Cake Smashes & everything you need to know
Cake Smash’s are one of my highest booked sessions. Let’s take a minute to break down everything there is to know about this big milestone.
So what is a Cake Smash?
Cake Smash photography is a trend that started in the US. Parents would use the images from the session for the birthday child’s party invites. This meant the session often took place a month of so before their actual birthday. I find most of my parents like to book their little one’s session on or around their birthday.
The actual Cake smash shoots are child led, this means we go at your children’s pace. If they are getting bored we move on. It they want a break we take a break. Because of this shoots can sometimes take longer or shorter.
This session is a Tier Three package.
First, you’ll want to select your package. I have three packages available that can be customized through colors and themes.
Let’s break down the packages!
One Tier - Petite ( Not suitable for Cake Smashing )
$250
Includes a 30 minute photo session, O.N.E balloon boxes or letters , a banner, 5 digital images, professional photo editing, online image gallery & print release.
This session can be customized with colors
Two Tier - Simplicity
$300
Includes a 45 minute photo session, your choice of a balloon garland or floral garland, 10 digital images, professional photo editing, online image gallery & print release.
Three Tier - Extravagant
$350
Includes a 60 minute photo session, a custom themed set, 15 digital images, professional photo editing, online image gallery & print release.
Now that you’ve picked the package that best suits your needs, let’s talk about what comes next.
In your booking link - there was a questionnaire. This will tell me what package, what color or theme, and any other specifics I need to know about baby. Make sure you fill this out completely!
The weeks leading up to your session:
Here’s what you need to do:
If you’ve selected a package that includes a cake smash - then you should order a cake.
I know that most love over the top cakes to match a theme - but I love how the simplicity of a naked or very simple cake photographs. The star should be your child!
Take the cake out of your fridge at least the morning of your session - this way we can make sure it’s not frozen in the middle!
Think about outfits. Both Tier Two and Tier Three packages include (2) outfits. One for portraits and one for the smashing. Try avoiding anything with a lot of patterns that might clash with the set. Again, we want baby to be the star!
Babies who have never touched frosting or tasted cake before might not want to the day of our session. It is recommended (but obviously mandatory) for you to offer a small cupcake so they can feel the texture before the big day.
Here’s what I’m doing:
Creating a set! Whether it be a full-blown theme or a balloon garland I do it all! From the moment you book your session, I begin my planning process. I create custom cut outs for character themes, purchase specialty backdrops, and garland kits to make the set everything you hoped for.
It’s the day of your session!
The day is finally here! Here are some tips for the day of your session:
Don’t forget your cake!
Obviously, we want a happy baby. Bring a toy that makes them laugh or smile. Have a favorite song in your back pocket for us to sing or play.
Bring a change of clothes. Baby will want to be comfy after getting cleaned up from the cake.
If you’re doing the “Splash” after the smash - bring a towel with you for after baby gets out.
I will have face cloths available to clean baby if we are not doing the add on. If you suspect baby to get extra messy - I’ve had clients bring face cloths with soap from home all ready to go in a baggie. This was a great idea!
I can’t wait to capture your babies first year milestone !