Professional Cake Smash Photography: A Complete Guide
Cake smash photography has become a beloved tradition for celebrating milestones, particularly a child’s first birthday. This style of photography captures the pure joy, curiosity, and sometimes hilariously funny and messy moments as a child dives into a cake, often for the first time.
By planning a safe, enjoyable session with the right props, lighting, and a little bit of patience, a professional cake smash photographer can create cherished memories that families will treasure for years to come.
Here is an in-depth look at everything you need to know about creating memorable cake smash photography sessions.
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Understanding Cake Smash Photography
Cake smash photography is a blend of portrait and candid photography, typically centered around a child, although sometimes adults get in on the fun!.
As the young child explores a cake with their hands, face, and sometimes feet, the photos capture the joy, confusion, and messiness of the session. It provides a unique keepsake for parents.
Client Consultation
Before setting up you will need to have a detailed conversation with the client to understand their vision, theme preferences, and any specific requests.
Commonly a cake smash photography session is booked around a child’s first birthday.
If it is a birthday, knowing the child’s personality or any special interests can help tailor the session more specifically for the parents.
Choosing the Cake
The cake should be small enough for the child to handle but large enough to create ample mess. Avoid hard frosting, as it can be challenging for tiny hands to break into. Soft buttercream or whipped cream frosting in pastel colors works well for photos and is gentle on sensitive skin.
It can be wise to ask the parents to bring their own cake to avoid any dietary or allergy issues that may arise with the cake. See our safety section below for more details on this.
Ideas for Cake Smash Props
Props will be key in transforming a simple cake smash into a themed professional photoshoot. Here are some popular ideas:
Backdrop Elements
Balloons: Balloons add colour and fun without overwhelming the scene. Stick to one or two colours for a cohesive look.
Banners and Garlands: “Happy Birthday” banners or custom garlands add a celebratory touch.
Floral Arrangements or Greenery: For an earthy or rustic theme, add artificial or real flowers, vines, or leaves around the cake.
Wooden Crates and Stands: Use these to create layers in the background or even as a seating spot.
Themed Cutouts or Letters: Cutouts that spell out the child’s name or age add personalization.
Thematic Props
Depending on the theme, props can vary widely. Some classic theme ideas include:
Woodland Theme: Mushrooms, small animal figurines, greenery, and wooden crates.
Vintage Theme: A lace backdrop, vintage suitcases, and soft pink or pastel-coloured props.
Superhero Theme: Tiny capes, masks, or figurines of popular superheroes.
Beach Theme: Sand, mini beach balls, seashells, and starfish.
Boho Theme: Wicker baskets, earthy colours, dreamcatchers, and teepees.
Functional Props
Miniature Chairs or Benches: Useful for posing before the cake smash begins or for post-smash clean-up shots.
Tiny Tables: Place the cake on a small table for the child to reach up or sit beside.
Stuffed Animals or Dolls: Placed around the set, they create a playful atmosphere and help children feel comfortable.
Suggested Indoor and Outdoor Photo Locations
Indoor Locations
Indoor settings are ideal for controlled lighting and temperature, especially beneficial for babies. Consider these setups:
Home Studio or Living Room: Home studios offer privacy and comfort, particularly if set up with props and lighting. A living room with ample space can also work well.
Photo Studio: Professional studios are equipped with high-quality lighting and backdrops, making them ideal for photographers who want complete control over their setup.
Nurseries or Playrooms: With parents’ permission, consider using the child’s room or play area as a natural backdrop.
Blank Wall: For minimalist shoots, use a blank wall or simple backdrop, letting the cake and child be the center of attention.
Outdoor Locations
Outdoor cake smash sessions can bring natural light and add a unique touch. However, weather and lighting considerations are important.
Park or Garden: A grassy area with some shade is perfect for soft natural lighting. Parks with benches, flowers, and trees provide a versatile backdrop.
Beach or Lakeside: For beach themes, a sandy area with gentle waves in the background can add charm. Be cautious of sand getting in the cake or child’s eyes.
Orchards or Farms: Farms offer natural rustic settings with hay bales, barns, and open spaces.
Backyard: A family’s backyard offers privacy and flexibility. You can set up props without worrying about space restrictions.
Flower Field: A field of wildflowers or a sunflower farm can create a dreamy, picturesque scene.
Safety Considerations
Keeping the child safe during a cake smash session is paramount. Here are some essential safety tips:
Allergy Awareness
Check with parents for any food allergies before purchasing the cake. If there are concerns about ingredients, consider bringing a safe, pre-approved cake alternative.
Cake Ingredients and Safety
Ensure the cake is made with baby-safe ingredients. Avoid hard candies, nuts, or large decorations that may pose a choking hazard. Soft cakes and natural, food-safe coloring are ideal.
Clean Setup and Sanitation
Make sure the setup area is clean and sanitized, especially if the session takes place outdoors. Bring sanitizing wipes, a hand-washing station, and clean towels to maintain hygiene.
Preventing Slip Hazards
As cakes can become slippery, consider using a non-slip mat underneath the main backdrop to prevent falls. Keep any sharp or small props out of reach.
Comfortable Temperature
Babies are sensitive to temperature, so ensure the environment is comfortable. Avoid direct sunlight outdoors, which can lead to overheating, and be mindful of cold drafts in indoor settings.
First Aid Kit
Have a small first aid kit on hand with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medications.
Lighting and Photography Tips
Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing the perfect cake smash shots. Here are some tips:
Natural Light
Soft, natural light is the best option, creating a flattering, gentle effect without harsh shadows. Set up near a window if indoors, or choose a shaded area outdoors for even lighting.
Reflectors
Reflectors can help bounce natural light, reducing shadows on the child’s face and bringing out the cake’s colors.
Softbox Lighting
If working indoors, consider using a softbox to create a controlled, even light. It’s especially useful for dimly lit rooms and allows flexibility in shooting times.
Camera Settings
Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) to blur the background and focus on the child and cake.
Shutter Speed: Babies move quickly! A fast shutter speed (1/200 or faster) is essential to capture spontaneous moments.
ISO: Keep ISO low for sharp images, but increase it if lighting conditions are poor.
Posing and Shot Ideas
Cake smash sessions are largely candid, but a few posed shots can add variety.
Pre-Cake Shots
Capture some clean shots of the child before they dive into the cake. Include family members in a few images if they want to be part of the memory.
Try close-ups of the baby’s hands and feet, capturing the small details that will change as they grow.
Action Shots
Focus on the moment the child first touches the cake. Capture their expressions as they explore the texture.
Get close-ups of their frosting-covered face, hands, and feet.
Allow the child to lead the session, following their reactions and capturing spontaneous moments.
Post-Smash Clean-Up Shots
Some photographers include photos of the clean-up process, such as the child in a small bubble bath or being wiped down by parents. It adds a fun, realistic end to the session and gives parents a memory of the aftermath.
Post-Production and Editing Tips
Editing cake smash photos requires a gentle touch, as too much manipulation can take away from the natural feel.
Color Enhancement
Brighten colors slightly to enhance the playful, celebratory mood. Keep skin tones natural and avoid overly saturated colors.
Retouching and Cleanup
Remove any minor distractions or blemishes, but avoid over-editing. Cake smash photos should look fun and organic.
Adding Effects
Subtle effects like a vignette or soft blur can enhance the focus on the child. Avoid heavy filters that may look dated or overpowering.
Creating Collages or Albums
Consider offering a package that includes a collage or mini-album of the session highlights. It is a great keepsake and shows the progression of the smash in a cohesive way.
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