San Diego Cake Smash Photographer | Ceci Portraits

 

smash cake session with smiling baby girl in pink lace dress with floral crown sits before a flower and butterfly decorated backdrop.

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating in a fun, joyful, and beautifully styled way. Ceci Portraits is a boutique San Diego cake smash photography studio specializing in custom-designed cake smash sessions that capture personality, curiosity, and those once-in-a-lifetime expressions.


Located in Chula Vista and serving families throughout San Diego County, Ceci Portraits offers a full-service cake smash experience designed to be stress-free for parents and unforgettable for little ones.

Baby boy smashes first birthday cake surrounded by white balloons and greenery on a neutral beige backdrop.
Baby girl in pink tutu sits with smash cake surrounded by flowers and butterflies for first birthday photo.
Baby girl in pink tulle dress with floral headband smashing her first birthday cake.

A Custom Cake Smash Photography Experience in San Diego


Every cake smash session at Ceci Portraits is thoughtfully planned from start to finish. From set design to styling, each detail is customized to reflect your child’s personality and your vision.


What our cake smash sessions Offer:


  • Classic Portraits of your baby and a Custom-designed themed backdrop
  • Professional studio lighting
  • Coordinated props and décor, and cake
  • Baby-led, relaxed session flow
  • Optional splash bath or clean-up portraits
  • Heirloom-quality prints, albums, and wall art


Our goal is to create playful, expressive images while keeping the experience fun and comfortable for your baby.


When to Schedule a Cake Smash Session


Cake smash sessions are typically scheduled when babies are 11 months old, allowing time for:


  • Editing and artwork design
  • Print production
  • Birthday celebrations


Sessions can be scheduled:


  • Before the birthday (most popular)
  • On the birthday
  • Shortly after, for more relaxed timing


We guide you through the planning process so everything is perfectly timed.


Studio Cake Smash Photography for San Diego Families


All cake smash sessions take place in our professional studio, providing:


  • Controlled lighting
  • Clean, safe environment
  • Comfortable temperature for babies
  • No weather concerns


Parents are encouraged to relax while we gently guide your child through the session at their pace. Some babies dive right in, while others need a little encouragement — both make for wonderful memories.


Custom Themes & Styling


Ceci Portraits is known for custom cake smash designs, from soft and timeless to bold and playful.


Popular themes include:


  • Neutral and minimalist designs
  • Floral or boho-inspired sets
  • Classic first birthday themes
  • Color-coordinated or seasonal designs


We work closely with parents to create a cohesive look that photographs beautifully and complements your home décor.


From Newborn to First Birthday — A Studio Families Return To


Many of our cake smash clients first worked with Ceci Portraits for maternity or newborn photography. Our cake smash sessions are designed to complete the story — from pregnancy to baby’s first year.


Ceci Portraits also specializes in:



This continuity allows families to preserve their baby’s first year with one trusted studio.


A Trusted San Diego Cake Smash Photography Studio


Established in 2010 and formerly known as Sophia Grace Photography, Ceci Portraits has over 15 years of experience photographing San Diego families with care, consistency, and artistry.


Families choose Ceci Portraits for:


  • A boutique, full-service experience
  • Custom-designed sets
  • Baby-first approach
  • Long-term relationships that grow with their families
Twin baby girls in floral dresses celebrate their first birthday with smash cakes in a colorful Italian-themed photo set.
Navy blue tufted sofa against grey backdrop in studio setting.
Festive balloon display featuring animated character designs and illuminated star decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.Do you provide the cake?

 

Cake policies vary by session type. We’ll guide you through options during planning to ensure safety and styling consistency.

 

 

2.What if my baby doesn't like the cake?

 

That’s completely normal. Some babies prefer to explore slowly, and we gently guide the session to capture natural expressions and interactions.

 

 

3.Can parents and siblings be included?

 

Yes. My sessions are split in half. The first half is dedicated to traditional photos of your baby. During this time family portraits can be added before the cake smash portion of the session.

 

 

4.How Long does a cake smash session last?

 

Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, depending on your baby’s mood and comfort.

 

Smiling baby in floral bonnet sitting in white basin surrounded by pink peonies and flower garland backdrop.
-Anonymous

“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.”

Blue cake smash photo session with bunting flags and turquoise frosting on white wooden backdrop. San Diego cake smash photographer
Moments framed in time

 

Book Your San Diego Cake Smash Photography Session


If you’re looking for a San Diego cake smash photographer who offers custom designs, a baby-led experience, and timeless artwork, Ceci Portraits would be honored to celebrate your baby’s first birthday.


👉 Contact Ceci Portraits today to reserve your cake smash session.