Maternity And Newborn Photography Studio located in Baltimore, Maryland
cakes + babies.
First Birthday & Cake Smash Photography
Your baby’s first birthday is such an exciting milestone, and I love creating sessions that celebrate everything that makes them who they are right now. At my Cockeysville studio, I offer Baltimore cake smash and first birthday photography with a mix of timeless one year portraits, a custom cake smash setup, and an optional splash bath to finish the session. I’ll help you plan the colors, outfits, and details so the entire experience feels personal to your baby and easy for you. A cake is never required, and whether your baby dives right in or decides frosting is completely suspicious, I’ll follow their lead and capture all the smiles, curiosity, and little expressions you never want to forget.
When should I book my baby’s first birthday session?
I recommend booking your baby’s one year session about six to eight weeks before you would like the photos taken. If you plan to use the images for birthday invitations, party decorations, or gifts, scheduling the session before your baby’s actual birthday will give you plenty of time to receive and enjoy your gallery.
Does my baby have to smash a cake?
Not at all! A cake smash is completely optional.
Some families choose classic one year portraits without any food, while others use donuts, fruit, pancakes, or another favorite treat. Your session is about celebrating your baby and capturing their personality. There is no pressure to include a cake or convince your baby to eat frosting if they are not interested.
What if my baby cries or does not cooperate?
That is completely normal. One year olds have their own personalities, opinions, and timelines, and I never expect them to perform for the camera.
I follow your baby’s lead and leave time for snacks, cuddles, breaks, and warming up to the studio. Some babies dive straight into their cake, while others carefully inspect every sprinkle before touching anything. All of those reactions are part of the story, and I will capture a beautiful variety of expressions throughout the session.
Do I need to bring the cake?
If you would like to include a cake smash, you will bring the cake or treat your baby will be eating. This allows you to choose ingredients that are safe for your child, especially if they have allergies or dietary restrictions.
I will provide guidance on the best cake size, frosting, colors, and design so it photographs beautifully and coordinates with the rest of your setup.
What should my baby wear?
Simple, comfortable outfits photograph beautifully. Rompers, overalls, dresses, bloomers, diaper covers, and soft neutral pieces are all great options.
You will also have access to my client closet, which includes carefully selected outfits for babies and moms. You do not need to plan every little detail on your own. Send me your vision, tell me what colors or style you love, and then show up with your baby. I will help with the outfits, styling, setup, and all the little details so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Welcome to the Studio!
My light and airy photography studio is located in Cockeysville, Maryland, just north of Baltimore City, and it’s fully stocked with everything needed to make your baby’s cake smash session feel easy from the second you walk in. I’ll handle the custom setup, props, styling, client closet, and cleanup, so you do not have to spend weeks ordering decorations or trying to make everything match. Just bring your baby, the cake, and a few essentials, then show up ready to celebrate while I take care of the rest.
Your Vision, Designed From the Ground Up
Every baby has a different personality, and I want their session to feel completely personal to them. You can come to me with a specific theme, a favorite color palette, a few inspiration photos, or simply an idea of what your baby loves. From there, I take your vision and turn it into a detailed, custom setup created specifically for your child.
I have years of experience designing colorful, intricate backdrops that feel fun and imaginative while still keeping your baby at the center of every image. That might mean creating a bright donut shop filled with pastel balloons, oversized frosted donuts, sprinkles, and playful details for a baby who is full of energy. It could be a colorful farm scene complete with animals, hay, handmade accents, and a splash bath at the end. For a fall birthday or seasonal milestone, I can create a warm setup with pumpkins, rich textures, cozy layers, and timeless colors.
I think through every part of the finished design, including the backdrop, props, balloons, florals, signs, textures, flooring, and smaller decorative pieces that make the setup feel complete. I also help coordinate your baby’s outfit, cake colors, and accessories so everything photographs beautifully together. You will have access to my client closet, which includes carefully selected outfits for babies and moms, so you may not need to shop for anything at all.
Once we finalize the vision, I handle the rest. I source and purchase everything needed for the setup, prepare the decorations, build the backdrop, style the space, and have it completely ready before you arrive. Setup and breakdown are both included in your session. You do not have to order decorations, assemble a balloon garland, bring props, or clean anything up afterward.
The only thing you are responsible for providing is the cake or food your baby will be eating. This allows you to choose ingredients that are safe for your child, especially when allergies or dietary restrictions are involved. I will still guide you on the cake size, shape, frosting, and colors so it fits perfectly with the setup.
You can send me the vision and show up with your baby and the cake. I will take care of the design, shopping, styling, setup, outfits, details, and cleanup so you can enjoy the experience and celebrate your baby turning one.
Cake Smash Session Pricing
These collections are designed for babies celebrating their first birthday and beyond, with every session personalized to create an elevated experience unique to your little one. We begin with beautiful milestone portraits before moving into the cake smash, where your baby can dig in, play, and enjoy every messy moment.
After the cake smash, we finish with a custom bath session filled with splashing, smiles, and sweet portraits. From the styling to the final details, every part of the experience is thoughtfully designed to feel cohesive, luxurious, and completely personal.
BASIC COLLECTION
$725+tax
Our most popular first birthday experience with additional time, styling, and variety.
Your Session Includes
Up to a 45-minute studio session
Custom-themed cake smash setup
Complimentary use of the client closet
Bubble bath "Splash" session
Up to 2 outfits
Personalized session planning
Included
40 hand-retouched digital heirloom images
Every image personally reviewed and hand-edited by Tasha—never batch processed or edited using AI software
Private online gallery
Personal print release
DELUXE COLLECTION
$995
The complete first birthday experience with family portraits and multiple custom setups.
Your Session Includes
Up to a 90-minute studio session
Immediate family portraits
Fully customized cake smash setup
Bubble bath "Splash" session
Up to 3 outfits
Complimentary use of the client closet
Personalized session planning
Included
60 hand-retouched digital heirloom images
Every image personally reviewed and hand-edited by Tasha—never batch processed or edited using AI software
Private online gallery
Personal print release
Studio Location
Tasha Sojka Photography
12 Galloway Avenue, Suite 2F
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Studio Hours
Tuesday • Thursday • Saturday
By Appointment Only
Serving Families Throughout Maryland
Baltimore • Baltimore County • Cockeysville • Towson • Bel Air • Harford County • Howard County and surrounding communities
Let's Tell Your Family's Story
Whether you're expecting your first baby or simply wanting to preserve this season of family life, I'd be honored to create photographs you'll treasure for generations. Every session begins with a conversation, allowing us to design an experience that's thoughtfully tailored to your family.
Complete the contact form, and my studio assistant, Katie, will personally respond within 48 business hours with availability, session information, and answers to any questions you may have. We can't wait to meet your family.