5 alternatives to 1st Birthday Cake Smash Shoots

A cake smash photo shoot is a fun and memorable way to celebrate a child's first birthday, but let's face it – smooshing that tasty fondant-covered sponge isn't for everyone. If you're looking for alternative ideas for your child's first-birthday photo shoot, we've got you covered. Here are some fun (and sometimes messy) alternatives to a traditional cake smash:

• A melon smash: If your child is a fruit lover, why not let them have a go at smashing a ripe watermelon or cantaloupe? Just be sure to wear protective eyewear (and maybe a raincoat) – things could get juicy.
• A pancake smash: Is your little one a fan of breakfast food? We could set up a pancake-tower station and let them go to town on the fluffy, syrup-covered treats. Bonus points if you can get some cute pancake art going.
• A spaghetti smash: This one might get a little messy, but it's sure to be a lot of fun. Set up a bowl of cooked spaghetti and let your child have at it, twirling and tossing the noodles to their heart's content. Just be sure to have some towels on hand for the aftermath.
• A paint splash: For the more artsy kiddos, we can set up a paint splash photo shoot, what child doesn't love hand and feet painting  we can let your child go wild creating their own masterpiece. A paint splash photo shoot can be a fun and creative way for kids to express themselves and have a memorable photo experience. We will of course include the bath part of the session to help with the clean up operation because let’s face it no amount of wipes are going to help with the carnage that will occur!
• A simple family session: Sometimes, the best photos are the most simple ones. Skip the elaborate set-ups and just focus on capturing some sweet, candid shots of your family together.

No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and capture memories that you'll treasure for years to come. So go ahead and let your little one get messy, or keep it clean and simple – it's all up to you. Happy birthday, little one!