Cake smash sessions have become a staple in my photography business. They are some of my favorite sessions for so many reason, from creating a beautiful and fun setup to seeing the babies react to cake for the first time. It’s certainly makes for a memorable session for everyone.
There are so many things to consider to make for a successful cake smash for parents and as a photographer. I offer a completely customized cake smash session for my parents. I do this to make it easy on my parents and baby. No need to run around ordering a cake and successfully transporting it to the studio. Mom’s don’t have to spend hours online searching for the perfect outfit or trying to find backdrops or props for a one time use. They get to show up to my studio and just enjoy this once in a lifetime moment.
As a photographer, I take care of all the details and have everything ready to go once my clients arrive. But prior to their arrival, they do receive a questionnaire that helps me prepare for the session. I ask a variety of questions about what they want for the session and their goals. Do they want a simple cake smash or a more elaborate one? Does baby have allergies? Are they shy and have stranger anxiety? Have they had cake or something sweet prior to us meeting? Will these photos be used for their actual birthday? All these questions help me to prepare for the session so it goes smoothly and with little stress for myself, the parents and the baby.
Tip #1: Work around baby’s schedule
Often times, I schedule sessions around the best time of day for the baby. I only schedule one client per day so that parent’s get to choose what time works best for everyone. This gives parents the relief to know that they can bring baby in after a nap or when baby is at their happiest. Some babies are best in the mornings and others are better in the afternoon. Working around baby’s schedule ensures that they are happy, content and ready to show their best face for the camera.
Tip #2: Ease baby into the session
As a little one, I’m a total stranger. I’m also holding a big, black camera and I have a huge light modifier that can be a scary for a baby. I take the first few moments in the sessions to let baby walk around and get acquainted with the studio. I make sure that it’s baby friendly so that parents can feel secure to know they can’t get hurt. I secure my light with a sand bag and make sure that there isn’t anything that can break. I also like to play with my little ones and let them know I’m there to have fun. I try not to get in their faces, but I have toys and things that can entertain them. This is the time I usually do the first part of my session I call my “petite portraits”. I use a variety of props depending on how mobile baby is. I also explain to my parents how the session will go and that it will take all of us to entertain and keep baby focused on me. I have one parent stand behind me and one stand by baby to keep them in one place and ensure that they are safe.
Tip #3: Take necessary breaks
Babies can easily be overwhelmed. If I find that baby’s seem distressed or overwhelmed, I let parents know that we can take breaks for snacks or even cuddle time. Little ones who are fussy or are upset and crying tend to need mama or daddy. Sometimes it just takes a few cheerios or puffs and we’re back to a happy baby. This is why I allow for so much time. I don’t want baby or my parents to feel rushed. We’re on baby time!
Tip #4: Cake Smash time
It’s finally cake smash time. I always make sure to take a photo of the setup and the cake before it’s destroyed. This is for myself and the parents. There have been a few times I’ve used this setup for background replacement or placing a happy, clean baby in the image. Then I have mom or dad place baby down and let them go after it. I assure parents that not all babies like cake. Sometimes its the icing texture, sometimes its the sweetness, but if baby plays with it then it makes for adorable photos. I encourage parents to have baby dip their finger in the cake and so they know they’re allowed to play with the cake. I’ve had babies that have NOTHING to do with their cakes and crawl away within the first few minutes and I’ve had other who dive in face first! Every baby is different. I just snap away to capture these adorable moments.
Tip #5: Make bath time fun
Usually my babies are covered (and parents too) in icing and cake. The last part of my session is a baby-sized bath tub complete with bubbles and a tiny ducky. This part of the session calms baby’s down and is usually part of their at-home, after eating ritual of clean up time. I make sure to use hypoallergenic, baby-skin-friendly bubble bath and water at the perfect temperature. Baby’s love it and by the end my floor is covered in water from all the splashing. It’s also a great way to get them cleaned up and ready to head out the door without having to use a thousand baby wipes. Plus the photos are print-worthy!
Cake smash sessions are meant to capture this once-in-a-lifetime first birthday! It will never happen again so I make sure that parents enjoy it and are IN the moment. I’ve had dads dance and sing and make silly faces to get baby’s to laugh and smile. I’ve had moms play videos of baby shark and cocomelon to keep baby’s entertained. But the most important thing for a successful cake smash is patience. Even if I schedule an hour for a cake smash session, I know and understand that it can go longer and I’m ok with that. I let me parents know that we are in no hurry. The time is theirs and we’re there for a fun time.
