Cake smash photography is not just for your baby’s first birthday. In fact, I think cake smashes are BEST for a 2nd birthday. My cake smash photography studio in Phoenix, Arizona offers an extensive collection of backgrounds, props, and outfits for your babies birthday. Let’s talk about why I prefer a 2nd birthday cake smash over the first birthday cake smash.
Link for curtains HERE
The most common time to capture a cake smash is a first birthday. Of course, that makes so much sense! When you take a step back and think about a one year old though, it really doesn’t make the most sense. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll keep offering first birthday cake smash photography sessions as long as my studio is open. However the typical one year old has not had a lot of exposure to sugar or butter. Making the taste and texture of the cake unappealing. When you’ve eaten healthy your entire life, sugar is not automatically going to be something you love.
Of course there are always babies who come in on their first birthday and rock it. But in my experience, first birthday cake smash photography is very hit or miss.
Benefits of a 2nd birthday cake smash session
Cake smash photography is for every age – but let’s talk about why 2 is my favorite. At 2, most toddlers have had their fair share of sugar. Their friends or siblings have had birthdays. They’ve had a few holidays. And it’s not so foreign to them anymore. This means they are so much more likely to dig right in for their cake smash photography session.
At the age of 2, most babies have less stranger danger and are open to new environments. This lifestyle room in my Phoenix photography studio is hands down my favorite for cake smash photography sessions. This room has a huge wall of light (if you want to learn how to make my LED wall, check out this blog about my LED light wall) and allows your baby to move freely. My regular studio lighting can be overwhelming for some as I use an 8′ umbrella for light distribution. That can be scary for a small human who’s only 3′ tall! Even my own toddler doesn’t love the umbrella. Creating this room for your child to feel comfortable in during their cake smash photography session was a big move for our studio.
At 2, your child can understand very simple directions. That means when we sit them in front of a cake – even if they are unsure – they can understand “its food! Take a bite! Yum!” Whereas a 11-13 month old would struggle to comprehend those words during a cake smash photography session.
My favorite ways to capture a first birthday
If it were up to me, all first birthdays would be captured with a meaningful family portrait session. During this family session we would place emphasis on the birthday boy or girl – and include all of the sweet moments to celebrate not just their birthday. But celebrate a whole year of them apart of your family. Whether you have other kiddos, or this is your first. That deserves to be celebrated too.
If that isn’t your vibe and you have your heart set on a studio portrait session for your babies first birthday – there are so many fun options! Of course there is always a typical cake smash session. With those, just like for our 2nd birthday sessions, all props are included. Including the cake!
If you love the look of a cake – but don’t love the mess. We have a handful of fake cakes that can be used during the session (1st, 2nd, or 100th!) to commemorate the birthday celebration.
If you’re a Phoenix mom looking for cake smash photography – let’s chat and plan your dream session for your baby!
