A cake smash photoshoot is a fun and trendy way to capture your baby’s first birthday! If this is for your first child, planning can be daunting as there are infinite ways to make your photoshoot special. Whether you’re a creative DIY-er or need some tips on what to include, here’s how to plan an unforgettable cake smash photoshoot:
1. Choose a theme
Cake smash doesn’t always have to be plain, so think of a fun and creative theme that your baby would love. For boys, try superheroes or under the sea; for girls, pick up on the latest trends such as unicorns, princesses, or rainbows. Make sure to match your decorations and props with the theme.
2. Location, location, location
Once you’ve decided on the theme, where will your shoot take place? Just like in any other photoshoot session, location will serve as a big factor in how you want your photos to look like. If you’re going for a more natural setting, outdoor locations work best. You can also bring the party indoors and shoot in a home studio.
3. Get props and decorations
This is the fun part! Put together everything you need to make your cake smash photoshoot truly memorable. If you’re going with a theme, make sure to include decorations that will bring your concept to life. You can bring in signs, balloons, banners, and of course the cake!
4. Avoid getting chocolate cakes
While many traditional cakes are made with chocolate, you don’t want the mess that comes along with it. Go for a more child-friendly option such as a fruit puree-based cake. This will make for easier cleanup while making sure your baby has a yummy treat to snack on. Also, opt out of cakes with too much red food coloring that can potentially stain their clothes.
5. Don’t be afraid to get messy
The best thing about cake smash photoshoots is that it’s okay to get messy. Allow your baby to explore the cake and be their goofy self. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, so just let them be themselves and capture all the fun moments. However, make sure to bring extra clothes and a towel just in case!
6. Have Fun
The last thing would be to let your baby embrace and enjoy the moment. Cake smash is all about having fun so don’t forget to laugh along with your baby and make it a day they’ll never forget. You can join along and make silly faces with them to capture all the authentic laughter!
Must Bring During Cake Smash Photoshoot
If you are planning to hire a professional photographer for your cake smash photoshoot, make sure to have a list of all the things you need to bring. This will not only help you and your photographer to have a smooth and successful photoshoot but it will also help you capture the best memories.
Here are a few items that you should definitely bring with your cake smash photoshoot:
- The birthday child’s complete outfit (including headbands, bibs, and other accessories)
- Your chosen cake and decorations
- Towels, wet wipes, and an extra set of clothes
- Props such as signs, balloons, banners
- Toys and other distractions to keep your baby entertained
- A step stool for the cake table
- Your camera or phone to shoot some behind-the-scenes
- A lot of patience and a great attitude!
How to Perfectly Plan Your Professional Cake Smash Session
Now that you have decided to work with a professional photographer for your cake smash photoshoot, there are some extra steps that you must take to ensure that you get the best out of your photoshoot.
1. Schedule a Consultation
Book an appointment with your photographer to go over all the details of your cake smash photoshoot. You can discuss the theme, location, decorations, and props. Also, get to know the pricing structure of your photographer as this will give you a better understanding of what to expect from your photoshoot.
2. Book ahead
This is very important. If you’re planning on getting professional cake smash photos done, book your session as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Most photographers book up in advance, so the sooner you set your appointment, the better.
3. Prepare a timeline
Once everything is all set, create a timeline for your photoshoot. This will help you and the photographer to stay organized and make sure that everything is running smoothly during the shoot.
Key Takeaways
There’s no better way to capture your baby’s first birthday than with a cake smash photoshoot. While planning can be overwhelming, by following these steps, you can plan the perfect photoshoot for your little one.
If you are in Arizona and looking for a professional photographer for your cake smash photoshoot, you can contact us at Madison Grey Photography. We offer an array of services including maternity photography, newborn photography, family photography, and more!
