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Jacksonville Cake Smash Photographer

Your baby's first birthday only happens once, and your portraits should be just as special.

Christy Whitehead Photography specializes in custom cake smash and first birthday portrait sessions for families throughout Jacksonville, St. Johns, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.

Known for her imaginative set designs and creative concepts, Christy's cake smash work has been featured by BuzzFeed twice. From simple and timeless sessions to elaborate custom creations, each setup is designed around your baby's personality and your vision.

With thousands of props, backdrops, and décor pieces available, plus the ability to handcraft custom backgrounds and props when needed, the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether your inspiration comes from a favorite book, hobby, television show, color palette, or completely original idea, we'll create a one-of-a-kind experience designed specifically for your child.

Cake is optional, too. Many families choose traditional cake smashes, while others celebrate with donuts, pancakes, fruit, spaghetti, sushi, Chick-fil-A, barbeque, or another favorite food that better reflects their little one's interests and personality.

From planning your custom set to selecting artwork for your home, every step of the process is designed to be creative, stress-free, and fully guided.

What's Included in Your Cake Smash Session

Personalized planning consultation to design your perfect session
Fully customized cake smash or alternative food smash experience
Access to thousands of props, backdrops, and décor elements
Custom-built or handcrafted props and backgrounds when needed
Classic first birthday portraits before the smash
Up to three outfit changes
Family and sibling portraits included
Choice of bringing your own cake or having one delivered directly to the studio
Alternative food options including donuts, fruit, pancakes, spaghetti, sushi, Chick-fil-A, barbeque, and more
Professional studio lighting in a private, climate-controlled environment
Personal ordering appointment with artwork design assistance
Custom-framed portraits, canvases, acrylics, metal prints, albums, and digital image collections available

First Birthday Portraits as Unique as Your Child

Custom Artwork for Your Home

Your baby's first birthday deserves more than a place on a phone or hard drive. Transform your favorite portraits into custom-framed artwork, canvases, acrylics, metal prints, and heirloom albums designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

MEMORIES MADE TO DISPLAY
Transform your baby's first birthday portraits into framed artwork, canvases, acrylics, metal prints, and heirloom albums designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

MORE THAN CAKE
Choose cake, donuts, fruit, pancakes, spaghetti, sushi, Chick-fil-A, BBQ, or almost anything your little one loves.

HANDCRAFTED SETS & PROPS
Need something unique? Many sets, props, and backgrounds are custom built or handcrafted specifically for individual sessions.

LOVE YOUR PORTRAITS GUARANTEE
We're committed to creating portraits you'll love. If you're genuinely unhappy with your images due to something within our control, we'll work with you to make it right.

What makes us unique

1. Submit Your Inquiry
Tell us about your baby's birthday, theme ideas, and the type of portraits you'd like to create.

2. Receive Pricing & Session Information
You'll receive detailed session information, pricing, and answers to common questions within minutes, allowing you to make an informed decision before booking.

3. Book Online
Choose a date and time that works best for your family using our online booking calendar.

4. Plan Your Session
We'll discuss colors, themes, outfits, decorations, food choices, and the overall vision for your baby's first birthday session.

5. Enjoy Your Cake Smash Session
Relax and enjoy celebrating your little one's milestone while we guide the entire session and capture the smiles, curiosity, and adorable moments that make this age so special.

6. Attend Your Ordering Appointment
View your professionally edited images on our large presentation screen, select your favorites, preview artwork on your walls, and design custom pieces for your home.

WHAT TO EXPECT

After your session, you'll return to the studio to view your professionally edited images on our large presentation screen.

Together, we'll compare images, select your favorites, and design artwork for your home. Using specialized design software, we can preview different artwork sizes and arrangements on your walls before you place an order.

This is also when we'll discuss any custom retouching requests, including combining expressions from multiple images, refining details, or making personalized enhancements before your portraits are finalized at no additional charge.

