PARENTS' GUIDE TO PREPARING FOR YOUR CAKE SMASH SESSION

Congratulations!

You've conquered a whole year with your little bundle of joy, and that's a milestone worth celebrating! I know it hasn't been a walk in the park, but what better way to mark this achievement than with a cake smash session!

Reaching that first lap around the sun is a remarkable feat, and capturing these precious moments through beautiful images is a wonderful way to document your little one's journey. I'm genuinely honored to be part of this special time in your lives and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to get to know you and your adorable baby better, or to welcome you back if we've met before!

As a dedicated Newborn & Child Portrait Photographer, my role extends far beyond just taking pictures. Your safety and enjoyment are my top priorities, and that's why I've crafted this guide based on my extensive experience. I'm here to share some of my tried-and-true techniques for capturing those stunning images everyone loves, along with essential health and safety information. Feel free to reach out with any questions – I'm always here to help!

THEME & COLOR SCHEME

Let the fun begin as we embark on planning your little one's special session! While I've got everything covered, I want this experience to truly reflect your child—capturing their likes and unique personality. Consider the themes in their room, their favorite colors, or perhaps even your own cherished colors and themes.

While I offer an array of pre-designed backdrops, I'm thrilled to craft a custom set tailored to your specific theme! Explore our pre-designed sets to see if any resonate with you, and feel free to browse Pinterest for inspiration under "Cake Smash Themes." This session is all about bringing your vision to life, and I'm excited to make it as special and personalized as possible!

THEME IDEAS

WHAT TO WEAR

As mentioned earlier, there's no need to stress about wardrobe for your session—I've got you covered! I have a variety of adorable outfits available, and on the day of your session, I'll pull out 2-3 options that perfectly complement your chosen backdrop. Upon your arrival, you'll have the delightful task of picking your favorite outfit from the selection. To give you a sneak peek, here are some of the outfits on offer, with new additions regularly gracing our collection. Get ready for your little one to shine in style during our session together!

THE CAKE

Your cake is a delightful complimentary addition to your session, carefully designed to complement your chosen backdrop. Crafted with love by the talented Bianca from Bee's Cake Creations. These single-barrel cakes feature a delicious vanilla base and a beautifully simple buttercream exterior.

If your little one has any allergies, please reach out to me, and we can make arrangements for a cake tailored to their needs. While additional fees may apply in very extreme circumstances, our priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for your child. Rest assured, every effort will be made to accommodate their specific requirements.

PREPARATION IS KEY!

Cake Sensation Warm-Up: Cake can be a novel sensation for little ones, so it's a great idea to introduce your child to some cake or cupcakes before their session. Include a bit of icing, as the slimy texture can sometimes be off-putting. Familiarizing them with the taste and texture in advance can make the cake smash experience more enjoyable.
Comfort with New Faces: If your little one is particularly attached and isn't too keen on new people or being far from you (totally normal – I have a son just like that!), consider preparing them for the session. Take them to parks or places with new faces, allowing them to explore while staying close to you. This gradual exposure helps ease them into the idea of having a blast during our session. No need to stress – we've got this!

ON THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION:

When it comes to working with children, I make it a priority to keep things fun and move at a quick pace. Anticipate the session to last between 20 to 45 minutes.

The initial photos without the cake will take about 5 to 10 minutes. I'll capture your little one's expressions before the cake makes its appearance. During this part, be ready for some on-the-go action, constantly guiding your little one back to the session area. At this age, they're always on the move, so dress comfortably—you might break a sweat. Don't worry if they get a bit frustrated; have their favorite things handy for distraction.
I let your baby set the pace. Some dive right into the cake, while others need a bit of encouragement. If your little one is hesitant, feel free to show them how it's done or sneak in some of their favorite snacks to entice them.
Once your baby has had their fill of cake, it's time for a clean-up. You'll undress your little one while I prepare the tub prop. If your child has sensitivities to soaps, please let me know, as bubbles are used in the tub. Now, it's splash time—capturing adorable moments as your little one enjoys getting all that lovely icing off. Get ready for even more adorable photos in the splash bath!