Certain trends in photography come and disappear in photography. Before you even blink, you’ll be awestruck by a trend, but the next thing you know, the glitz disappears. There’s also the cake smash, an ever-growing trend on the list of unforgettable moments of the first year of a child’s life that must be recorded and captured by an experienced, expert photographer who can capture the vast range of emotions.
Why is it that cake smash photography isn’t as popular? Google’s keyword planner lists the average monthly search volume of 40,000 for “newborn photography,” 8000 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 am aware that we are an insane bunch! If your imagination is running overboard, let me explain the meaning of FUD:
Fear, uncertainty, and Doubt
The cake smashing session be as thrilling as an adorable newborn photo session?
Uncertainty: Should the parents or the photographer get the cake?
Doubtful if the baby will really smash that cake to ensure it is possible that you (the photographer) will get great 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 dive into cake smash photography.
What should I keep in mind when I am making the Cake?
Safety: I insist on safety for babies in every session, be it baby and cake-smash. Baby may be allergic to egg, wheat and refined sugar, among other things. This is why I usually ask parents to provide the cake. It also lets them pick the cake’s design and color.
Smash Cake Design I recommend parents purchase a professional cake. The result is usually better. The trend in cakes is to make it large however, we don’t require three layers of cake. A smaller cake can get similar results for an affordable price.
Smash Cake Colors The colors of the Smash Cake are white, pink, yellow, as well as light-colored cakes look beautifully and look great with the majority of backgrounds. I also love orange. It’s vibrant and makes pictures stand out. Avoid red, chocolate and blue. The three don’t look great when they’re wet, and the third is difficult to wash.
Smash Cake Decorations: Use buttercream or whipped frosting to make it easy for your child to eat. Beware of fondant as it is difficult to break and could be an choking risk. Sprinkles? Yes, if you are able to put them on the cake without changing the design.
Do I have to assume that the baby will always dig in?
This trick has worked for me every time. Close your eyes and imagine. There’s a child of one year standing in front of the cake, who will listen and follow exactly what you want. “Dig in,” you say! Then they do it smashing the cake in the most photogenic way possible.
I’m sure you’ve seen this coming from one mile away. It’s a fantasy, but reality is different.
Practice: Remember that the baby is only one year old older and often reticent of trying new textures, forms, or flavors. Particularly when they are surrounded by adults who make funny noises and cheering them on. Therefore, eliminate the stress. I recommend that parents practice at home prior to the class, using the cupcake, icing on the top (preferably using the same colors) and in an identical environment (i.e. everyone is on the floor). It’s not a perfect solution however it has provided me positive results. In addition, smaller portions of cake can help reveal allergies that weren’t known to parents prior.
How Can I Make The Cake Smash Session an Experience?
Remind me that this isn’t an ordinary cake smashing session! Sorry if this sounds like a joke, but remember this I’m guilty as well. It is important to remind people that this is about an event. A cake smash is one of the few occasions when we create and record the memories, isn’t it?
Create a theme: I talk to the parents what their child’s favorite book, toy or even a persona. We then plan the theme around the subject. This makes it simpler for parents too. The most well-known characters are those with known colors, which helps make the design of the cake simpler, and the available items are easier to locate and purchase to complete the set. For instance, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”
Remember that the cake smash usually is a part of a child’s first birthday celebration. The choice of a theme will aid parents in planning the important event, too. Before they even enter your studio, you’ll be a good friend to them.
How do I set up to prepare for Cake Smash Day?
Then, it’s time to get down to the brass tabs. Create a list so that you can organize effectively:
Cakes: Double check that that it’s at the temperature of room.
The Cake Stand always looks nice However, you need to be extremely careful. Stands may fall down and damage the cake.
Extra Sprinkles: Believe me that you’ll need them.
Spoon In case of emergency, to aid the baby in getting to be a little more comfortable.
Backdrop: I like smooth paper I can roll completely down to allow the baby to play on it as well. You will definitely be able to lose some in the close.
Siblings: Separately in a room, but preferably. There’s an appealing cake that is waiting to be eaten. If your children are present it could be difficult to keep them from eating it, and you shouldn’t be blamed for them trying.
Watchful Eye: Remember, babies can move quickly. Be sure to guard the cake and other items.
All of this leads our attention up…
Cleaning up the Cake Smash Strategy
Don’t begin the cake smash photo shoot without having a plan for cleaning up. Here’s a list of things I keep in my bag.
At the studio: I try to have baby wipes, kitchen paper rolls, brushes, dustpan, as well as trash bins in my studio at all times.
Close by: Ample towels. Particularly in the powder room or bathroom. If you aren’t able to access or have access to the use of a small tub for bathing.
Parents bring: An extra pair of clothing for all family members who are attending. Bags to carry dirty clothes to home.
Making edits Cake Smash Photos
The process of shooting a cake smash is just one part of the challenge. After you’ve successfully captured your photos, it’s time to edit the images. Oh, and baby, editing babies have its own unique challenge, such as getting rid of redness, blemishes and smoothing skin.
Conclusion
I hope that you find these tips for cake smash useful and that the cloud of uncertainty, fear, and doubt are now removed.
