.TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAKE SMASH PORTRAIT SESSION.

.WHAT TO EXPECT.

A cake smash session is a fun and joyful way to commemorate this milestone in your little one’s life. It’s really the perfect opportunity to capture the sheer delight on your child’s face as they enjoy their first real taste of sugar!

Cake Smash sessions last roughly anywhere between [30-45] minutes. The first half of the session is comprised of what we call “milestone” photographs, where I capture the personality of your little one. The last half of the session is when we photograph the actual cake smash! I’ll begin by taking pictures of your little one in their cake smash outfit before introducing the cake.

I’ll let your baby set the pace, as some littles ones prefer to dig right in and destroy their cake, and others need a little bit of encouragement and sometimes even just a little bit of help to get into their cake.

Be ready to get your hands dirty and help your little to feel comfortable enjoying their birthday treat!

.CHOOSING OR MAKING A CAKE.

Due to concern for allergens, Alana Adetola Arts Photography is not able to provide the cake for your baby’s session.  I am happy to recommend some local bakers if you will not be making the cake yourself. 

When selecting an appropriate cake, go with a small cake or large cupcake, approximately 6 inches around at the very largest will be perfect!

Whether you are making the cake, or having it made, please consider the following:

  • Please make sure that the cake is placed onto a cake round [something that can be used to transfer the cake easily from one surface to another]. A piece of cardboard cut into a circle and covered in aluminum foil works just as well if you are making the cake yourself.

  • Think light colors for the cake itself. Do you really want your baby’s face covered in red food coloring? Probably not!

  • Don’t forget to remove the cake from the refrigerator at least [1] hour before the session to allow the frosting to come to room temperature.

.WHAT TO WEAR.

Choose the theme or color of your little one’s cake smash first, and then you can choose the outfit. Etsy is also a wonderful resource for buying custom made outfits that will make this photo session memorable.

.THE MESS.

I hope that your little one in fact DOES make a huge mess! That brings the whole joy & the point of this type of portrait session. We will finish the session with some warm towels, to soothe & clean your baby, so please bring a clean outfit for the ride home.

.THINGS TO BRING.

  • Cake, Cupcakes, Pancakes, Donuts, etc.

  • Cake Smash Outfit

  • At least [1] additional outfit for Baby

  • Change of clothes for parents, just in case

  • At least [1] extra diaper

  • A sippy cup; to help wash down the cake

  • Your baby’s favorite little snack [think Cheerios, or puffs, or berries] in case your baby really doesn’t enjoy the cake. We sometimes have to hide their favorite little snack inside of the cake to make it look like your little one is actually eating the cake.

Cake Smash photoshoots are precious, exciting, sweet and fun - they can also be a little stressful. But just try to remember that at the end of the day, this is an extremely exciting time for you and your loved ones. So just take a deep breath and be ready to get your hands sweet & dirty!

With love, 

A

Have a question about something that wasn't answered here? Don't hesitate to drop me a line at alana.adetola@gmail.com.