First birthdays are a big deal! You’ve survived a year of sleepless nights, teething and nappies. You got to enjoy first smiles, first steps, and a whole lot of love. Let’s celebrate your baby’s birthday in the most memorable way!
Cake smash photography is a beautiful way to celebrate baby’s first year, and in 2026, there are some really exciting trends emerging!
Gone are the overly busy backdrops and one-size-fits-all themes. This year, cake smash sessions are more refined, more personal, and more focused on your baby’s personality.
Here’s what we’re looking forward to in cake smash photography in 2026.
Minimalist, Neutral Styling
The defining thing is simplicity.
Instead of bright, cluttered sets with lots of props, 2026 cake smash sessions are all about…
Soft, neutral colour palettes
Clean, uncluttered backdrops
Elegant styling
This keeps the focus exactly where it should be – on your baby instead of on the decoration.
Timeless styling also means your images won’t feel dated in five or ten years. The goal is photographs that age beautifully.
Bold Colour for Big Personalities
While soft neutrals are becoming more popular in 2026, bold colour is far from gone. In fact, when used carefully, vibrant backdrops and strong colour palettes can be the perfect choice for babies with huge personalities.
Bright blues, sunshine yellows, rich reds or deep greens can reflect your little one’s energy and confidence. The difference in 2026 is that colour is used in a balanced, cohesive way, and designed to complement your baby rather than overwhelm them.
If your little one is full of sparkle and energy, a bold, joyful setup might be exactly the right fit. The most important trend of all? Choosing something that feels like them.
Interest-Led Themes
Rather than choosing a generic Pinterest theme, families are leaning into what genuinely reflects their child’s interests and personality.
Is your little one curious? Bold? Calm? Full of mischief?
Do they love teddies, books, messy play, dinosaurs?
Themes this year are more about who your baby is rather than what’s trending.
That might mean:
A simple wooden highchair setup
Soft, storybook-inspired decorations
A colour scheme that matches your home, so your displayed images match perfectly
The session becomes personal and you’ll love it even more!
A Portrait Session Before the Smash
Parents increasingly want more than just messy cake images.
My cake smash sessions often include:
Clean, timeless portraits first
Family photographs
Milestone-style sitting images
Then the cake smash finale
This gives you a complete record of your baby at one, with the whole family, not just the mess!
The Splash or Bubble Bath Finish
Finishing the session with a bath isn’t new – I’ve been doing it for years. But this year, we’re really embracing it. It’s often baby’s favourite part of the session!
Clean white tubs
Soft bubbles
Minimal props
Beautiful, natural lighting
The bath stage creates fun,, genuine expressions and finishes the session perfectly. Plus, it gives you a clean baby to take home!!
Sustainable & Allergy-Aware Options
More families are conscious about:
Artificial dyes
Excessive waste
Food sensitivities
As always, cake smash sessions at Kerry Jones Photography will offer:
Simple buttercream cakes
Neutral, natural ingredients
Alternative “smash” options (like fruit or sensory play for certain babies)
We will adapt to work with what you want.
What a Cake Smash Session Looks Like at Kerry Jones Photography
Every cake smash session is thoughtfully styled and carefully planned to reflect your baby’s personality and your preferences.
Together, we’ll decide:
Colours
Outfits
Cake style
Whether to include family portraits
How to prepare your baby for the session
The studio environment is warm, calm and baby-led. This means that we move at your little one’s pace. If they need cuddles, breaks, or reassurance, we adapt.
Because the experience should feel celebratory (after all, a year is a wonderful milestone!), and not not rushed.