Cake Smash Tips and Style Guide

Cake Smash Tips and Style Guide: I have a lot of fun getting to know my clients and making this the best experience possible. My main goal is for you and your kids to walk away loving your experience, and most importantly HAVE FUN! With every celebration, there’s fun and cake right?!?!! Well, there sure is during our Cake Smash Sessions!

Together we can create the perfect theme so your little cutie and I can laugh, play, and EAT CAKE! Some children really love the camera and others might not want anything to do with me. I always allow my special little clients time to warm up and adjust to our environment. We want them to be comfortable, and if that means sitting there holding them for a few minutes until they decide to explore on their own then that’s exactly what we will do!

Cake Smash Tips: To Ensure A Great Session

Over the years I have learned a few things that work great to help prepare your child for their
Cake Smash Session. It’s important to keep in mind that each and every child is different, and
we may need to adjust or adapt to their individual personality throughout the session. When
working with children I can move at a fun quick pace. You may be asked to help children get
relaxed or their attention during the session. Let the fun begin!

Cake Smash Tips: Choose A Theme

This is a fun way to personalize your session and create a lasting memory of this tun milestone. Select a theme that brings joy to both you and your child. This can be their favorite toy, show, or even just something that makes you think of them. The sky is the limit here, and whatever you pick, we are going to have some fun with it! If you haven’t selected a theme yet, and need help or suggestions don’t panic, that’s what you’ve hired me for!

Cake Smash Tips: Outfit Choices And Tips

As part of the preparation for a successful portrait session, there is a list of things to check. Most importantly you will need to pick the best outright for your child. We of course have already discussed a theme and most likely, I have seen the outfit(s) your little one will be in. Please make sure to wash and iron them to make sure they are picture-ready. Anything your little ones wear in the session MUST BE FITTED WELL. Anything that is too big and loose will not photograph well. I also do not recommend any use of onesies or shirts with words on the front, as they tend to look sloppy and we rarely can see the whole thing. Once the outfit is ready, think about the hair and accessories that will go with the outfit. Some of these items that are easily missed are diaper covers, birthday hats, necklaces, etc. Sometimes those little things can make a huge difference and complete the look.

Cake Smash Tips: Session Time

A few weeks leading up to your session I will reach out and we will finalize your session time. We will take
into consideration your child’s current nap and feeding times. A well-rested child always does better for a
photo day than a tired and cranky one. You’ll want to be sure to give your child a snack before the session so they aren’t hungry and cranky, but be sure to leave room for CAKE!

Cake Smash Tips: Practice Before The Big Day

It’s not uncommon for little ones to have texture issues. Some don’t like getting their hands dirty, and others have no problem at all diving right in, but either way, you’ll want to let your little one practice making a mess with things that are of a similar texture. You can use whip cream cupcakes, and even spaghetti to allow them practice time. It’s important that your child has experienced sweets before their session date. We don’t want their first time to be at the session only to find out they hate it and will have absolutely nothing to do with it! I have learned that cakes smash best when they are at room temperature, so I’ll have the cake out and ready hours prior to our session time.

Cake Smash Tips: Clean Pictures

These photos are first and will last about 10 minutes long. I will begin to capture your little one’s expressions while they are calm and clean. During this part of the session, be prepared to be running around after your little one, constantly sitting back in the photoshoot area. At this age, they are always on the go, so wear something comfortable. Don’t be surprised if your little one gets frustrated with being confined to one place, just have some of their favorite things ready to distract them.

Cake Smash Tips: Messy Pictures

This part feels even faster! Once we bring in the ake, the photo session usually takes about 15 minutes. I let your baby set the pace, as some little ones are eager to dig into the cake and others are more hesitant and need some encouragement. If your little one is shy about digging into the frosting, you might have to get in there and show them how it’s done. Be ready for a mommy, daddy cake smash. WARNING: Most little ones cry during this process. Some a lot, some a little, some not at all. They get messy, they get tired, and they no longer want to be on this backdrop….. This is when you break out their favorite treats and songs, so make sure to save the best for last! But just know- we will stick it out and keep shooting. Some of the best photos come in between the screams. LOL.

Cake Smash Tips: Cleanup Time

At the end of the session, we will make cleanup fun! I’ll put together a little bubble bath and we will let your little one splash and play and end the session with even more fun! This is typically every child’s favorite part of the session! Be sure to bring a clean change of clothes for your little one AND yourself. These sessions sure do get messy!

Megan is a photographer based in the Greater Sacramento Area, serving Northern California for all your photography needs. She specializes in family, graduates, engagements, weddings, maternity, and newborn photography.  Contact Megan today!

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