sweet baby + yummy cake = adorably messy memories


If you're a parent, and your sweet little baby is approaching their first birthday, LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! This post will go over how to book your first birthday/cake smash session, tips on how to prep before the session, and what you can expect during the session!

BOOKING THE SESSION...


You'll want to plan for the session to take place during your child's 11th month. I try to book all of my cake smash sessions during the week at my studio in Downers Grove - when deciding on a time, think about the time of day when your child is the happiest. If you can't make a weekday work for any reason, no worries! Just shoot me a message and we'll figure out a day that works best. Just like all of my sessions, I'll be sure to send you a booking link with the date/time/location, a questionnaire, contract and invoice. Looking for your child to indulge in something other than a cake? Donuts, pizza? I'm always open to new ideas!


Keep a couple logistical things in mind when scheduling your session as the turnaround time for the photos is 2 weeks...

  • Will you use these photos on social media on your child's actual birthday?
  • Are you planning to print any photos beforehand for their party?

HOW TO PREP...


Clothing-wise
  • Baby - bring the baby dressed in the outfit they'll wear for the photos or something easy if he/she will be wearing one of my client closet outfits.
  • Parents - come dressed in a poncho. I'm only (half) kidding. Seriously though, it can get messy and the parents are the wranglers of the constantly-moving baby. So plan on wearing something that YOU don't mind getting a liiiiiiittle frosting on.


BABY ITEMS
  • Diapers + wipes (just in case)
  • Toys, stuffies or books your child enjoys
  • Snacks like cheerios, puffs, etc. (that'll be easy to disguise in case your child isn't interested in the cake)
  • Any songs your child likes to listen to (Mickey Mouse, Ms. Rachel, etc)


WHAT i'll have on hand...
  • Tons of outfits
  • Cake stands
  • Baskets (to keep the little one contained for pre-cake shots)
  • A wooden "one" sign for the baby to hold or set up behind them
  • A wooden "one" cake topper
  • Toddler-sized stool (if they want to stand next to it or actually sit on it)
  • A simple white studio setup to keep the focus on the baby


WHAT YOU PROVIDE...
  • Hair accessories (I have headbands we can use, however if your child hates wearing them I suggest you bring an alternative such as a bow clip)
  • The cake! I recommend making your own simple cake OR going to Mariano's and having them make a "naked smash cake", which is a lightly frosted cake with buttercream frosting (if using colored frosting, choose very light/desaturated colors as the bold/bright colors can stain and look a little crazy!)
  • A cake topper (unless you prefer to use mine)
  • The essentials listed above


WHAT TO EXPECT...


BABE IN A BASKET

To get things rolling, we'll start with some cute photos of your little one: sitting, standing, crawling, in a sweet basket, etc. These are going to be the photos you'll likely want to have hanging up in your home! Although I have had clients print and display the cake smash photos in their kitchen! :-) Once your child has warmed up and we have all of the smiley pictures you want, we'll move onto the cake.


LET THEM EAT CAKE

Bring on the cake! I like to get a few shots of the baby exploring the cake with the topper on, and then we'll take it off once they get into it. This is the time where I'll need the parents help the most if they're moving around a lot! Ha! If for some reason your child isn't that into the cake, we can try to stick some puffs or cheerios into the cake to get them to taste it, or a lot of times they'll try it if the parent give them a little bite.


all done (waves hands)

When your baby has enjoyed enough cake, we're all done! I'll handle the mess and you can get your little one changed and ready for a niiiiiiiiice nap. After the session, you can expect to view your photos in an online gallery within 2 weeks (or another date previously agreed upon). Simply choose your 10 favorites from the session, send me a quick note that your decisions are final and I'll get them over to you within 24 hours. Don't worry - if the photos are too irresistible, additional images can be purchased a la carte or you may purchase the full gallery, too.

FINAL THOUGHTS


Cake Smash sessions are quickly becoming one of my favorite photo sessions to do! Don't forget to reach out early to book. If you'd like to do your cake smash session outdoors or incorporate some family photos as well, let me know! Hope to see your baby tearing up a cake in the near future.