Cake Smash Photography Session
You’ve done it!
You survived your first year of parenthood, and your little baby is becoming a toddler. Celebrate this milestone with a family -- tickles, kisses, and giggles.
“Cake Smash” is a great way to celebrate your baby's 1st birthday! Beautiful outfits, creative setups, quality props, and a fantastic artisan cake! This will be a memory cherished for years, and most likely not only in your house -- I have yet to see a grandparent who would say “No” to a custom print or wall art in their place.
You will be able to use these high-quality images on invitations and/or thank-you cards. Alternatively, if you were looking for a perfect gift -- gift a Cake Smash session, it will be remembered for a long time to come!
Are you curious?
Whether you are strongly interested or researching, just curious or unsure, or even if you were gifted a session -- please, come and meet me at the studio. Once you see the place -- it is much easier to decide whether you want to bring your baby in. You will see examples of finished products and discuss setups, colours, props, outfits, allergies, expectations -- anything you might have on your mind!
Every baby is different and it's very helpful for me, as your photographer, to meet you in advance as well. I would love to know your baby’s habits, what they like and what is to be avoided. What makes them smile or laugh. As a parent you might also want to know me better -- you will be more at ease if you had met me before. This is important as babies sense very well when their parents are “En Garde” and when they are completely relaxed.
We will also check my toddler's closet! I don’t mean to brag (well, maybe a little :)) but there are quite a few oh-so-cute hand-made by artists outfits for both boys and girls. You don't need to buy your own unless you really want to. And, of course, you are always welcome to bring your favourite and/or memorable items, but please make sure to let me know ahead of time -- this way I will be able to better coordinate them with the rest of the session.
Online research is very important and it will take you up to a point, but the proverbial “last mile” is best done in the old-fashion way -- face-to-face. It only costs a bit of your time, and you will be glad that you came, whether you decide to cake-smash, or not.
Preparation
In the days leading to your session, introduce your baby to different textures and colours -- have them play with mashed potatoes, porridge, applesauce, whipped cream, yoghurt, etc.
Your baby will be more confident with the cake if they had played with various textures before. To bolster confidence even further -- consider making a “trial” session with some finger foods on the floor to make your baby more familiar with the idea.
However, a word of caution: encourage but do not force! Never grab their hands and put them into a new texture. Instead, put your hands in first, play with the food yourself. Give them as much time as needed, be patient. Be a model, show them what to do, how to play, but never force -- it might be scary for the baby at first.
Few days before the session, consider getting a real cupcake and let your baby test it. Remember, no force!
Session Day
Some babies love to try new things while others prefer to take their time, treat new things, places and people with healthy scepticism.
Take it easy, try to keep your routine, but avoid extra activities and classes back-to-back with the session. Stay home, enjoy your family time. Make sure your baby had a healthy protein breakfast and had a nap.
Pack a diaper bag with a towel, favourite toys and finger foods (cheerios, anything your child loves).
Above all, bring your smile and cheerful mood! It is, after all, not a job to do -- it is a celebration to have. Please be patient, and let me do my magic! It will be worth it.
