What to expect at a Cake Smash Photography Session: a comprehensive guide

August 15, 2024

CAKE SMASH PHOTOGRAPHY — a creative and joyful way to celebrate your child’s first birthday!

Planning your cake smash session

What to expect at a Cake Smash Photography Session. Newborn and family photographer. Hills District. Sydney

When to book?

A cake smash session is held to mark your child’s first birthday. It is often done before a child’s actual birthday. Around 11 months old, babies are typically more curious and adventurous about new experiences and textures. They are also more likely to sit still and engage with the camera, making it easier to capture cute and memorable photos. Additionally, doing the cake smash session a few weeks or months before the actual birthday allows ample time to edit and prepare the photos for use in birthday invitations or other decorations.

Choosing a theme

Need inspiration? You can check out all of my past cake smash themes for some great tips and ideas. I have 2 packages to choose from. For a BASIC CAKE SMASH, you can choose a color palette or one of my available setups. For a more elaborate theme, opt for the DELUXE CAKE SMASH. Just share your ideas with me. To avoid any last-minute stress, book your session well in advance. This not only secures your spot but also provides ample time for any special requests or custom themes.

On the day of the session

Making your child comfortable

Please consider the best time for your baby. It should be when your baby is happiest, not right before a nap (about 2 hours before or directly after).
Ensure your baby has had a good sleep and is well-fed before we start.
This session is baby-led, meaning your baby’s mood is the most important factor for its success so it’s okay if you arrive 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time. On important days, babies may sleep more or less than usual. Just let me know when you are heading to the studio.
Bring your baby’s favorite toys and think of things that make them laugh to help us capture beautiful smiles (such as songs, funny sounds, games, etc.).
Avoid planning anything that may overwhelm the baby on this day. Try to follow your usual daily routine.

Introducing the cake

Once your child is comfortable after the portrait part, it’s time to present the cake. Let your baby interact with it freely—whether they choose to smash, nibble, or simply explore, the focus is on their enjoyment. The session will get messy, but that’s part of the fun! Following the cake smash, your child will enjoy a bubble bath, which often results in some of the cutest smiles. Text heading

After the session

I’ll spend some time retouching your photos and ordering any print products that you may have purchased. You’ll receive an email with your final gallery where you can download your images within 14 days after your session. You’ll also have the option to order prints or albums to preserve these precious memories.A cake smash photography session is a joyful and unique way to commemorate your child’s first birthday. With thoughtful preparation and a professional photographer’s touch, you’ll create lasting memories of this special occasion.