Calgary Family Photographer | Paisley Photography

Tips to Make The Most Out Of Your Cake Smash

I First started shooting cake smash sessions a couple years ago and they have increasingly become one of my favorite sessions to shoot. They are messy, fun and I get to use my background in interior design to help put together a look or theme the best suits your kiddo. Its all around win win! Today I am talking all about some tips to make you cake as successful as possible!

1. The Cake:
   • When picking out the perfect cake for your kiddos smash there are a couple things to keep in mind. For safety reasons I always ask my clients to bring the cake. This way if your child has any heath issues or allergies it is taken care of and there is no hospital runs afterwards.
   • The design of the cake can be whatever you want. I have seen everything from a cow on a cake to the most stunning three their naked cake covered in edible flowers. Each of these designs perfectly fit the sessions theme, so let you mind run wild. I also suggest my clients find a bakery that fits their needs and price range. The cake doesn’t have to be super expensive and there are great cakes for lower costs.
   • I also suggest to stay away from fondant. It is hard to break into, and doesn’t taste great. Stick to buttercream or a whipped frosting. I also suggest you take the cake out of the fridge an hour or two before your session. This way the butter cream has a chance to warm up and makes for an easier cake to smash.
2. Theme:
   • I like to have a look or theme that is unique to your kiddo. This can be anything; a barn yard theme, A vintage tea party, nautical, anything. Think of things you kid likes, maybe a favorite toy or book.
   • Your theme can also work along side your plans for their party. I have done sessions early and then had clients use the photos for invites if they are along the same theme.
   • I also suggest bring two separate outfits. It is nice to do some photos in the set up before you kiddos gets messy. This can more of the “formal” part of the shoot so you child might be in a cute shirt and tie or pretty dress. Then for the actual smash a cute diaper cover and suspenders might be all that they wear.
   • Your Theme may also be dependent on location. In the summer I LOVE shooing cake smash sessions outside, but I also have a studio in the SE of Calgary that is filled with light so we can absolutely plan your session inside as well. 
3. Props:
   • Depending on your theme I typically have a lot of props we can use. I literally have everything from old vintage suitcases to camping lanterns and tree rounds. All of these things I am happy to bring for your session. If you have something specific in mind that I don’t have, I am happy to source these props for you at an extra price or if you have the prop please feel free to bring it.
4. The Clean Up:
   • You can guess that the clean up can be a messy one depending on the child. I have seen kids covered from head to to with icing, so be prepared to come with wipes, extra clothes, a wet face cloth and anything else you child might need afterwards. 

     If your looking for Cake Smash Photography and are in the Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore or Banff area get in touch with me at info@paisleyphotos.ca

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