A cake smash photoshoot is a great and fun way to celebrate your baby's 1st birthday.
I have prepared a few tips for you how to get ready for the session:
WHEN TO BOOK CAKE SMASH SESSION
If you would like to have your pictures ready for a birthday party or would like to use them for an invitations then I would recommend to book your cake smash at least 4 weeks in advance to get the pictures back in time before the party.
Some parents choose to book their photo shoot on baby's actual birthday, which is a great way to celebrate this special day. The choice is yours.
HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST?
Cake smash session usually last about 1 hour.
We will start from taking a couple of family pictures (if requested), then a classic portraits without the cake of just the baby. Typically we have time for 2 outfit changes before the cake.
Once I bring in the cake, the photo session takes about 15 minutes. Some babies dig right in and smash the cake, when others need a little encouragement. Sometimes if baby is not interested in the cake, we will put a few snacks on top of the cake to motivate them. Bath pictures are optional and can be added to the package for an extra £20.
It's going to be messy!
WHERE THE SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE?
My studio in Filton, Bristol.
THE BIRTHAY SET UP
Once your session is booked we will discuss the decorations. You can pick what colours you would like to incorporate into the session or if there is a theme you would like to do we will discuss how that theme will look. If you don't have anything in mind I am happy give you some creative ideas.
I typically provide all the props and decorations but sometimes parents choose to bring their own.
BEFORE THE SESSION
A few days before the session please give your child a cupcake to get used to the idea. Let your baby play with it. Some babies get scared because they are unfamiliar with the cake and trying it at home first will help them during the session.
On the day of the session please make sure your baby is well rested.
Typically I schedule the cake smash session at 10am or 11am, please let me know what time is most suitable for your baby and I will do my best to accommodate you.
Right after their nap usually works well. Make sure baby is fed before your session because babies usually eat little to none of the cake. If you think baby might be teething, you might want to consider a pain reliever about 30 minutes before your session.
CAKE
If your baby has any known food allergies, I would recommend bringing your own cake.
If you are not sure if your baby will have an allergy to the cake, I recommend trying a cupcake at home first. If you prefer not to give a cake to your baby, there are lots of other options, like: Spaghetti Smash, Pancake Smash, Watermelon Smash, Pizza Smash etc.
If there are no allergies I will provide a cake. It's a simple Victoria sponge cake with a cream on top. I will match the colour of the cake to the chosen set up.
OUTFIT
You are welcome to bring anything you would like. There are many options on Amazon or Etsy.
You can also go simple and let baby go shirtless with just a nappy cover.
I also have a few baby outfits in the studio as an option!
WHAT TO BRING
-wet wipes
-towel
-snacks (sometimes baby needs a little encouragment to reach for the cake by putting a few snacks on top of it)
-extra outfit to wear once baby is all cleaned, extra outfit for you too as sometimes can get very messy
-milk, water
-nappies
-favourite toy
-outfit for portraits before the cake and cake smash outfit
-any special item that you would like to incorporate into the session
-hair brush
WHAT TO WEAR FOR FAMILY PORTRAITS
I would advice to choose something that coordinates well with the colors that you picked out. Lighter colours always look best whether you prefer light or dark backdrop.
STUDIO LOCATION
My home studio address is 18 CHARLTON AVENUE, BS34 7QX. There is a free parking on the road or on a driveway outside the studio. If you get lost please call me on 07593024189.
Should you have any questions, I am always here to help! Please feel free to contact me at slukajczyk@gmail.com
I look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
BRISTOL CAKE SMASH PHOTOSHOOT