Prep Guide for Smash and Splash | Classic One year Portraits

CAKE SMASH & SPLASH PREP GUIDE FOR PARENTS

Hello! Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your little one’s cake smash and splash! I am so excited to have them in the studio, or even on-location, for a gorgeous set of one-year portraits and Cake smash! A cake smash is a fun a joyful way to commemorate this milestone in your child’s life! Take this opportunity to capture your child’s delight as they tear into their first real taste of sugar!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Cake smashes are best done when the baby is 11-13 months old. If you want to receive your photos and prints before baby’s birthday party, there is a two to three week turnaround time for photos so keep this in mind when contacting me for your cake smash. I will do my best to get them to you on time for their party if needed and for this to be a great experience for you and your little one!

Sessions last about an hour. We begin with portrait portion go through about 2 outfits, then cake smash portion and afterwards a bubble bath!

Parent’s prepare for it to get messy! Little one sometimes needs help getting into the cake. Please do not fret if little one cries, a LOT of babies do as it’s new to them, and sometimes don’t like the texture or it’s just too sweet. My biggest tip is to give them a taste before hand, to get them used to it. During the session if little one is unhappy we usually give them a sippy cup or put some puffs in the cake, it works wonders! Afterwards is clean up and bubble bath time!

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

I provide the following for cake smash and splash:

• Time & talent
• set design and/or balloon garland (for The Signature package)
• A cream cake stand
• Vintage quilts/comfy fur blankets (sheep wool)
• Rustic floor props for baby to sit upon such as a box or bowl
• Farmhouse bowl for the bubble bath or stainless steel tub
• Warm water & bubbles (I use Johnson and Johnson products)
• Use of Studio wardrobe (includes a couple dresses/rompers all neutral colored) sizing varies, and not custom bought for each session

Parents provide the following for cake smash and splash:

• A cake of their choice
• Any specific décor or props you would like that are not seen in my studio
• Number Balloons or cake topper, if they’re something you want to add. Please note that number metallic balloons do have reflections in them, and I will not edit that out.
• Diaper cover for baby during their cake smash or a birthday outfit
• Towel to clean baby up + extra outfit
• Extra outfit for parents, it can get messy!

HELPFUL TIPS IN PREPARATION FOR BABY’S SESSION

• Let the cake sit out for a few hours so it is warm and easy for baby to get into, sometimes they refuse to dig into a cold cake!
• Avoid fondant/crunchy/hard icing – babies often dislike the texture
• A local baker is best and can make exactly what you want beautifully! If you can’t find one Sam’s club/Meijer/Walmart can all make simple small smash cakes!
• If using a colored icing remember this may stain baby’s skin; red velvet cake, for an instance, will also stain the baby’s skin and it will look like the baby is a vampire or zombie in the photos haha. BROWN does look a little like poo too.
• NO FLORESENT frosting or food coloring. It will stain everything, and cost $$$ to fix the studio walls and backdrops due to staining, which will be at an additional charge to you.
• Bring sippy cup with water, they may get thirsty! Also cheerios or puffs to stick in cake just in case.

Thanks again for choosing me to photograph your baby! Let me know if you have any questions so I may assist!

Photos of some cakesmash sessions to show how the session goes 🙂

First few are the Signature Package

Last 2 are the Classic