Not Just for Toddlers: A 6th Birthday Cake Smash with Confetti Magic
Who says cake smashes are just for 1-year-olds? This vibrant 6th birthday photoshoot brought all the fun, personality, and party vibes — and I’m so excited to share how it all came together. From playful portraits to sweet treats and a full-blown confetti celebration, this session was bursting with joy.
If you’re in the Philadelphia, Main Line, or Delaware County area and want something unique to celebrate your child’s next milestone, this one’s for you!
1. Fun & Playful Portraits
We kicked things off with classic portraits that captured the birthday girl’s sweet and silly sides. Her pastel polka-dot dress was perfect for spinning, twirling, and striking confident poses — and those oversized glasses added just the right pop of whimsy! To keep the mood relaxed, we put on some upbeat music and let her lead the way. These kinds of portraits are all about energy and personality — not stiff posing. The result? A gallery full of laughter, movement, and genuine joy.
2. Cake Smash (Yes, Even at 6!)
Forget the idea that cake smashes are just for toddlers. This six-year-old had a blast digging into her mini sprinkle-covered cake — complete with finger swipes, frosting giggles, and the cutest “sugar rush” expressions. The pastel balloons in the background gave it a fun party vibe while keeping things simple and clean. And let’s be honest…cake is always a good idea, no matter your age.
3. Confetti Celebration
The grand finale? A full-on confetti explosion — and it was every bit as magical as it sounds. We wanted the color and movement to really shine, so here’s how we made it work:
How to Nail a Confetti Photoshoot
- Use a Bright, Clean Backdrop - I chose a simple white seamless backdrop (this one here) so the vibrant colors of the confetti would really pop on camera. It also keeps the look classic and airy — perfect for my light-focused photography style.
- Pick the Right Confetti - Not all confetti is created equal! I tested several options and found I found this slow-fall confetti gave the best movement in camera. It floated just long enough to capture those magical mid-air moments.
- Add Music and Movement - We turned on a birthday playlist, encouraged twirls and jumps, and let the giggles roll. The best smiles always come when the kids are genuinely having a good time — not being overly posed.
- Bring an Assistant (Seriously!) -The biggest game-changer? Having someone else (a parent or helper) pop the confetti cannons while I focused on shooting. I learned the hard way that trying to do both at once doesn’t work — you need your hands on the camera!
- Dial in Your Camera Settings -To freeze the action and catch the confetti just right, I used a fast shutter speed (1/800+), a wide aperture (f/2.2), and kept my ISO low since the studio was flooded with natural light. Adjust based on your light, but freezing motion is key for crisp, joyful shots.
Between the flying confetti, unstoppable giggles, and high-flying jumps, this part of the shoot was a total blast — literally.
Ready to Plan a Birthday Session That Pops?
Whether your child is turning one, six, or somewhere in between, birthday portraits don’t have to be cookie-cutter. Let’s dream up something completely them — filled with laughter and sweet moments you’ll treasure for years. Reach out to book your child's next milestone session!
Serving Families in Delaware County, Philadelphia & the Main Line
If you’re looking for a Philadelphia-area photographer who specializes in light, airy, and timeless images, my studio is the perfect choice!
My natural light studio is located in Delaware County, PA and proudly serves the Philadelphia and Main Line areas - specializing in heirlooms, maternity, newborns, babies & family.
📍 Located in Delaware County and proudly serving the Philadelphia and Main Line areas.
