CAKE SMASH TIPS FOR PARENTS
What to expect during the session
The Cake smash can be a little messy and sometimes not at all.
Be prepare to get icing all over you. Wear something you don't mind getting messy.
We will start with an outfit of your choice. You can bring something for portraits (little rompers, tutus or pretty shorts.) or if available I provide that as well. We take some pictures without the cake and then we change outfits and bring the cake. After the cake smash we move quickly to get the bathtub filled with warm water and bubbles. We let baby play while I take some extra photos. This is the best part for babies. They love playing with water and a baby rubber duckie that they can take home after their session.
I asked for NO recording during the session. We want to make sure baby is focusing on my camera and not your cell phone. However I do take a quick video depending on how baby is doing and I ask for you to get your phone out too if you would like to record but I always send the videos to you so you don't even have to worry about that!
What to bring to the session
I would like for you to bring some snacks (to hide in the cake in case baby doesn't want to touch it) I also ask for a towel to use after their bath session. I have an Alexa in my studio so I always ask parents to tell me what songs are fun for baby. Sometimes parents can't think on the spot so maybe try to bring the names of a few songs that baby enjoy listening to and better yet dances too. I really don't mind what songs they love. I get babies dancing to the most popular music of the time.
Important tips!
My sessions are done in the morning. The best time is when your baby just woke up or after their very first nap. This is when babies are not as tired and have not been overstimulated with their regular routine. I often tell parents. This is their time and not yours or mine!
I don't mind waking up at 6am if that is when baby is mostly happy and alert.
I don't even mind if you come in your pjs.
Make sure your baby has something substantial to eat before coming.
Avoid bringing toys to the session unless you wish those items to remain in all your images. Taking a toy away leads to a very unhappy baby.
Also please if baby is shy with others try keep the interaction with me as casual as possible. Come into my house saying, "HEY YOU!" lol
This really helps baby feel we know each other and it becomes less frightening.
If baby is very attached to mom please have Dad hold baby while bringing baby inside.
Keep an open mind and be in the moment. Cake smash photography is candid not posed.
I have babies that would do amazing during their portraits but don't want to touch the cake. However love their bathtub time. No matter what we will get some amazing photos.
In the studio
Because little hands touch my studio especially during cake smash I will ask for you to leave your shoes in the entrance by the door (INSIDE)
Please due to COVID only parents (2 adults) in the studio.