Tips for a Successful Studio Cake Smash Session
Your baby is about to turn one and you are considering a birthday portrait session for your little one. Cake smash sessions are a fun and joyful way to commemorate the milestone of your baby’s first birthday. These birthday sessions are amongst my favorite to photograph. I wanted to take a moment to go over a few tips I have accumulated over the past ten years as a first birthday photographer.
What Should your Baby wear to a Cake Smash Session?
Most babies are photographed in two outfits, a first birthday outfit and cake smash attire. Cake smash attire is typically a diaper cover, bloomers, or cloth diaper.
Props
My sets are designed to be clean, airy and classic. The simpler, the better. I use a white backdrop with a balloon garland in the colors of your choice. I am a minimalist when it comes to props and use things like florals, fairy lights and one props to decorate the set. You are welcome to bring along first birthday party decorations to the photo shoot, such as flowers or balloons. If you have space in your car, you are welcome to take the balloon garland home with you to use at your party. These stay inflated for 7-10 days and are a great accent at any party.
The Cake
Due to allergy concerns, you will bring the cake. I provide the cake stand. You do not need a fancy cake. A small and simple cake works just as well. Your cake must be a buttercream iced cake and not fondant. Soft/muted colors tend to work best. Avoid getting a chocolate cake. It will look literally look like poop in photos. I also suggest avoiding cakes with a lot of red icing.
Not every baby likes cake and not every baby likes being messy. It is important to keep this in mind and roll with the punches. We will still get great photos even if baby is not interested in the cake.
It helps to bring puffs, cheerios, or another small snack to put in the cake if baby doesn’t like it. Also make sure to bring water and/or a bottle. All that cake will make anyone thirsty! Feel free to bring toys or anything that will make baby smile and more comfortable. I often ask Mom or Dad to play a song or video on their phone that baby likes if they are not cooperating.
Occasionally babies can have allergies or aversions to some of the ingredients in a cake. I recommend doing a practice round at home with a cupcake to get an idea of how baby will react. If a specialty cake is needed, please let me know ahead of time, and for an additional fee, that can be provided.
You and your Baby Will Get Messy…Really Messy
It is essential to bring along extra wipes and a change of clothes for yourself and the baby. Some babies get messier than others, but it is always a good idea to have that change of clothes on hand so you are not driving home covered in cake. I do have a bathroom and sink available for you and towels.
How Long does a Session Last?
Cake Smash/Portrait sessions are about an hour in length. You will come in, get baby ready for a few pictures without the cake, then I will introduce the cake and let baby go to town. The cake smash portion tends to last about 10-15 minutes max.
Start Time
It’s best to bring baby after their morning nap (if possible) and feed them too. A full baby is a happy baby. I usually start these sessions between 10 and 11 am, but we can modify this based on your child's nap schedule. The latest I like to start is 12:30 pm.
Illness
If baby is teething or not feeling well, a dose of infant Tylenol before you get here will help things go more smoothly. Babies are unpredictable at this age and react to stress, so try to relax and enjoy the session!
If Possible, Leave Siblings at Home
Siblings, especially those under 4, don’t understand why they can’t have cake too. This session is a special occasion for your little one, so we want to make this day all about baby!
If you are interested in a first birthday or cake smash session, contact me.