What is cake smash photography & does your baby need one?

A “cake smash” is an adorable way to celebrate a child’s first birthday (or any age for that matter – in fact older children may well prefer it!). Typically, it involves a small yummy cake placed in front of a soon to be one-year-old & then what unfolds next is anyones guess! Baby’s are encouraged to explore it and they tend to poke and prod it initially to work out just what it is and what to do with it! This usually leads to a lot of mess, laughter and frosting-covered hands, faces, and sometimes even toes. This tradition harks back to the good old USA and  has become popular here in the UK and with my Manchester & Cheshire clients. Cake smashes are get for capturing the super cute memories & the milestones that it celebrates. It is usually the first time a baby has even tried cake!

Cake smash photoshoots can be a lot of fun but the traditional set up is’t for me and nor is the whole concept perfect for everyone.

What makes my Cake Smashes different?

1. Choosing the Right Cake:

• I go small, a 4-inch double tiered cake is perfect for little hands to break into.
• We keep it simple in terms of flavours. Plain with cream buttercream icing. I don’t even need to tell you what a chocolate cake looks like smeared over hands and faces!
• Beautiful simple frosting makes sure that it sits nicely within my minimal asthetics & baby stays the focus point. You do not want the cake being the thing everyone looks at!

2. Setting Up the Scene:

• Backdrop:  I specialise in neutrals. Therefore there is no themed backdrop – no jungles or proncess castle backgrounds. And I am not even sorry. Because helps focus the attention on the child. Plus you are making decisions on what your baby will be “into” before you truly know. For me, a gender neutral approach is perfect in these modern times.
• Props: a few balloons and a banner – if you want, will work perfectly.
• Clothing: If you want to dress your baby up in a tu-tu or a bow tie, chances are we aren’t a great fit. So I advise keep it simple. I have ONE jumpers you are free to borrow.

3. Making It Comfortable:

• Schedule the session when the child is well-rested and fed (not too full but not hungry). A tired or overly hungry baby might not be as interested in the cake.
• Make sure the child is comfortable in the space, and avoid any distractions that might take away from the fun.

4. Capturing the Moments:

• I ask for parent involvement. Don’t worry – I just need you to bring your A game when it comes to getting baby’s attention and also to leave any expectations at the door. Baby doesn’t know why they are having their photo taken
• Remember to focus on close-ups of hands, faces, and those priceless first bites.
• On top of this we have photos without the cake. Before they get messy. As wonderful as Cake Smashes can be – there are only so many images you really want of your baby eating a cake. Believe me, on a cake smash photoshoot, clients tend to purchase more images without the cake than with. And guess what, you can celebrate your baby’s birthday with a photoshoot with absolutely no cake! In fact most of my clients go for a photoshoot without cake. Just saying this so you know, you do not have to have a cake. It is not for everyone.

Which leads me to the next point…

What alternatives are their to cake smash photography?

Ooh I am so glad you asked! Let me talk about the alternative first birthday photoshoot. One year olds are a lot of fun. I want to be able to capture their personalities on camera for you. Below are some different ways we can mark the occasion without a cake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So with or without cake – you can rest assured that we can capture this beautiful first birthday milestone! So, have a think about what you want and then get in touch with me and lets book you in! 

Light Of My Life Photography is run by myself, Jill. I am a professional maternity, newborn, baby and family photographer based on the outskirts of Macclesfield. The photography studio is at the bottom of my garden and is perfectly suited for family photography.  I have 7 years experience and adore minimalist and authentic baby photography. If you want a photographer with lots of experience, who is patient, calm and welcoming of your family – I am your girl!