Morristown, NJ Cake Smash Photographer | Prepping for Your Baby’s Cake Smash Photoshoot
Cake smash sessions or First birthday portraits are so much fun! But we need to take into consideration some aspects, this way the session can go as smoothly as possible.
This may be the most important fact to take into consideration when booking a cake smash: Always choose for the session the timeframe your baby is most active and never try to skip your baby’s nap time. Otherwise, your baby will be restless and unhappy. Even if your baby arrives sleeping during the car ride, don’t replace their regular nap time.
If your baby wakes up the day of the photoshoot with fever or is ill, please let me know so we can reschedule. Sick babies won’t have a good time!
BEFORE THE SESSION:
Two outfits are recommended for the baby to wear. A first birthday outfit and cake smash attire. Cake smash attire is typically a diaper cover or a romper. Shoes are not needed, the session can be done barefoot.
If you chose to do some family pictures, for parents and baby, I suggest outfits in neutral colors such as white, cream, black, rust, beige. The main point of focus should be the beautiful bonding in your family.
Please make sure to bring the following items:
Your favorite’s baby toy, it could be a rattle toy as well. We can use this to call baby’s attention. You can also let me know if your baby enjoy some particular music so I can have a playlist ready.
Wipes, an additional outfit, a towel and bubbly bath soap (in case we want to do some bath/splash portraits), a plastic bag to put clothing with frosting, a spoon for baby to scoop part of the cake, baby’s water bottle and as well as some of the baby’s snack.
If you live a little far, that means the baby will sleep during the car ride. Make sure that when you arrive to the studio, wake up the baby, play a little bit, get him/her out of the car, walk a little bit so the baby can be fully awake for the session. Usually when they just wake up suddenly they’re a little fuzzy and need some extra time.
ABOUT THE CAKE:
The suggested size for the cake is six inch diameter, this is a good size that goes along with your baby’s size. Please bring the cake at room temperature, this way its easier for your baby to smash it. I recommend avoiding chocolate and fondant. As well as other decorations used sometimes for cakes such as edible pearls, this could be dangerous for baby since they could try eating them. We don’t need anything fancy, just a cake with some frosting and a nice cake topper.
The reason why I don’t provide the cake is because I rather parents to choose the cake ingredients at their best convenience in case there’s some allergies or special preferences.
In case you need a recommendation of places where to get the cake. Here there’s my 2 recommendations:
-If you’re in NYC, you can order your cake online for pick up at Magnolia Bakery. They have great choices for a six inch cake and the pricing starts at $50. Here you can find their link:
https://www.magnoliabakery.com/collections#cakes
-If you live in NJ, your local ShopRite may be good option. In some locations they have a Five inch and other carry only a Seven inch cake for the smallest options, their pricing goes around $16.99.
DURING THE SESSION:
This type of session can take up to an hour and a half at most. We’ll always follow your baby’s lead. If we’re doing family pictures, we’ll start with these pictures first so if you come dressed up and ready for the action, it would be wonderful. You can change baby once you get to the studio. After we’re done with these pictures, if you want you can change into comfy clothes. Entertaining babies and following them to bring them back is like a little workout, they always move so fast!
Please let me guide you through the family pics. I’ll help to bring the best out of you, your partner and your little one. We can always review the pictures from my camera and see if we need to retake a shoot in case you want something in particular to be improved. We can take pauses if needed in between the session.
AFTER THE SESSION:
2-3 business days after your session takes place, we will schedule our video call (at your convenience) so we can go through your ordering appointment. Once we have selected your favorite portraits and products, it will take 15 business days to receive the final retouched digitals and physical goods.
I hope all this info helps you be prepared so the session can go smoothly as possible. I am truly honored to document this incredible moment for you and your family. I can’t wait to meet your sweet baby!
XOXO,
Francesca