Best Tips for a Cake Smash Session | Newport Beach Studio
I am often asked what my best tips for a cake smash session are and how to make sure we get those “epic photos” you see all over Pinterest. Before we get into that, let me just remind you that this is your baby and their cake smash. I recommend going in without expectations. I promise, whatever the end result is, will be perfect and often suits your baby’s personality!
That said, I definitely approach a one-year birthday session a little differently. We usually start off with some photos of just the birthday boy or girl in an outfit of your choice. This way we document some of their milestones and details before they get too messy and when they tend to be the happiest. After that, we will get some photos with Mom and Dad and celebrate together!
After that, it’s time for cake! Some babies love it and dive right into their cake, others are a little more cautious, and some just want nothing to do with it. Truly, we let baby take the lead.
We have highchairs, cake stands, and cake toppers to celebrate. For the cake itself, I recommend a simple white cake with white icing. Feel free to request light sprinkles, a flower, or something minimal if you wish, but overall, keep it pretty simple so it’s easy for baby!
If you’re in Orange County, a few of our favorite bakeries are, French’s Cupcakes, Sensitive Sweets, Susie Cakes and Sweet and Saucy.
What to Wear for A Cake Smash session
For your baby’s solo portraits and family photos, you are more than welcome to borrow from the client wardrobe, just like any other session. If you want to incorporate your own clothing or something to celebrate their birthday, you are more than welcome to bring that too. I do still recommend soft, neutrals without a lot of busy words or patterns.
Since the cake smash portion tends to be messier, usually families will choose to have baby strip down to just a diaper cover and let them dig in! We also have a sink for baby's to get washed off and recommend families bring a towel.
If you’re interested in a first birthday cake smash session, be sure to contact us. You can make it a family celebration or have it just be baby.
Featuring Jacksons’ cake smash session below! I cannot believe he is already one (you can see his six-month session here). Jackson is the sweetest little boy with the most loving parents. I always get the best smiles from him and have loved getting to watch him grow this past year!
Ambre Williams Photography is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer in Orange County, CA. Our studio is located in Newport Beach and we serve clients from the surrounding areas including Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Coast, and Orange County.
From client wardrobe to the delivery and installation of your printed keepsakes, our job isn’t complete until your memories are in your hands. Because we strive to take care of every little detail for you, we only take a limited number of sessions per month.