How do I book a session?

You can book by calling or texting 317-867-3723 or by filling out the contact form on our website. We'll chat about your vision and find a date that works for you.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for newborns. Newborn sessions should ideally be scheduled before your baby arrives since the best window is within the first 2-3 weeks of birth.

Do you shoot indoors, outdoors, or both?

Both! We have a fully equipped studio and also shoot at beautiful outdoor locations throughout Hamilton County.

How many photos will I receive?

The number varies by session type, but you'll receive a generous collection of fully edited, professional images.

What should I wear to my session?

We'll send you a styling guide after you book! Generally, soft neutrals and coordinating (not matching) outfits photograph beautifully. Avoid busy patterns and large logos.

How long does a session take?

It depends on the type of session. Full newborn sessions with family and sibling shots can go anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Other full sessions typically last about an hour.

How long until I get my photos?

Your proof gallery will be ready within 2 weeks of your session. You'll receive a private online gallery to view, share, and order from.

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been serving families in the Carmel and Indianapolis area for 25 years and am a proud member of Portrait Photographers of America.

How long does a cake smash session take?

A full session typically runs 60-90 minutes, and a mini session is a bit shorter. We never rush — if your baby needs a break, a snack, or a cuddle, we take it. The best photos happen when your baby is relaxed and happy, so we move at their pace every time.

How far in advance should I book?

I recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance, especially for first birthday sessions since those dates fill up fast. If you're also planning a newborn session or maternity portraits, booking both together is a great way to make sure you get your preferred dates.

Cake Smash Photography in Indianapolis | L. Severson Photography

Let’s Plan the Perfect Cake Smash Photoshoot for Your Baby

Providing Baby & Cake Smash Photography in the Indianapolis-Area for 25 Years

Photography Featured In

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Your baby’s first year is over in a blink — and every stage deserves to be remembered. I’m Leah Severson, an Indianapolis baby and cake smash photographer with 25 years of experience capturing the moments that define that magical first year. From sleepy 3-month smiles to wobbly 6-month sit-ups, first steps, and the glorious mess of a first birthday cake smash, I’m here for all of it. In fact, many of my baby milestone families first found me when searching for a newborn photographer in Indianapolis, and I love continuing that journey with them through every stage of their baby’s first year.

Every baby brings something completely unique to a session. Some babies can’t stop smiling, while others prefer to sit back and take it all in. Then there are the one-year-olds who take one look at the cake and burst into tears—honestly, some of my favorite photographs come from those moments. Whatever your baby gives us, I’ll capture it authentically. After all, the goal isn’t to create perfect moments. Instead, it’s to preserve your baby’s real personality. Take a peek at my baby and cake smash gallery to see what these sessions look like.

Throughout the Indianapolis area, I photograph baby milestone and cake smash sessions for families in Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, and beyond. Whether you’re booking a 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, or first birthday session, I’d love to help you document this incredible season before it slips away.

baby boy tentatively eating birthday cake while sitting on dad's lap during photoshoot

baby girl bends over to take bite out of top of birthday cake during cake smash photoshoot

What Happens During a Cake Smash Session?

If you’ve never booked a cake smash photoshoot before, you may be wondering what actually happens during the session. Every session is relaxed, baby-led, and designed to capture genuine expressions and milestones.

Here’s how a typical cake smash session works:

• Baby Portraits Without the Cake First
We start with traditional portraits before the cake comes out. These images are perfect for birthday invitations, wall portraits, and keepsakes.

• Family Portraits (Optional)
Immediate family members and siblings are welcome to join for a few photographs. These often become some of the most cherished images from the session.

• The Cake Smash
Next comes the fun part. Some babies dive right into the cake, while others take their time exploring. Either way, we’ll capture authentic moments and expressions. Whether your baby loves the cake or wants nothing to do with it, the photographs will tell the story of their unique personality.

• Splash Bath Photos
Many families choose to finish the session with bath-time portraits. Babies love splashing in the warm water, and it creates adorable images while helping clean up the frosting. Plus, it’s often one of the most enjoyable parts of the session for little ones.

• What Should Parents Bring?
Bring any outfits you’d like your baby to wear, along with a cake if you’re planning a cake smash. In addition, if you have a favorite theme or special prop, feel free to bring that as well.

Every baby is different, and that’s part of the fun. Whether your little one enthusiastically destroys the cake or cautiously pokes it with one finger, we’ll create beautiful photographs that celebrate this special milestone. Most importantly, we’ll preserve this fleeting stage exactly as it happened.

Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Photography Packages

They grow so fast it’s almost unfair. One day they’re a wobbly little 3-month-old who can barely hold their head up. The next they’re smashing cake into their hair with pure, uninhibited joy. These sessions are how you hold onto all of it.

Full Baby Milestone Session

$549

For the parent who wants it all

✓ Studio cake smash or milestone session
✓ 3, 6, 9 months & first birthday welcome
✓ Immediate family welcome to join
✓ Private proof gallery
✓ 24 beautifully retouched portraits
✓ Full reprint rights
✓ Private online gallery

Reserve Your Session

Simple & Sweet

Mini Baby Milestone Session

$399

Beautiful portraits, no fuss

✓ Studio cake smash or milestone session
✓ 3, 6, 9 months & first birthday welcome
✓ Immediate family welcome to join
✓ Private proof gallery
✓ 10 beautifully retouched portraits
✓ Full reprint rights
✓ Private online gallery

Reserve Your Session

Not sure which is right for you? Contact the studio — I’ve been photographing babies for more than 25 years and would love to help you choose the perfect session.

Kind Words About My Indianapolis Baby & Cake Smash Photography

Real families. Real moments. Real memories.

