Babies and parents alike love a Cake Smash photoshoot – but exactly what is a Cake Smash?
A Cake Smash is a relatively new style of family photography, but certainly one that’s become increasingly popular. It’s a trend that started in the USA and it’s pretty much what is sounds like. A big fun, cakey, smashing mess all captured in amazing images. Whether they eat it, smash it, sit in it or throw it, cake-covered fingers, toes and messy little faces are such a joy to capture and it’s always such good fun.
Why would you do that?!
American parents would use these images for their child’s first birthday party invitations. So time-wise, these sessions would typically take place a month or so before their birthday. However, I’m finding it’s very popular to have the photoshoot on your little one’s actual birthday. Not only do they provide a fun and memorable way to mark such a special occasion, but they’re also a brilliant opportunity for baby photographs that aren’t constrained by poses. The freedom and fun of a cake smash provides natural shots that are fun for baby and parents (and for the photographer too!). They’re not just for 1st birthdays either. 2- and 3-year-olds also enjoy being let loose on their birthday cake!
Sounds a bit messy, what should they wear?
The sessions will start with some pre-smash portraits for which I provide the outfit which fits in with your chosen colours and or theme. These initial images allow your little one time to get used to the studio environment. With a quick change into the cake smash clothing we move on to the smashing itself. Outfits for this part are also provided and again fit in with the session’s bespoke styling. After all that cake smashing you can expect a big mess! A fun way to clean up afterwards, instead of the usual wipe down, is to have the baby take a bubble bath in a tub filled to the brim with bubbles! Babies love their baths and all those bubbles add to the fun.
So the only outfit you need to think about is one to take your little one home in, as well as spare clothes for you in case a cuddle is wanted half way through!
So I can request a certain colour theme?
Absolutely! Please do. Every Cake Smash is unique. It’s bespoke to your requirements. Want to include florals? Tell us. Would rather not have anything yellow? Let us know. We love to design each and every session so tell us your ideas and we’ll get planning. Struggling for ideas? Have a look at the Samphire Photography Pinterest board. Loads of inspiration there. However, if you just don’t know what you’d like, that’s fine too. Leave it to us, we’ll create a brilliant session. From jungle to woodland, from springtime through to Christmas, up in the air or under the sea, we have designed them all. The sky is the limit. But let’s not stop there. Why not go as far as outer space … or beyond!
What size cake do I need?
The cake is included as part of the session and is handmade by a fantastic local cake maker. It will be designed to complement the session theme.
Every child is different, as we know. Some will smash the cake to pieces, others are more dainty. Some prefer to use their hands, whilst others choose a spoon. Will yours be a polite picker or a determined demolisher? Some will faceplant, but this cannot be guaranteed! Whichever they are, the images will be amazing. And if there is any cake left at the end of the session, you get to take it home in – whatever state it’s in!
However, I would recommend that if your child has not been used to eating sugary foods in their first year, that you offer them a taster of cake or similar before the session date. This will mean it’s not such a sugar shock!
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any cakes to meet specific dietary requirements and in such cases parents will need to provide their own cake for the session
What about a Cake Smash for twins?
No problem. We can easily provide a Cake Smash for twins. It might be double the mess but it’s also double the fun. Have a look at a this Cake Smash I did for twin boys, with a fabulous green and grey colour scheme. Such a fun session and such fantastic images for Mum & Dad to treasure.
Is a Cake Smash worth it?
It’s totally worth it!
Cake smash photoshoots make for memorable images that last a lifetime. The mess is what makes each and every one so much fun, and it’s always fascinating to see how little ones react to the chaos! And like all photography, it captures the moment. You will have a photographic record of this time in their life. These are their future memories. They won’t remember being one, so will be fascinated in the future to see their younger self. You can’t put a value on that.
I always guarantee 20 images for all my clients. These get edited and put into an online viewing gallery but there are always soooo many more great images from a cake smash session. Most parents end up viewing 40-50 images! The best thing about this is that if you purchase the whole gallery you get all the images, whether there are 20 or 60, at the same cost!
For further information on how a Cake Smash Photography session runs, have a look at my website.
It sounds amazing! How do I book in?
If you are interested in booking a Cake Smash studio session with Samphire Photography, please email me on info@samphirephotography.co.uk or call me on 07989 594236 to discuss. Alternatively click on the Contact Me page on my website.
I look forward to hearing from you xx
Here is a selection of just some of my Cake Smash set ups to give you a great feel for what can be achieved.
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