Some photography trends come and disappear. Before you blink, you’ll be awestruck by a trend and it’s gone in a flash, and the sizzle goes away. And then there’s the cake smash – a trend steadily gaining in the list of the most memorable moments in a child’s first year that must be recorded and captured by an experienced, professionally-trained photographer, who will capture the wide array of emotions.
What’s the reason cake smash photography isn’t a hit? 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 photography.”
The solution lies in a three-letter word”FUD.”
Hold your horses. Being a photographer myself, I’m sure we’re an odd bunch! Before you let your imagination run overboard, let me explain what FUD means:
Fear, uncertainty and Doubt
The cake smashing session be as exciting as an adorable newborn photo session?
Uncertainty: Should the parents or the photographer get the cake?
Doubtful if the baby will be able to smash the cake to ensure that we (the photographer) get decent photos?
Let’s smash them each one at a time. Look at what I did. After we’ve finished the clever jokes I made, we can get into the topic.
What Should I Bear in Mind Regarding the Cake?
Safety: I place a lot of emphasis on safety for babies in all my sessions, whether newborn and cake-smash. A baby may be allergic to wheat, egg, refined sugar, among other things. To avoid this, I usually ask parents to provide the cake. This allows them to decide on the style and color.
Smash Cake Design I recommend parents get a professional cake. The result is usually better. The trend in cakes is to go large however, we don’t require a three-layer cake. A cake with a medium size yields the same results , but at lower cost.
Smash Cake Colors The colors of the Smash Cake are white, pink, yellow lighter green and white cakes show very well and are a perfect match for the majority of backdrops. I also love orange. It is vibrant and makes the pictures pop. Avoid red, chocolate and blue. The ones that look the worst when wet, and the third one is difficult to wash.
Smash Cake Decorations: Use frosting that is whipped or buttercream which makes it easier for the child to dig into. Avoid fondant – it’s tough to break and could be a choking hazard. Sprinkles? Absolutely, if you can incorporate them into the cake without having to modify your design.
Should I assume that the baby will always dig in?
Try this trick, which has worked for me every time. Close your eyes and dream. You have a one-year-old looking at a cake who will listen and exactly do what you ask. “Dig in,” you say! And they dig in smashing the cake in the most photogenic way possible.
You probably saw this one coming from a mile away. It’s just a dream. Reality is different.
Practice: Remember the baby is just one year old and is often shy of trying new textures, shapes, or even tastes. Particularly when they are surrounded by adults making funny noises or clapping to egg them on. Also, remove the stress. I suggest that parents practice at home prior to the session, with an iced cupcake with frosting on the top (preferably the same color) and in the same environment (i.e. everyone sits down on the floor). This isn’t a foolproof solution, but it has given me some good results. Also, a smaller portion of cake can help reveal any allergies that were not apparent to parents earlier.
How Do I Make my Cake Smash Session an Experience?
Remember, this isn’t just a cake smash session! I am sorry if this sound like a joke, but remember this is my own experience. It is important to remind people that this is about an occasion. And a cake smash is perhaps the only time when we are both creating and capturing the moments, right?
Design a Theme: I talk to the parents about their child’s favourite toy, book or even a persona. Then we plan an idea around the subject. This makes it much easier for parents too. Well-known characters mean known colors – which makes the smash cake design 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 photography session invariably coincides with a baby’s first birthday celebration. Picking out a theme can assist parents in planning that important occasion too. Even before they step into your studio, you will have developed a rapport with the kids.
How do I prepare in advance for Cake Smash Day?
It’s time to go into brass screws. Create a list so that you can plan effectively:
Cake: Make certain it’s at room temperature.
The Cake Stand always looks beautiful But you have to be extremely careful. Stands may break and ruin the cake.
Extra Sprinkles: I promise you You will require them.
Spoon: Just in case, to assist the baby to get established.
Backdrop: I love smooth paper I can roll down to allow the baby to also sit on it. You will definitely get rid of some in the close.
Siblings: Separately in a room, but preferably. After all, there’s a delicious-looking cake ready to be devoured. If your children are present there, it may be difficult for them to resist devouring the cake, and you’re not going to blame them for trying.
Watchful Eye: Remember, babies can move quickly. Be sure to guard the cake and equipment.
All of this leads us the following…
A Cake Smash Cleaning-Up Strategy
Never begin your cake smash photography session without a clear-up plan. Here’s the list of things I have always in my bag.
The Studio: I always make sure to have baby wipes, brush, dustpan as well as trash bins in my studio at all times.
In the vicinity: Ample towels. Particularly in the bathroom or the powder room. If you don’t have access either, I suggest a small bathing tub.
Parents Bring: Extra pair of clothes for the family members. Bags to take the dirty clothes home.
The editing process Cake Smash Photos
A cake smash photo shoot is just one part of the challenge. After you’ve successfully captured your pictures, it’s now time to edit them. And , boy, does editing infants offer its own distinct set of challenges, like removing blemishes, reducing redness, smoothing skin, etc.
Conclusion
I hope that you find these tips for cake smash useful, and the clouds of uncertainty, fear, and doubt are now removed.