If you know my style as a New York/New Jersey photographer, you know that I like to have fun! Which means that I LOVE doing cake smashes! I want it to be fun for you and your baby too, so here’s how to get ready for a cake smash session:
Book Early!
First and foremost, you’ll want to book your session well before baby’s first birthday. Like, as soon as they turn 6 months old! I create all my cake setups from scratch, which takes 6-8 weeks, and I also like to photograph baby a few weeks before they turn one, so we want to make sure we have plenty of time.
Do a Trial Run
Practice makes perfect—and that goes for cake smashes too! Most kiddos are used to being given small pieces of things to eat, and sitting in a highchair for meals. Being presented with an entire cake and being expected to eat on the floor can feel super unfamiliar and overwhelming!
To set the birthday boy or girl up for success, I recommend giving your little one a taste of what to expect a few days before you show up at the studio. For easy cleanup, buy a cheap plastic tablecloth, lay it on the floor for your baby to sit on, and then give them something fun, sweet, and messy to eat! (A tub of cool whip, pudding or yogurt, a cupcake or mini cake are all good options.) Then, let your kiddo go to town!
I’ve found that helping them get ready for a cake smash session with a trial run at home makes them more comfortable doing it at my New Jersey studio with lights and a camera!
Bring a Few Things from Home
I have lots of props, but if you have anything special you want to include, please feel free to bring it.
If you’re doing a splash after the smash, you’ll also want to bring a bath towel. And of course, outfits!
It’s also super important to bring a few solid foods that your child really likes to eat. Some kiddos won’t eat the cake, but we can totally fake it with their favorite small snacks and nobody will know the difference!
Be Prepared for Anything!
Those are the basics of how to get ready for a cake smash session beforehand. Once you show up at the studio, the best advice I can give is to be prepared for anything! As long as you are relaxed and ready to have fun that will go a long way to helping your baby do the same as we celebrate this big milestone in their lives!
Have more questions about how to get ready for a cake smash session? I’ll send you my complete guide after you book, and you’re always welcome to reach out anytime!