Svetlana Boyko Photography Svetlana Boyko Photography

Cake Smash Photos in Mercer County, NJ

A fun, stress-free first birthday photo session at Svetlana Boyko Photography (West Windsor, NJ)

Your baby’s first birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — and a cake smash photo session is the perfect way to celebrate it with real smiles, tiny expressions, and all the adorable mess. If you’re searching for a cake smash photographer in Mercer County, NJ, I’m Svetlana, and I create custom cake smash setups in my West Windsor studio with a simple, clean style (or themed sets if you want something bold).

I photograph families from Mercer County and nearby towns like Princeton, West Windsor, Hamilton, Lawrence Township, Ewing, Trenton, Hopewell, Pennington, Robbinsville, East Windsor, and Hightstown — plus close-by areas in Central NJ and Bucks County, PA.

What is a cake smash session?

A cake smash session is a birthday photo shoot (most often for a first birthday) where your child gets to explore, taste, and smash a cake while I capture the fun. The final images are a mix of:

  • Sweet “clean” portraits (before the cake)

  • The cake smash (messy, funny, real reactions)

  • Optional splash/bath photos (great for clean-up and extra smiles)

Keywords people search: cake smash photographer Mercer County NJ, first birthday photos NJ, cake smash photos Princeton NJ, cake smash studio West Windsor NJ, kids birthday photographer Hamilton NJ.

Why parents in Mercer County love cake smash photos

Because this stage goes fast. One day you’re holding a newborn… the next you’re planning a first birthday party. A cake smash session is a way to freeze that moment — the baby cheeks, gummy smiles, tiny hands, and big personality.

Cake smash photos are perfect for:

  • First birthday invitations

  • Party décor and banners

  • Gifts for grandparents

  • A memory you’ll keep forever (and laugh at later!)

Cake Smash Photographer in West Windsor, NJ

At Svetlana Boyko Photography, my studio cake smash sessions are designed to feel easy and guided — even if your baby is shy, wild, or not sure about the cake at first.

Studio location:
📍 163 Cranbury Rd #200, West Windsor, NJ
📱 Text/Call: 229-299-7094

I serve families across Mercer County, NJ, including Princeton, Hamilton, Lawrence Township, Ewing, Trenton, Hopewell, Pennington, Robbinsville, East Windsor, Hightstown, and surrounding Central NJ towns.

What’s included in a cake smash session

Every cake smash is planned with your baby’s comfort (and your sanity!) in mind.

Most sessions include:

  • A styled studio setup (simple + timeless or themed)

  • Guided posing for baby and family/siblings if included

  • Clean portraits first

  • Cake smash portion

  • Professional editing with polished final images

If you offer it (and want it mentioned on your site), you can add this line:
“Outfits and the cake are provided for first birthday cake smash sessions.”
(That’s a big selling point — parents love it.)

When to book a cake smash session

For first birthdays, I recommend scheduling the session when your baby is 10–11 months old. That gives you time to:

  • Receive your final gallery

  • Choose favorites

  • Use photos for invitations and party décor

If you want photos ready for the party, book 6–8 weeks before the birthday (earlier during busy seasons).

How to choose a theme (or keep it simple)

Some parents want a full theme (balloons, colors, characters). Others want a clean look that stays timeless forever. Both are beautiful — it depends on your style.

Popular cake smash themes in NJ

  • Neutral boho

  • Pastel rainbow

  • Wild One / One-derland

  • Florals

  • Classic clean + balloons

  • Minimal white backdrop with one accent color

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, pick 2–3 colors and keep the décor simple. Your baby is the star.

What to bring to your cake smash session

Keep it simple. Most families bring:

  • Wipes (lots!)

  • Baby’s favorite snack (to warm them up)

  • Water or milk

  • A towel and a change of clothes (for baby + parent)

  • If you want: a meaningful small prop (a “1” toy, special book, etc.)

If you’re doing a splash/bath add-on, bring:

  • Baby soap (if needed)

  • Extra towel

  • Lotion for after

What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?

This is more common than you think — and totally normal. Some babies dive in. Some poke it with one finger and look offended 😂

No worries. I use gentle prompts, give them time, and capture the story as it happens. Often the best photos come from the unexpected reactions.

If baby really isn’t into it, we still get:

  • Beautiful clean portraits

  • Cute seated shots

  • Parent/sibling moments (if included)

  • Smiles with simple prompts and breaks

Cake smash photos + family portraits

Many parents love adding a quick family portion at the beginning or end, especially if it’s been a while since the last family photo.

If you’re booking as a family in Mercer County (Princeton, Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, etc.), cake smash + family is a perfect combo: one session, multiple memories.

FAQ: Cake Smash Photography in Mercer County, NJ

How long is a cake smash session?

Most cake smash sessions take about 45–90 minutes, depending on the baby’s temperament and if you’re adding family portraits or a splash bath.

Do you provide the cake and outfits?

If you offer this (you’ve mentioned you do for first birthday sessions), include it clearly here:
Yes — for first birthday cake smash sessions, outfits and the cake are provided.
(You can also note any allergy info or style choices.)

What do I wear as a parent?

Neutral colors photograph beautifully: creams, soft tans, denim, black, white, muted blues. Avoid busy patterns and logos. If you want help, I’m happy to guide you.

How do we choose our final images?

You’ll receive a gallery to select your favorites based on your package. Additional images are usually available for purchase.

Ready to book a cake smash session in Mercer County, NJ?

If you’re looking for a cake smash photographer near Princeton, West Windsor, Hamilton, Lawrence Township, Ewing, Trenton, Hopewell, Pennington, Robbinsville, East Windsor, or Hightstown, I’d love to create something special for your baby.

📍 Svetlana Boyko Photography
163 Cranbury Rd #200, West Windsor, NJ
📱 229-299-7094
Message me to book your date and choose your colors/theme.

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