your harrisburg cake smash photographer
Your baby’s first birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Whether you love a sentimental, classic look, a styled Pinterest-perfect setup, or just want a stress-free, simple celebration, we make the experience seamless and fun!
No stiff posing—just baby-led moments.
Simple, organic setups that let your little one shine.
High-end experience from planning to final artwork.
And because we hate to keep you waiting, your proofing gallery will be delivered within 48 hours of your session and final edited images will be delivered within 5 days of selecting your images.
why a cake smash?
Kate was recommended to us by a friend when we moved to the area. She did maternity family photos and newborn photos for us. We were absolutely thrilled with the experience from start to finish. She was wonderful with my energetic 2 and 4 year old boys and knew how to engage them. We have had multiple different photographers over the years in the various places we have lived, and this experience outshines them all. I typically feel pretty awkward in front of a camera, but Kate made me feel very comfortable and beautiful. She also offers client styling (if you are like me and can never decide on the right outfit for photos). This was huge for me and I took advantage both times. Can’t wait to use Kate again for all of our family photos in the future!
"We were absolutely thrilled with the experience from start to finish. "
SHAINA B.
Styled & Pinterest-Worthy
Simple & Fun
Sentimental & Timeless
1st Birthday Photos (For Every Type of Parent!)
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Every family is different, and so is every cake smash! Choose the vibe that fits your style—or let us guide you in creating something uniquely yours.
Stress-Free Experience
From wardrobe options to a fully styled set, we make planning easy. You just show up, and we take care of the rest!
book your smash
What’s Included?
✔️ Custom setup & styling guidance
✔️Beautiful set ups to compliment your vision and baby's 1st birthday theme
✔️ Heirloom-quality images for albums & wall art
✔️ A fun, relaxed session where your baby leads the way
Cake Smash Themes!
Choose from one of my ready-to-go themes below, or peek at my wish list for ideas I’d love to create!
Swipe to see available backdrops/themes!
Wish List Themes
((Themes I'd absolutely love to do!))
- My 1st Era (Taylor Swift themed)
- Steak Smash
- 1st Bee-Day
- The Big ONE (Surfing themed)
- First (Year) Down
If you choose a wish list theme you'll receive $50 additional print credit. Valid for Signature & above
Is there anything we love more than beautiful photos of our children?
You're going to blink and this fleeting time will be over. have all the pictures taken! They say babies don't keep and it could absolutely not be more true!
Kate is a true professional. She maintained a friendly and approachable demeanor, and made me and my husband feel at ease throughout the session. She patiently listened to our ideas and incorporated them seamlessly into the shoot.
Anna A.
see more CAKE SMASH photos
CHECK OUT PAST CAKE SMASH SESSIONS
Wyatt - Sweet ONE Cake Smash
Jaxton - Hole in ONE Cake Smash
VISIT THE GALLERY
VISIT THE GALLERY
Are you ready to document your baby's celebration?
Your baby’s first birthday deserves to be captured in a way that feels beautiful, timeless, and fun. Let’s create something magical!
Let’s Chat & Plan Your Session
Nope! When I say we take care of it all, I mean it! Cakes are provided as part of your session cost by the amazingly talented Wesley Made Sweets. However, if you have dietary restrictions or would like a specific recipe followed, you would be responsible for providing an alternative cake.
Most milestone sessions take place in my centrally located studio just off I-83 minutes from Harrisburg. Outdoor milestone sessions can also be incredibly fun and I've got a curated list of perfect locations for all of your photography needs.
The best time to book your Harrisburg cake smash session is around 11 months so you have the photos before their first birthday!
That’s completely normal and totally expected! I’ll meet your kids right where they are, and together, we’ll find ways for them to be themselves and have fun. Sitting still and saying "cheese" isn’t my style. Instead, we’ll play games, chat about their favorite things, and capture who they truly are in this moment!
Cake Smash FAQ
Where will my Harrisburg cake smash session take place?
Do I need to bring the cake to my Harrisburg first birthday session?
How far in advance should I book my first birthday photoshoot?
What if my kids won't sit still or listen?
My baby might hate the cake! What then?
How should I dress my baby for their milestone session?
Prior to your session we will have a consult call where we will discuss wardrobe, color preferences, and plan out your entire session. I will help guide you to choose outfits that complement your style and photograph beautifully. I have lots of adorable baby outfits in my stash that photograph beautifully.
No problem! We capture a mix of smiles, curiosity, and baby-led moments. Some babies love smashing, some just explore—it’s all adorable.
"Kate is amazing to work with! "
She has a kind heart and goes above and beyond for her clients. I am grateful for her and look forward to working together in the future. Thank you for everything, Kate!
- Karena H.
"Photos turned out so adorable."
Amazing time doing a cake smash photo for our daughter. Kate was great and photos turned out so adorable.
- Amanda K.
"Kate is truly the best!"
We’ve worked with her twice now and are looking forward to future sessions with her. She makes everything so easy and her turnaround time is unmatched!
— Katelyn Elliott
"Kate is absolutely amazing to work with."
She makes you feel so at ease. Excellent work!! Thank you!
— Alexis Coalson
"Kate is simply the best!"
Patient and kind with our kids and knocks it out of the park with our images every time!!
— Rachael Dodd
"She had everything all laid out for us when we arrived at her studio."
Kate was awesome! She was super great with our son and really made sure he even had a good time while getting his photos taken.
— Sarah I.
"Her backdrop and props were perfect for my baby girl."
Kate did such a great job with my daughter’s first birthday cake smash photo shoot! There were a few tears, but she got some great shots!
- Jen F.
"We’ve had 4 amazing sessions with Kate over the past 2+ years!"
She’s professional, warm, and consistently delivers photos we’ll cherish for a lifetime. My daughter even looks forward to picking out a dress from Kate’s client closet! We truly love her work and can’t recommend her enough.
— Hemisha Patel
Kate McCord is an award winning Harrisburg milestone and cake smash photographer. She has master certification from the National Association of Professional Child Photographers and was named Simply the Best Photographer by Harrisburg Magazine in 2023 and Harrisburg's Favorite Family Photographer by Macaroni Kid Harrisburg/West Shore. She offers maternity, newborn, and milestone portraiture both in her studio as well as on location in her warm, organic style.
Kate serves Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, York, Lancaster, Hanover, Hershey, Gettysburg, and beyond.
Your Harrisburg Pennsylvania First Birthday Photographer
i'm excited
to hear from you!
Thanks for stopping by! My studio is located off of I-83 in York Haven, PA (York County). You can reach me by filling out the form below and I will send you a follow-up email within 24 hours. I look forward to speaking with you!
let's connect!
let's create
memories
beautiful
yay!
You're one step closer to an incredible photography experience & absolutely stunning family memories!
NOW WHAT?!
You'll receive a response back within 24 hours. If you don't see something within that time frame, be sure to check your spam!
E-mails come from kate@katemccordphotography.com if you want to add that to your address book to avoid sending me to spam.
