Every milestone deserves to be celebrated — and little Obakeng’s first birthday cake smash was nothing short of special. ?
I first met Obakeng’s family when they brought their second-born, Olebogeng, for his one-year photos, and it was such a pleasure to welcome them back to the studio to celebrate their youngest son’s first birthday. Obakeng has two wonderful big brothers — Oratile (19) and Olebogeng (7) — and together, they make the most loving, joyful trio.
Even though Obakeng is still wearing 6–9 month clothing, his personality filled the entire studio. He completely stole our hearts with his sweet expressions and curious little hands. ?
Every baby develops at their own pace, and that’s something I keep at the heart of my cake smash sessions. Obakeng was born with Down syndrome, and like many babies with special needs, his milestones unfold in their own beautiful time.
My Pretoria studio is a calm, baby-led space where each session is adapted to suit the child’s comfort and abilities. Whether it means giving extra time for warm-up, adjusting poses, or creating sensory-friendly setups, every detail is planned so that your little one can shine just as they are.
Obakeng did absolutely amazingly. He explored his cake with curiosity, shared cheeky smiles with the camera, and soaked up all the love from his family during the shoot. ?
For Obakeng’s cake smash, we went with a stylish blue and black theme — classic and striking. He started off a little cautious, taking in the setup and his cake, but within minutes, his personality burst through. His bright eyes, playful grins, and adorable reactions made for the most heart-melting images.
These sessions are about so much more than just cake. They’re about celebrating your child’s journey, capturing their unique personality, and creating memories that your family will treasure for a lifetime.
Every child deserves to be celebrated and represented. My goal as a photographer is to create a space where all families — including those with children who have Down syndrome or other special needs — feel seen, supported, and welcomed.
Sessions are designed with patience, understanding, and joy, ensuring that every moment is comfortable and authentic. Obakeng’s session was a perfect reminder of why inclusive photography matters so deeply. ?
If your little one is approaching their first birthday and you’d love to celebrate with a cake smash — whether they have unique needs or not — I’d be honoured to capture this milestone for you.
* Studio: Waverley, Pretoria
* Sessions: Baby-led, tailored, and fully styled
* Book your cake smash session here or WhatsApp me directly: 063 024 6041