Location – Ditch the high chair! You want to make sure your baby has the room to jump, stand, or smash their cake in any way they want without restrictions. Set up a large area, maybe even on the floor or outside, free of potential hazards. Natural light is important. Choose an area with more natural light to create an airy setting.  If it is at your house, make sure it’s a spot that’s easy to clean!

Expect the Mess – Don’t forget a change of clothes & definitely baby wipes to clean your baby after playing in all the sugar!

Don’t assume they will dive right into the cake – Not every child wants to dive right in and make a mess no matter what tricks we try. It’s important to know that even if they don’t turn their cake into a gooey pile of crumbs, I am still able to catch fun images of them poking at it or daintily picking of bits of icing or decorations. Sometimes we may need to strategically place a little icing to help things along, or other times mom or dad may have to get involved in the pictures themselves. It’s also a good idea to bring along a favorite toy and some snacks in case your little one needs some encouraging.

Get Creative – Don’t keep it to the basics! Put your own twist on the session that represents your family’s uniqueness. For example, add an adorable tent if your family is outdoors or an gorgeous umbrella if your family moved from a raining city. If you need inspiration – check out the Avenue of Oaks Cake smash session.

Keep props simple – The cake stand doesn’t need to be this super expense piece. Since your baby is tiny, the cake can be too. Hence the “cake stand” could actually be a dollar store candle holder! Choose a simply background so it does not take away from what is actually happening in the photo!

Cake choices matter – A white cake may be better over chocolate or red velvet because the dark color cake could stain your babies clothes if you want to keep them. Bright or pastel covered icing seems to photograph better than plain white or chocolate, with the exception of red. Red or Chocolate icing can resemble something less appetizing. At first glance people may not realize that your baby covered in is actually cake. Gross, right? Definitely choose a creamier icing so it is easy for your baby to make a mess of. (If you are throwing a 1st birthday party and buying a cake already, make sure to buy from Publix because they give away a free smash cake with a half sheet cake order.

Potential Allergens – Most likely this is the first time your baby is having icing or cake. Keep in mind you have no idea how they will respond to the ingredients. It’s unlikely they will have an allergic reaction. Just be sure to bring Benadryl so you can react quickly.

Color Coordinate – Be sure that your baby is dress with similar colors to their cake and background props.

Encourage shy babies – Some babies do not know what to do with a cake when it is set in front of them. If the birthday baby doesn’t seem interested after the first few minutes, try putting your finger in some frosting and giving them a taste.

Crowd control- some babies do not respond well to a dozen faces staring at them waiting for them to do something. The pressure is over whelming. Take the weight off their shoulders and keep the watching eyes to a minimum of 4 people or less.

Are you looking for a family photographer in Camden or Glynn county?

Hi! I’m Calli, a Georgia family photographer specializing in candid and authentic photos that capture the love, fun and true personalities of each person. I am happy to serve families along the coast line of Georgia, from Savannah Georgia to Jacksonville Florida. You ready to have an amazing time together for your family session? Message me today!