laughter, personality, and a touch of luxury. Each session is carefully styled with beautiful props and a custom cake, creating the perfect setting for your baby to explore, play, and make a joyful mess. We capture every smile, giggle, and frosting-covered moment—ending with a splash in our mini bath to finish the experience. It’s a relaxed, fun, and memorable way to mark this special milestone, with images you’ll treasure forever.
Your Cake Smash Portrait Experience - £100
A relaxed 1-2 hour studio session including:
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Full guidance from our expert team
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Bespoke set design in a colour or theme of your choice.
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A cake to match your theme by a local baker.
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A mini splash session following the cake smash.
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A cinematic viewing appointment to select your favourite images for purchase.
Once your session has taken place we will arrange a viewing appointment for around one week later. At this appointment you will be able to select your favourite images and products for purchase.
A £100 deposit secures your session and will be deducted from your chosen collection total. Product pricing begins from £399.
For a full product guide, complete the form below and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.
Ready to book?
Secure your session below and we'll be in touch to arrange your consultation appointment.
Flexible payment and 0% finance available.
Cake Smash Photography FAQs – Gillard Studios, South Wales
When should we book a cake smash session?
We recommend booking your cake smash session when your baby is around 10–11 months old.
This allows time to schedule your session before their first birthday and ensures your images are ready for celebrations if you’d like to use them for invitations or displays.
We take a limited number of styled sessions each month at our Pontypridd studio, so booking in advance is always recommended.
What age is best for a cake smash photoshoot?
Cake smash sessions are designed for babies turning one, typically between 10–12 months old.
At this stage, babies are usually sitting confidently and curious enough to explore the cake — which creates the most natural and joyful images.
Do you provide the cake?
Yes, we can arrange the cake for you.
We work with trusted local suppliers to ensure your cake is safe, simple and beautifully matched to your chosen theme. If your baby has allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.
You are also welcome to bring your own cake if you prefer.
Do we need to bring decorations or outfits?
No - we design and style the entire setup for you.
From the backdrop to the props and colour palette, everything is carefully coordinated. We’ll discuss theme ideas before your session to create something personal and special.
We also have a small selection of outfits available, or you’re welcome to bring something meaningful of your own.
Our aim is to make the experience completely stress-free for families across Cardiff and South Wales.
What happens during a cake smash session?
Cake smash sessions usually begin with a few clean milestone portraits before the cake is introduced.
Once your baby is comfortable, we bring out the cake and allow them to explore at their own pace. Some babies dive straight in, others take a little encouragement - and both create wonderful, authentic images.
We finish with a warm splash bath session, which babies absolutely love and which gives us some of the sweetest photographs of the day.
Can parents or siblings be included?
Because our cake smash sessions are carefully styled with themed backdrops and props, they are designed specifically for your baby.
For this reason, siblings and family members are not included within the cake smash setup itself.
If you would also like family portraits, we recommend booking a separate family or milestone session. We’re always happy to discuss options so you can capture everything you’d love to remember.
Is it very messy?
It can be - but you don’t need to worry.
We take care of all the setup and clean-up. After the cake smash, we include a splash bath session to help your baby get cleaned up while capturing some beautiful final images.
All you need to do is relax and enjoy watching your little one celebrate.
What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
Every baby reacts differently - and that’s completely normal.
Some babies smash enthusiastically, others prefer to poke or taste gently. We capture whatever your little one does naturally, without pressure.
With years of experience photographing babies across South Wales, we know how to gently encourage interaction while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun.
How much does a cake smash session cost in South Wales?
Our cake smash photography collections start from £399.
To secure your session, we take a £100 booking deposit, which is fully deducted from your chosen collection after you have viewed your images.
Your session includes the professionally styled setup at our Pontypridd studio, use of selected props and outfits, professional editing, and a private viewing appointment where you can choose your favourite photographs.
We offer a range of collections including digital images, fine art prints and bespoke wall art. Most families invest between £399 and £1,200, depending on how many images and products they select.
There is no need to commit to a package before seeing your photographs — you simply choose the collection that feels right for you after your viewing appointment. Flexible payment options are also available.
Where is your studio located?
Our studio is based in Pontypridd, South Wales, easily accessible from Cardiff, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas.
We’ve created a warm and welcoming space designed especially for babies and families.
Ready to Celebrate Their First Birthday?
Your baby only turns one once - and it’s such a joyful milestone to capture.
We take a limited number of cake smash sessions each month to ensure each setup is carefully styled and unhurried.
If you’d love to create something fun, personal and beautifully styled, get in touch to check availability and request our full pricing guide.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.