View your images on a large screen
Compare portraits side-by-side
Preview artwork on your walls before ordering
Receive expert guidance selecting artwork, products, and sizes
Custom retouching requests included

Your Portrait Design & Ordering Appointment

Your baby's first birthday portraits deserve more than a place on a phone or hard drive. Choose from custom-framed portraits, canvases, acrylics, metal prints, and heirloom albums designed to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

During your ordering appointment, we'll help you select the products, sizes, and arrangements that best fit your space, style, and goals for displaying your portraits.

Custom Artwork for Your Home

Love from clients

kat c.

Very professional and made me and my family feel very comfortable.

Had an idea of what I wanted to do, Christy made it happen and made it look amazing!

Definitely recommend!

"Very professional."

mindy h.

She was so patient with our twins and knew all the tricks to get them to cooperate. We have some amazing photos to cherish for years to come.

She is a kind and caring person who we've gotten to know and enjoy seeing time after time.

"She is creative and talented and a joy to work with!"

Sydney l.

My son had some cranky moments, and she provided an area for him to calm down and take his time.

She has a talent for bringing smiles to children’s faces on set. I’m so satisfied with the photos! I would definitely work with Christy again in the future!

"She was very welcoming and made her studio feel like home. "

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my baby's cake smash session?
Most cake smash sessions are photographed when babies are between 10 and 12 months old. This allows plenty of time to use the images for birthday invitations, party decor, and celebrations.

Do I have to choose from pre-made themes?
No. Every cake smash session is custom designed around your vision. Whether you want something simple and timeless or an elaborate themed setup, we'll create a session that's uniquely yours.

Do you create custom backgrounds and props?
Yes. Many backgrounds, props, and decorative elements are custom built or handcrafted specifically for individual sessions when needed to bring your vision to life.

Do I have to do a cake smash?
Not at all. While many families choose a traditional cake smash, others opt for donuts, pancakes, fruit, spaghetti, sushi, Chick-fil-A, barbeque, or another favorite food that better reflects their child's personality.

Do I need to bring the cake?
You can bring your own cake or arrange to have one delivered directly to the studio. We'll discuss the best option during your planning consultation.

Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Family and sibling portraits can be included as part of your session.

How many outfit changes are included?
Most cake smash sessions include up to three outfit changes, allowing for a variety of portraits before and during the celebration.

What should my baby wear?
We'll discuss outfits, colors, and styling during the planning process and help you choose clothing that complements your theme and setup.

What happens after the session?
After your session, you'll return to the studio for a personal ordering appointment where you'll view your professionally edited images, select your favorites, discuss retouching requests, and choose artwork or digital image collections.

Do you offer wall art and albums?
Yes. We offer custom-framed portraits, canvases, acrylics, metal prints, heirloom albums, and digital image collections designed to help you enjoy your baby's first birthday memories every day.

What areas do you serve?
Christy Whitehead Photography serves families throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Johns, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, Riverside, the Beaches, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.

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Maternity sessions can be solo or include your partner and children." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does a family session take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most family sessions last 45–75 minutes, depending on group size and the types of portraits you want." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should we wear for family photos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "I help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and feel cohesive, including neutrals, jewel tones, and clean classic looks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you help with posing during family sessions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Every session is fully guided so everyone feels comfortable and natural in front of the camera." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we include grandparents or extended family?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Extended family sessions are welcome. Just let me know who’s coming so I can plan groupings and timing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What age is best for a cake smash?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most families schedule cake smash sessions around 11–12 months, but earlier or later is perfectly fine." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you provide the cake for cake smash sessions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Families bring their own cake for allergy safety. I provide size and style recommendations so it photographs beautifully." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is a splash tub included after the cake smash?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. A quick splash bath is included to help clean up and create adorable bonus images." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ages are best for milestone photos?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Popular milestone ages include 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you provide outfits for milestone sessions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The studio has curated outfits and simple, timeless setups perfect for milestone portraits." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I bring my dog or pet to the studio?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Pets are welcome in any session type, including family, newborn, and headshots." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do pets need to be trained?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. I work with all temperaments and energy levels." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is a headshot session?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most headshot sessions last 20–45 minutes, depending on the package and number of looks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you help with posing for headshots?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. I guide you through posing, expression, and angles to help you look confident and natural." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is your studio wheelchair accessible?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. 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