15 Tips to a GREAT Cake Smash
- Katrina
- May 10, 2017
- 5 min read
What better way to capture baby's first birthday then letting them destroy a beautiful decorated cake? Why not have it done professionally? How do you pick a Photographer when there are so many around your area? That last question is easy, you pick me :D Not only are my prices affordable my quality is great and I'm a blast to work with, and not afraid of wearing sweet cake and frosting. I wont run screaming from your cake covered 1 year old ;) Don't be say and book when baby is 11 months old. If you would like 1 year birthday invitations for your baby's party please book at 10 months.
Tip#1
If your planning on our 1 year bundle, 2 outfits! First a cute or fashionable first birthday outfit. Everyone is different, pick an outfit that best represents your upcoming toddler. Might not be a good idea to put your bookworm in a football jersey, or your tomboy in a pink tutu (my daughter haha) Anyhow, outfit number 2 would be the cake smash attire. This could be just a diaper cover, tutu, or a dress or tux, remember its cake it will get messy!!
Tip#2
Test cake with your baby BEFORE the cake smash. Maybe 2 times or 3, or maybe your babys been eating cake for months. Please try it out first, do not come unprepared mom (or dad), we want those awesome messy shots to be perfect. We also want to be aware of any allergies to ANY of the ingredients in the cake or the color in the frosting. Most babies struggle with the textures of things and some babys do not dig right in, lets help them passed the exploration stage before the actual session. Trust me it will go a lot more smoother this way.
Tip#3
Props are GREAT! Some parents prefer the less is more method. I keep my cake smash sessions simple. Depending on indoor or outdoor. Im not afraid to use balloons, or a banner maybe some pom poms. We will discuss your specific wants and details at your consultation. Decorating is definitely the fun part.
Tip#4
The cake smash is done in studio, or outdoors weather permitting. Cake smash sessions may also be held at your own home. (please look over prices for traveling photographer). Cake smashes are VERY messy, I know isn't it great!! There will be A LOT of cleaning up to do. If you choose to have the session in your home, It needs to be at least a 10x10 room/area. Please be sure to keep all animals and older siblings occupied or sent away for the session as they tend to want to help aid baby in eating and destroying their cake. This is baby's special day not theirs they have their own birthday for that ;) Remember no high chair is necessary.
Tip#5
I have lots of solid colors available for background, pink, blue, white, purple, tan. Let me know what your color preferences are. If it is something I do not have it may take up to 2 weeks to receive a new background, please keep that in mind when booking. I also have wood and print backgrounds available for the 1 year portrait part of the sessions. All things we will cover when you're ready to book.
Tip#6
As i mentioned before the smash attire is usually a diaper cover or a tutu. Some parents are going to want their lovely adorable baby in fully clothed. I promise you this outfit will be ruined by the color of the frosting. It your choice and your money. Unfortunately this is also why I do not supply outfits for smashes.
Tip#7
Please if your baby is ill or has a fever the day of the session, we will need to reschedule. I allow one reschedule per session as stated in the contract you will be signing before your session, when your deposit is collected. Anyhow, we don't want to have a sick baby in the studio, please don't share baby's germ (haha, I'm kidding) we want a happy smiling baby who enjoys cake and frosting. If you have bought the smash cake (not using the one provided) just place it in the freezer over night and it will be fine to use up to a few days.
Tip#8
I always have puffs, Cheerios or little finger snack foods handy just in case we have a rough take off to the initial smash. I can use them to stuff into the cake to make baby a little more interested in digging in.
Tip#9
Its always good to bring a sippy cup for your babe, he/she may get a little thirsty, and need a break. I do not keep these in my studio so please so not forget yours ;)
Tip#10
Sometimes even after trying everything else baby might need help digging in. I will have a spoon handy just in case, or you are welcome to bring your own. Some baby's prefer dainty and clean and just need a little adult help to get their hands dirty.
Tip#11
Have a small plastic toy handy. Its a good idea to get baby's attention to get those "look at me" shots. Or if your child just really loves the cake and cant take his/hers eyes or hands off from it a (hopefully) distracting toy will get his attention to give us a quick look and smile.
Tip#12
Remember that the smash cake is included in my plans. You may chose to bring your own due to any allergies your baby may have. Myself nor my studio is not responsible for any allergic reactions, this is why in tip #2 I mention getting baby a taste of cake a head of time.
Tip#13
Be all means PLEASE do not be afraid to request chocolate cake!! As you can see it isn't the prettiest but it is still cake! While plain white cake is ideal and fine, I don't mind chocolate either ;) ;)If you are supplying the cake DO NOT use or have your bakery use fondant or any kind of decorations, these may cause choking (or are hazards for choking).
Tip#14
If you prefer to make your own cake, please do not use toothpicks or any other structural inside the cake. Also please avoid lining the base plate with foil.
Tip#15
last but probably not least, there will be a $25 fee for all cake not smashed by baby and left behind for me to eat.... HA HA I'm kidding!! Your session will be just fine happy smashing babies!!
Please visit online booking to book your cake smash or to contact me with ANY questions!!
Comments