Theming a Cake Smash Photoshoot

It’s nearly your little ones first birthday and it’s time to think about their cake smash photoshoot. If you’re thinking about what decorations to have, whether to have a theme or not and what cake to pick, let me help you with a few things to think about that I’ve learnt from my experiences as a cake smash photographer.

  • Simplicity can often be best - by doing so the focus is kept on little one 

  • Too many decorations and props can look great but can also be distracting to them - we all know what toddlers can be like, a few toys/props and the cake is usually enough

  • Do bare in mind that at this age most things often end up in their mouth 

  • Do you have anything that is sentimental, a special toy, blanket, teddy bear that you would like to feature in the photos

  • Its often helpful for little one to have a few things to keep their attention and keep them still, is there something in particular that might do this but that you don’t ming being in the photos

  • What makes them laugh and smile? Whether this is something you have in the photos or to hand to get their attention it’s worth giving some thought before the photoshoot 

  • Let’s get them playing and just being themselves

  • By keeping the photography candid this helps little one feel more relaxed and to be themselves, there is alway plenty of time in a cake smash photoshoot to do everything at little ones pace

  • what makes you think of them, is there a simple theme that helps encompass their little personality and character

The cake - 

When thinking about the cake for your cake smash there’s a few things worth bearing in mind - 

How it will look in the photos, little ones taste preferences and what’s going to happen to it.

  • it may sound a little odd but have a think about how the cake will look in the photos

  • Do you want something clean and simple. Fitting with the overall aesthetic, or are you more bright and bold? What ever you choose isn’t just going to end up on the cake but also on the ground, little ones face, hands, feet and clothes too 

  • Chocolate cake - now everyone loves chocolate cake (me included) but when it comes to a cake smash photoshoot the brown sponge will stand out a lot in your photos and if your little ones gets stuck in there it will be all over them and the photos too. 

  • Cake toppings - keep it safe and something tempting to your little one, simple icing or fruit are good safe bets

  • It is ultimately going to get smashed up and most likely chucked away afterwards so there’s no need to spend a lot of money on it 

Enjoy the process of sorting your little ones cake smash but remember the points above, don’t overcomplicate or overthink it. Make sure you enjoy their first birthday too.

As a cake smash photographer part of my booking process includes a pre cake smash photoshoot consultation where we can chat through any thoughts, ideas or questions you may have on the decorations and cake for your little ones photoshoot. 

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What to Expect From An At Home Newborn Photoshoot

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Alternative Cake Smash Ideas