Northeast Minneapolis Cake Smash Photographer

This sweet little cake smash session was for a one-year-old baby boy and his beautiful fam, and I shot it in my bright, timeless Northeast Minneapolis studio. From the moment they arrived, I knew we were going to make some magic together. These four were so laid-back and connected exactly the kind of vibe that makes photographing families feel like a joy, not a job.

Studio Wardrobe Magic + Family Moments First

We started off with family portraits, and let me just say this fam nailed the neutrals. Mom chose two stunning dresses from my client wardrobe, dad wore a cozy shirt from the studio closet, and big sister twirled around in one of my dresses too.

Baby boy rocked a neutral knit romper brought by mom, but fun fact: I actually have a nearly identical one in my client wardrobe for future little smashers.

The overall look? Soft, simple, and seamless. My studio is designed exactly for this: minimal distractions, beautiful natural light, and a palette that lets emotion take center stage.

The Cake Smash: A+ Enthusiasm (and a Little Help from Sis)

Once the formal photos were done, it was cake time! This little guy dove right in no hesitation, no second guessing, just straight to the good stuff. He even got a bit of help from big sister, who was clearly an experienced cake enthusiast.

And just so you know, I don’t provide cakes (allergy safety first!), but parents are always welcome to bring their own. This one was perfectly simple and sweet, which worked beautifully with the session's natural vibe.

Why I Loved This Session So Much

Photographing first birthdays is one of my favorite things as a cake smash photographer because it’s not just about the cake it’s about celebrating the year that changed everything. I know firsthand how fast the baby year flies, and it’s an honor to pause that time for families with portraits they’ll treasure.

What I hope they remember most isn’t just how cute baby looked with frosting on his nose, but how loved they all were in that moment. How much joy filled the room. How this one little day marked such a big milestone.

Cake Smash Session FAQs

Q: What should we bring to our cake smash session?

A: Just bring the cake, your baby, and any sentimental items you’d like to include! I’ll provide access to my full studio wardrobe for mamas, dads, and siblings, and I’ll guide you through everything else. Bonus: my studio is stocked with neutral props and backdrops, so you don’t need to stress about styling.

Q: Can we use your wardrobe for the whole family?

A: Yes! My client closet includes dresses for mamas, shirts for dads, and children’s clothing up to size 5. Many families walk in empty-handed and leave with portraits that look completely curated because they are!

Q: Can siblings or full family portraits be included too?

A: Absolutely! I typically start with family and sibling portraits first while everyone’s fresh, and then transition into the cake smash at the end. It’s the best of both worlds: milestone + memories, all in one session.

Ready to book your baby’s cake smash session in my NE Minneapolis studio?

👉 Let’s make it official — tap here to get on my calendar!

Or follow along on Instagram for more sweet moments, session sneak peeks, and behind the scenes.

Michele is a lifestyle family and cake smash photographer based in Northeast Minneapolis, known for her bright, minimal studio space and calming approach with little ones. She specializes in capturing real connection, natural light, and the fleeting magic of babyhood. With a curated client wardrobe and years of experience behind the camera (and probably frosting in her hair), she makes first birthday sessions feel effortless and fun for the whole family. When she’s not photographing milestone moments, you can find her sipping coffee and obsessing over soft neutrals and natural textures.

Get in Touch

0 Comments

Welcome to the mQn Photography studio in NE Minneapolis Minnesota

Inside the Studio A Look at My Minneapolis Photography Studio

May 30, 2024

Legacy Box Minneapolis Newborn and family Photographer

The Importance of Tangible Memories

August 18, 2024

Unveiling Holiday Magic: Last Year's Mini Sessions and What's Next!

July 19, 2023

A Timeless First Birthday Cake Smash Session

March 1, 2023

Sweet + Simple: A Cake Smash Session in My Northeast Minneapolis Studio