If you're planning your baby’s first birthday, you may be wondering: how much does cake smash photography cost in Auckland?
The answer depends on the studio, what is included, whether styling is provided, and what you choose to take home after your session.
Average cake smash photography pricing in Auckland
Cake smash photography pricing can vary because every studio structures things differently. Some photographers offer a basic session fee only, while others include digital images, printed products, styling or cake options.
When comparing prices, the most important question is whether the price includes only the photoshoot, or whether it also includes images and finished products.
What affects the cost of a cake smash session?
A cake smash session is more involved than a standard portrait session because it usually includes planning, styling, setup, portraits, the cake smash itself and clean-up afterwards.
Pricing may be affected by:
- studio styling and backdrop setup
- whether portraits are included before the cake smash
- whether family photos are included
- how many digital images are chosen
- whether you choose prints, albums or wall art
- whether the cake is supplied or brought by you
What does Photo Hive pricing look like?
At Photo Hive, cake smash sessions begin with a session fee, then after your viewing appointment you choose the images and products you love most.
Our cake smash session fee starts from $149.99. Digital collections, albums, framed prints and wall art are chosen separately after you have seen your photographs.
We can also organise a custom-made cake delivered directly to the studio from $99, or you are welcome to bring your own cake for free.
You can view our current collections on the Photo Hive pricing page.
Why cake smash photography is more than just the cake
A well-planned cake smash session usually includes more than the messy part.
At Photo Hive, we like to create a full first birthday story, which can include:
- clean birthday portraits before the cake
- cake smash images
- detail photos
- family or sibling portraits if included
This gives you more variety and makes the final gallery feel more meaningful.
How to get the most value from your cake smash session
To get the most from your session, it helps to plan ahead.
- book early if you want images before the birthday party
- choose simple styling that will not date quickly
- think about whether you want digitals, albums or wall art
- bring or choose a cake that photographs well
You can also read our guides on when to book cake smash photos and how to prepare for your cake smash photoshoot.
Ready to plan your cake smash session?
If you’re looking for cake smash photography in Auckland, Photo Hive offers a fun, beautifully guided studio experience for your baby’s first birthday.