TOP 10 TIPS WHEN PLANNING YOUR CAKE SMASH SESSION

TOP 10 TIPS WHEN PLANNING YOUR CAKE SMASH SESSION

1. Hire a professional photographer: I know this is a given since a professional photographer is writing this blog. ha! But seriously we’ve all seen the “pinterest fails” when it comes to any baby photos. There’s a technique to baby photos, and a professional photographer will have the knowledge, props, ideas. Trust me, it will go so much smoother.

2. Time around naps: This is a biggie! Make sure and let us know what will work best with being well rested and their happiest part of the day. A rested baby is a happy baby!

3. Bring snacks and a drink: There’s typically at least one melt down during the shoot. Having some snacks and a drink usually helps.

4. Plan the shoot for after their birthday party so it’s their second time having cake: This is actually one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give for the cake smash session. If the baby has never been exposed to icing or cake, it can very easily go south quickly. The sugar and texture is generally new to them and because it’s SO new, they don’t know what to do with it. I’ve seen everything from melting down over the texture touching their hands and gagging at the taste. However, if they’ve already had cake at their birthday party, the second time being exposed to it is far more…entertaining.

5. Bring props used for their party to tie in your theme: We have tons of props in the studio as well as one year rompers that we love to use. But let me know what the theme is for their birthday party and bring those items as well. We try to tie them in. Also feel free to bring balloons to tie in your color scheme.

6. Bring a cake. Be careful with icing color selection: Most cake smash cakes come from publix. They are less expensive than a custom bakery which makes sense since if we’re honest this cake doesn’t get ‘eaten’ really. It’s more just a prop to play with and eat a few bites. BE CAREFUL on the icing color selection. It’s nice to try and tie in a color scheme to what props you’re using for the party. But for instance red icing being smeared around can resemble a horror film.

7. Bring a few different outfits: Again, we have several rompers and outfits to choose from. But bring some of your favorites as well. I try to grab a few shots of smiles in an outfit and quickly move the next. I try to give you as many “looks” as possible before we move on to the actual cake smash portion.

8. Bring extra clothes, towel: We do the cake smash last in the session. And it’s done on a paper backdrop so we can easily cut it off and trash it (with the cake too if you don’t want to keep it). You can bring some baby wipes if you want to wipe down right there. OR we have a big sink in the back. Just bring some soap, a towel, etc. Depending on how messy they get it can be the easiest option.

9. Relax and come in the shoot with no expectations: I feel like this is on my list for all my sessions. It’s so hard to want the “perfect” shoot and get really anxious about it working out. Trust us and just know this is what we do, and it all just works out. So relax and try to just enjoy the process and have fun.

10. Try to let me know ahead of time if you like the video slideshow clips. I love to incorporate the videos and make a slideshow. Photos will always take priority over the getting video, but knowing if the slideshow is important to you will help me know how to plan. (see video slideshow below)

That sums up my tips on how to prepare for a one year and cake smash photo session. I have a pdf that I send with a check list of what to bring and how to prepare. So don’t worry, I’ve got you!

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Tonya Beaver Photography Studio Location: Jacksonville Beach, FL

318 First Ave N

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

For more baby photography, please visit: 

https://blog.tonyabeaverphotography.com/category/newborns-and-kids-photos/

Hi, I’m Tonya, a Jacksonville Florida Photographer. I specialize in photographing weddings, families, and babies. I would love to hear all about your photography needs to see if we’re a right fit for each other. As a photographer, I get to capture the most exciting and life changing experiences in people’s lives. 

Not only in Jacksonville, but all over North Florida: Ponte Vedra, Amelia Island, St. Augustine, etc. 

I know there are quite a few photographers in Jacksonville so it can be overwhelming. But I invite you to check out my wedding, family, and newborn portfolio. Also, feel free to check out some of my reviews that my previous clients have given me. Jacksonville is one of the most beautiful areas for photographing engagements, weddings and family photos. From the beach, golf clubs, parks, downtown, gorgeous churches and so much more. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you more!

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