★★★★★

“Leah is nothing short of professional. We’ve worked with her twice now for our son’s newborn and 1 year photos, and have plans to go back for our next son’s newborn photos! She worked greatly with Brody and made him feel comfortable and was always snapping photos. We had an incredibly hard time choosing our final photos because all of them were perfect! 100% recommend Leah for any professional photoshoot!”

Ethan F.

Indianapolis, IN

★★★★★

“Leah was great! So professional and patient. She offered me plenty of time to nurse throughout the session to get our sweet girl as happy and sleepy as could be for her photos and never once made me feel rushed. It was amazing to watch her work with our little one! The photos turned out beautiful and are worth every penny!”

Lyndsay W.

Indianapolis, IN

★★★★★

“Leah has taken portraits of my family and me on multiple occasions over the last 10 years. She always captures us at our best! We’re quite a particular bunch when it comes to posing and angles. She always accomplishes what we ask for and delivers above and beyond. We look forward to another decade of photos with Leah!”

Brooke M.

Carmel, IN

★★★★★

“Absolutely love working with Leah. As a baby photographer her portraits capture moments that are cherish-able. Her experience working with newborns shines through, and her photos display a skill you just don’t find anywhere else.”

Elki C.

Indianapolis, IN

Meet Your Indianapolis Baby & Cake Smash Photographer

I’m Leah Severson, and I’ve spent 25 years doing what I love — photographing babies, celebrating milestones, and helping Indianapolis-area families hold onto the moments that pass way too fast.

A cake smash session is one of my absolute favorite things to photograph. There’s nothing scripted about it. Your baby brings everything — the giggles, the hesitation, the full-fisted dive into the frosting, the occasional meltdown. All of it is magic, and all of it is worth capturing.

And if your little one has older siblings who need their own session, or you’ve got a new baby on the way, I’d love to be your photographer for all of it — maternity and family portraits are just as close to my heart as cake smash days.

FAQs about your Indianapolis Baby’s Cake Smash Photoshoot

Do you photograph baby milestones other than first birthdays?

Absolutely — in fact, some of my favorite sessions are the quieter milestone moments that parents almost talk themselves out of booking. The 3-month smile, the 6-month sit-up, the 9-month curiosity phase — these stages go so fast and they’re every bit as worth preserving as the big first birthday. Take a look at my baby milestone gallery to see what these sessions look like.

What ages do you photograph for baby milestone sessions?

I photograph babies throughout the entire first year — starting as early as 3 months all the way through the first birthday. Each stage has something completely unique about it, and honestly none of them last long enough. If you’re not sure which milestones to book, I’m happy to help you think through it when you contact the studio.

When should I schedule my baby’s cake smash session?

I recommend booking your cake smash session 4-6 weeks before your baby’s first birthday — that way we have plenty of time to find a date that works around their schedule, and you’ll have your portraits back in time to share at the party. For milestone sessions at 3, 6, or 9 months, the same rule applies — book a few weeks ahead so we’re not scrambling.

Do you provide the cake, or do I bring one?

You’ll bring the cake! I recommend a simple one-tier cake with white or pastel frosting — nothing too tall, nothing with red or chocolate frosting (trust me on this one). Many local bakeries offer discounted smash cakes when you order a larger party cake at the same time. I’m happy to give you specific recommendations when you book.

What should my baby wear for a cake smash photoshoot?

I typically begin a cake smash session with baby in cute outfit without the cake. Then we change to the cake outfit – and sometimes it’s their birthday suit with just a diaper cover over a diaper or a little pair of jeans. After they’re done with the cake, I’ll bring out my vintage metal bathtub and we’ll finish up with some adorable baby bath pictures.

What if my baby doesn’t want to touch the cake?

It happens more than you’d think — and it makes for some of the best photos! Whether your baby dives in headfirst, cautiously pokes at the frosting, or looks at the cake like it personally offended them, I’ll capture every bit of it. There’s no wrong reaction. The real moments are always the best ones.

Can I include siblings or family in the baby milestone session?

Absolutely — immediate family is always welcome. I love getting a few family portraits and sibling shots before the cake smash begins. It’s a great way to make the most of your session and have images that show the whole family celebrating this milestone together.

My baby is already past 6 months — is it too late to book a milestone session?

Never too late! Whether your baby is 4 months or 11 months, there’s always something worth capturing right now. I’ve photographed babies at every stage and the photos are always something parents treasure. Don’t let the “perfect” milestone window stop you — reach out and let’s figure out what makes sense for where your baby is today.

What should I do to prepare my baby for his photoshoot?

The biggest thing is timing — try to schedule the session when your baby is naturally at their happiest, usually mid-morning after a good nap. Feed them right before you arrive so they’re content but not overly full. For cake smash sessions, I actually recommend letting your baby practice with a cupcake before the session — babies who have had sugar before are much more comfortable diving in, and their reactions are so much more fun to photograph. Beyond that, just bring yourself and your baby. I’ll handle everything else.

My Favorite First Birthday & Cake Smash Portraits

Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Photography Near Indianapolis

Families travel from throughout Central Indiana to celebrate their baby’s biggest milestones with a fun and memorable cake smash photoshoot. My studio is conveniently located for families in Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Geist.

Whether you’re planning first birthday pictures, a cake smash photoshoot, or milestone portraits to celebrate your baby’s first year, I strive to create a relaxed experience that captures genuine smiles, curious expressions, and the little details you’ll never want to forget.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve photographed hundreds of babies and families from across the Indianapolis area. From simple milestone portraits to elaborate first birthday celebrations, every session is customized to your family and your baby’s personality.

If you’re looking for an Indianapolis cake smash photographer or baby milestone photographer serving Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, Geist, and surrounding communities, I’d love to help you celebrate this special season of life.