First Birthday Cake Smash Photoshoot
What should I keep in mind regarding the cake?
Safety: I am big on baby safety in all my sessions whether newborn or cake smash. A baby may be allergic to wheat, egg, refined sugar among other things. For that reason, I always ask the parents to bring the cake. This also allows them to choose the design and colors.
Design: I suggest that parents get a professional cake. The results are much better. I know that the trend is to go large, but we don’t need a three-layer cake. A medium cake gets the same results in a reasonable price.
Plan a theme: I ask the parents about favorite toy, book or character. Then we plan a theme around it. Trust me, this makes it easier for the parents as well. Well-known characters means known colors making the cake design easier, and available accessories to purchase and add to the setup. Example, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”.
Parents bring: Extra pair of clothes for all family members attending. Bags to take the dirty clothes home.
Colors: Pink, white, yellow and light green photograph well, and match with most backdrops. I like orange as well. It is vibrant and makes the photographs pop. Avoid chocolate, red and blue the first two don’t look good when wet and the last is tough to clean.
There are two outfits allowed: A cute first birthday outfit, and the cake smash “attire” (usually a diaper/cover…see below). The first few shots we get will be portraits of your baby dressed in a cute outfit for a couple traditional first birthday portraits. Then take a few minutes to change your baby into their cake smash “attire”.