Cake smash photography: Everything you wanted to know

Some trends in photography come and go. Before you even blink, it’s a new hip thing, and then just as quickly, the sizzle goes away. Then there is the cake smash – a trend that is steadily gaining in the list of special moments of a child’s first year that need to be captured. Parents would use the images from the session for the birthday child’s party invites. This meant the session often took place a month or so before their actual birthday. I just love cake smash sessions. There is nothing more fun than capturing a one year old while they experience the sweet goodness of a birthday cake for the first time. All the sugar, and all the textures. It’s such a fun time to remember. A typical cake smash will only take a few minutes of actual cake smashing, so shoot fast but be prepared to adjust your angle to get a variety of shots.

How do i make the cake smash session an experience?

Never start a cake smash photo session without a plan. Here is the list of items I always keep handy.

• In the Studio: I make sure to keep baby wipes, kitchen paper rolls, brush, dust pan and trash bags in my studio at all times.
• NearbyPark: with good green park near by your house, where kid enjoy hanging out with parents
• Plan a Theme: I ask the parents about favorite toy, book or character. Then we plan a theme around it. Trust me, this makes it easier for the parents as well. Well known characters means known colors – which makes the smash cake design easier

What Should I Keep In Mind Regarding the Cake?

• Safety:I am big on baby safety in all my sessions whether newborn or cake smash. A baby may be allergic to wheat, egg, refined sugar among other things. For that reason, I always ask the parents to bring the cake. This also allows them to choose the design and colors.
• Smash Cake Design:I do suggest that parents get a professional cake. The results are much better. I know that the trend is to go large, but we don’t need a three-layer cake. A medium cake gets the same results at a reasonable price. Here are some great smash cake ideas.
• Smash Cake Colors: Pink, white, yellow and light green photograph well, and match with most backdrops. I like orange as well. It is vibrant and makes the photographs pop. Avoid chocolate, red and blue – the first two don’t look good when wet and the last is tough to clean.
• Smash Cake Decorations: Go with whipped or butter cream frosting so it’s easy to dig into. Avoid fondant – it’s tough to break and can be a choking hazard. Sprinkles? Absolutely, if you can get them on the cake without having to modify your design.

I hope this post has helped with inspiration!

Whether you want something simple, or if you would like a full blown theme…we do it all! Please let me know if you
have any questions! I would love to capture your baby….(or you!) for your next celebration!