This year I rolled out a new option for your studio cake smash. I am a big fan of change. Truthfully, I am always planning or dreaming up my next set. Sometimes it’s because I have a new idea, sometimes it’s because we need to revamp an old one. This change came from a little of both. As a Phoenix baby photographer my goal is always to have a fun, stress free session. Over the last few years there have been more babies and toddlers nervous around the large (and daunting) photography studio equipment. I realized I had to do something about it to make everyone enjoy their studio cake smash.
Tips for a studio cake smash
In order to make the change, I had to determine what was causing the little humans to feel nervous. I realized that both the umbrella (which is 8′ round) and the small set was too overwhelming for some babies for their cake smash at my Phoenix photography studio. So I built a whole room for lifestyle sessions. Yes, a whole room! This room features something unique from the rest of my studio. This room is lit with a LED light wall which mimics window light. Babies are free to move about with no worry about moving my big (and scary) umbrella. This room is perfect for busy little bodies. Here are tips for a studio cake smash for the babies who are more hesitant about strangers
- Let them be on their time. The more you rush and push the toddler the more they will not want to cooperate. Toddlers need time to adjust. I tell all of my parents to come 15 minutes early so they have time to get used to the studio.
- Don’t force them to touch the cake. Some babies, like Noah who you see below, absolutely love cake. Some babies don’t. It’s important you respect their feelings about it and never force the cake in their hands or mouth.
- Include wooden spoons. Some babies won’t touch the cake (can you blame them, butter is a weird texture!) but will use the spoons! They are a studio cake smash staple. I love these ones here
- Do NOT bring out phones. Before a session I ask parents what music their kids like. If they have no preferences I’ll play something super calm but fun. I have THIS speaker attached to my studio cake smash utility cart and it’s a life saver.
- Remember that babies have hard days too. You may have to bring back your tiny client on another day. I always recommend doing it at a different time than the original session.
The best age for birthday pictures
It’s controversial but my favorite age for a cake smash is 2. The sweet boy you see in this blog is celebrating his second birthday! I love second birthdays because they are so much more THEM! Their personalities are showing, they have had more exposure to sugar, and can follow directions (slightly) better.
Most Phoenix parents book their cake smash session when their child is 5-7 months old. This ensures there is still room on my calendar and we have time to plan the best cake smash session ever.
