How to Prepare for Cake Smash Photoshoot

Your little one is turning ONE! How exciting! Cake Smash sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate your little one’s first year, and I am here to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a great cake smashing session:  

If your baby has never had cake before, he or she might not be inclined to “smash” into one. I find it helps to let your baby try cake with frosting a week or two before the photoshoot to familiarize them with the texture and taste. Make it a fun experience. Don’t force them to eat it or touch it, just let them explore at their own pace and in their own way. This is a great time to teach them words like “cake!” “yum!” and “smash!”  You can continue using those words and “smashing” other things in the days leading up to the photoshoot. This will greatly increase your chances of a great cake smash session. 

On the day of your photoshoot, you can talk your baby through what to expect. “You get to smash a cake!” “She will take your picture!”  They understand more than we often give them credit for! 

Your baby will be in an unfamiliar place with (in many cases) an unfamiliar person taking their picture. You can help quell any stress by bringing some of your baby's favorite things such as: 

• Favorite snacks, such as yogurt puffs
• Favorite toys
• A playlist of their favorite music 
• Anything else you can think of that will make them feel comfortable 

I take some portraits before I introduce the cake, and some parents choose to bring a separate outfit for that portion of the photoshoot. If that’s something you’re interested in, add that to your packing list.

Cake smash photos get MESSY. Bring a towel, wipes, and a change of clothes for your baby and you. I offer a package that includes a splash session, which means your little one gets to splash in a bubble bath before they leave. You get more cute photos and a clean baby to take home. It is totally worth the extra cost.  

Every baby’s personality and interaction with the cake is different. Don’t worry if yours doesn’t smash into the cake right away. We can use the snacks and toys you bring with you to encourage more smashing. Either way, the photos will capture your little one’s unique personality and experience.