Cake Smash Photo Shoot – How I Prepare

Cake Smash Photo Shoot, In The Studio

Well first and foremost, it’s wonderful to know that you want to celebrate your little one’s first birthday with a cake smash photo shoot. So much has happened in their first year hasn’t it? Seeing their first smile; cutting that first tooth; watching them roll over and moving around, whether it’s crawling or bum shuffling; and now they may even be ready to take, or have even taken, those first steps! Now their first birthday is approaching and what better way to capture this moment than with a “Cake Smash”.

Although a cake smash session photo shoot tends to coincide with your baby’s first birthday, these sessions can be for any age. I have had 2 year olds coming in for a cake smash too, so don’t feel like you have missed out on this opportunity just because it’s not their first birthday.

When to book

There’s no hard and fast rule as to when you should have a Cake Smash photo shoot. Some parents like to have the session on, or near, their actual birthday and some like to come in a few weeks beforehand so that they can use their images for celebrating their special day. They also make wonderful gifts for grandparents and family members.

I suggest booking in early though, so that we can schedule you into the diary. Then it’s one less thing for you to have to think about for their birthday. I run my sessions at weekends and weekdays so that your husband/wife/partner can come along too to watch the fun.

If you would like to have their images ready to use for their birthday then book in 2 -3 weeks beforehand. You can always check with me what would be your ideal session date depending on your requirements.

More than just a cake smash session

I normally start off your cake smash session with a regular portrait. It’s nice to get a non-messy picture first and they usually have that special first birthday outfit so why not get a picture of them all dressed up?

This is a good ice-breaker as well and gets your little one used to me and their surroundings.

Whilst they are getting out of their best clothes and into their cake smash outfit I go about setting up the cake smash scene. Everything is prepared beforehand –

Background colour
Balloons
Garland
Outfits
Theme

All this is discussed at your booking so that I can order any necessary colours or items for their session. I do have a selection of little outfits suitable for them to use but you are welcome to bring along their own. Just send me a little picture and I can match up the scene to their outfit.

The cake

Oh the cake – the tasty part. The cake will also set the scene and we co-ordinate the colours together with the background and accessories. I have a couple of bakers that I can use if you require any suggestions as to where to buy your cake. I prefer that you contact the baker so that you can also discuss what ingredients are used and if your child has any allergies or special dietary requirements.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t like to eat cake. It’s all about the experience and fun of making a little mess. Yes some will dig in and eat some of the cake but they don’t usually eat that much. They seem to enjoy exploring the texture and doing something they are not normally allowed to do. If your child really doesn’t like cake then why not top the cake with fruit or their favourite treat.

Can I bring my own cake

The answer to this is ‘Yes, of course you can’. I have had many clients bring along their own cake, whether, made by a friend, or a shop bought cake. There are just a few things to consider when sourcing your own cakes:

Choose a soft buttercream if possible. Little fingers can’t break into hard icing.
Avoid chocolate cakes, as they don’t tend to look good when smashed.
Please be careful of any cake decorations, as some may be a choking hazard.

What do they wear for a cake smash?

There is an abundance of choice these days for your little one’s cake smash photo session. Little shorts are ideal for boys and tutus for girls.

The best places to look are on Ebay, Amazon or Etsy. Of course, you don’t have to buy anything as I have a small collection of boys and girls outfits that you are very welcome to use.

Parents – be prepared for getting a little messy too. These sessions are very ‘hands on’. We may ask you to encourage your little one to break up the cake, so you may end up with a little cake on you too. However, the kiddies love to see you involved in the session. It’s all part of the fun!

The clean up!

Now the fun doesn’t stop here. What better way to clean up your baby than with a nice, warm splash session. They love this part. We quickly clear away the cake and bring out the bath. They really love playing in the bubbles. This is the part I usually get splashed, but it’s all good fun. Again, you can bring along their regular bubble bath if they are sensitive to certain brands. I always use Johnsons Baby bath.

The best part for you is – the mess stays with me! We do all the clearing up.