Some trends in photography appear and go. Before you blink, it’s a new trend and it’s gone in a flash, and the glitz disappears. Then there is the cake smash – an ever-growing trend on the list of memorable moments in a child’s first year that should be recorded and captured by an experienced professionally-trained photographer, who will capture the wide range of emotions.
Then why is it that cake smash photography isn’t as popular? Google’s Keyword Planner shows 40,000 average monthly searches for “newborn photography,” 8,000 for “maternity photography” 2,500 for “birth photography,” however only 1,300 searches for “cake smash photos.”
The solution lies in a three-letter word”FUD”
Hold your horses. As a photographer, I know we are an odd bunch! In case your imagination gets free, let me define what FUD means:
Fear, uncertainty and Doubt
Do you have a fear that the cake smash session be as EXCITING as an adorable newborn photo session?
Uncertainty – should the parents or the photographer get the cake?
Doubtful that the baby even smash it, so to ensure that I (the photographer) are able to take good photos?
Let’s smash them one by one. You can see what I did there. Once we’ve got over all of my humorous puns, lets dive into the topic.
What should I keep in Mind Regarding the Cake?
Safety: I focus about baby safety throughout all my sessions, regardless of whether it’s baby or cake smash. Baby may be allergic to egg, wheat and refined sugar, among other things. That’s why I always ask the parents to bring the cake. This allows them to select the theme and colors.
Smash Cake Design: I suggest parents invest in a professional-designed cake. The results are usually much better. I know the cake trend is to go for a large cake but we don’t have to buy a three-layer cake. A smaller cake can get the same results , but at an affordable price.
Smash Cake Colors The colors of the Smash Cake are white, pink, yellow and light green cakes photograph beautifully and work well with all backgrounds. I also like orange. It’s bright and makes the photos stand out. Avoid red, chocolate and blue. The ones that look the worst when they’re wet and the third is difficult to clean.
Smash Cake Decorations: Choose buttercream or whipped frosting to make it easy for the little one to dig into. Beware of fondant as it is difficult to break and is an injury to your child’s choking. Sprinkles? Absolutely, provided you incorporate them into the cake without having to alter your cake’s design.
Do I really have to believe that the baby Will Always Dig In?
Use this method that has worked for me every time. Close your eyes and imagine. There’s a child of one year sitting in front of the cake who will pay attention and exactly do what you request. “Dig in,” you say! They dig right in smashing the cake into the most photogenic way possible.
I’m sure you’ve spotted this one coming from one mile away. It’s a fantasy, but reality is different.
Practice: Remember the baby is only one year old older and often reticent of exploring new textures, shapes, or tastes. Especially when surrounded by adults making funny noises or cheering them on. Therefore, eliminate the anxiety. I recommend that parents practice at home, before the session, with the cupcake, icing on top (preferably using the same colors) as well as an identical environment (i.e. everyone sits down on the floor). It’s not a perfect solution but it has brought me some good results. Also, small portions of cake can help reveal any food allergies that weren’t apparent to parents at the time of.
How can I Make my Cake Smash Session an Experience?
Please repeat after me: this is not an ordinary cake smashing session! Sorry if this sounds condescending, but know this I’m guilty too. We must remind people that this is an experience. And a cake smash is perhaps the only time when we are both creating and capturing the memories.
Plan a Theme: I ask the parents to share their child’s most loved book, toy or character. Then we design themes around the subject. Trust me; this makes it easier for the parents too. Well-known characters mean known colors, which helps make the design of the cake easier, and available accessories easier to find and purchase for the cake. For example, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”
Remember that a cake smash session invariably occurs during a birthday party. The choice of a theme will aid parents in planning the significant event too. Before even stepping into your studio, you’ll have made friends with your children.
How Do I Prepare to prepare for Cake Smash Day?
It’s time to go into brass screws. Make a list, so it’s easy to think about the following:
Cakes: Double check that it’s at room temperature.
Cake Stands: They always look beautiful however, you have to be very careful. Stands may fall down and ruin the cake.
Extra Sprinkles: Believe me they will be needed.
Spoon For safety: to assist the baby to get up and running.
Backdrop: I prefer seamless paper that I roll completely down, so that the baby can be seated on it, too. You will definitely get rid of some in the end.
Siblings: in a separate room, but preferably. After all, there’s an appealing cake that is waiting to be enjoyed. If your children are present there, it may be difficult to stop them from eating it, and you shouldn’t just blame them for wanting to try.
Watchful Eye: Remember, babies can move quickly. Make sure you keep the cake safe and all the other items.
All of this brings our attention to…
Plan for the Clean-up of Cake Smash Strategy
Don’t begin an event like a cake smash without a clean-up plan. Here’s the list things I will always have in my bag.
At the studio: I make sure that I have baby wipes, kitchen paper rolls, brush, dustpan, and trash bags in my studio at all times.
In the vicinity: Ample towels. Especially in the bathroom or powder room. If you’re not able to the other, I would suggest using a tiny bathing tub.
Parents bring an extra set of clothes for each family members who are attending. Bags to transport dirty clothes back to the house.
The editing process Cake Smash Photos
Shooting a cake smash session is just one part of the challenge. After you’ve managed to capture the images, it’s time to edit them. Oh do editing infants have its own unique series of problems, like eliminating redness, removing any blemishes, smoothing skin, etc.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found these tips for cake smash useful and the cloud of fear, uncertainty, and doubt have been cleared away.
