WHEN TO SCHEDULE A CAKE SMASH
Please schedule BEFOREHAND. Cake smashes require elaborate preparation - most props are custom made by craft vendors and shipping times vary. I recommend scheduling at least 2 months before your baby’s actual birthday. Do not forget to add my standard turnaround time (2-3 weeks).
Schedule the cake smash around your little one's most current nap schedule! Please take the few weeks leading to the cake smash to monitor it. A well rested baby is a happy baby!
WHAT TO WEAR
Please wash and iron your baby’s outfit to make sure it is picture ready. Anything your little one wears in the session must be well fitted. Anything that is too big & loose will not photograph well. I also do not recommend any use of onesies or shirts with words in the front as they tend to look sloppy. Once your little one’s outfit is ready, think about hair & accessories that will go with the outfit. Some of the items that are easily missed are diaper cover, birthday hats, necklaces. Sometimes, those little things can make a huge difference to complete the look.
PHOTO TIME
When working with children, I do everything I can to move at a fun quick pace. Be prepared to be running around after your little one, constantly sitting them back in the photo shoot area. At this age, they are always on the go, so wear cool clothing... you may break a sweat. :)
Don't be surprised if you little one gets frustrated with being confined to one place, just have some of their favorite things ready to distract.
Once we bring in the cake, I let your baby set the pace - some little ones are eager to dig into the cake & others are more hesitant & need some encouragement. If your little one is shy about digging into the frosting, you might have to get in there & show them how it’s done.
WARNING: Most 1-year olds cry during a cake smash. Some a lot, some a little, some not at all. They get messy, they get tired, they no longer want to be on this backdrop... This is when you break out their favorite treats & songs, so make sure to save the best for last! But just know - we will stick it out & keep shooting. Some of the best photos come in between screams.
Last but not least - it is imperative that your little one is feeling 100% for this photo shoot. Please keep me informed if your little one is badly teething, under the weather or is just getting better from a cold. Not only could this have an effect on your session, but more importantly, the health of everyone at the session & in the studio.
What if my child doesn’t eat the cake?
This actually does happen about 80% of the time. Some children love the cake smash and dig right in. Others dislike having cake on their fingers, the texture of frosting or the new taste.
Who may attend the cake smash session?
Family members are welcome to attend the session and the studio will comfortably hold a number of people. But please keep in mind, too many people trying to get your child to smile tend to be a distraction.