How to Prepare Your Baby for Their Cake Smash Photoshoot | Putney baby photography |

Are you looking to capture some adorable and messy moments with your little one through a photoshoot and celebrate their one-year milestone? At your Putney baby photoshoot, I, Shal, your photographer, am here to help you perfectly prepare for this fun and memorable experience. From what to wear to what to bring, I have got you covered every step of the way.

Here is how to prepare your baby for their cake smash photoshoot! 

Cake Smash Photoshoot | Putney baby photography

• Understanding Your Cake Smash Photoshoot
• What to Wear and Bring to the Studio
• The Importance of Comfort and Safety
• Incorporating Personal Touches
• Planning for the Day of the Photoshoot
• After the Cake Smash – What to Expect

Understanding Your Cake Smash Photoshoot

Having a cake smash photoshoot with me marks an incredible chapter in your little one’s life.

This endearing tradition, a favourite among parents and photographers alike, offers a unique opportunity to celebrate your baby’s milestones in a lively, joy-filled setting.

At its heart, a cake smash involves letting your baby dive into a specially prepared cake, capturing all of the emotions, expressions, and, yes, the delightful mess that it involves!

It is an experience that strays from the conventional portrait session, embracing the unpredictable and spontaneous spirit of your child.

As your baby explores the texture, taste, and even the gravity of the cake, every image taken shows their curiosity and growing personality. 

It is a playful way to document your baby’s development and the joy they find in new experiences.

It’s also a great idea to have a first birthday cake smash to celebrate! 

What to Wear and Bring to the Studio | Putney baby photography

Selecting the perfect attire for your little one’s cake smash photoshoot is key to creating those timeless, adorable images we all adore.

Opt for clothing that is cool and comfortable, keeping in mind our studio’s warm environment designed to keep your baby cosy.

Neutral tones are highly recommended as they blend seamlessly with our classic photography style and enhance the overall aesthetic of the photos.

It’s best to steer clear of outfits with large prints or logos, as these can distract from the natural beauty and innocence of your baby’s expressions.

In addition to your baby’s outfit, consider packing an extra set of clothes. With the excitement of cake smashing, it’s always prudent to have a backup outfit ready for any unexpected spills or messes.

I understand the significance of capturing this milestone in a way that reflects your personal style and preferences. Therefore, if there’s a particular ensemble you envision your baby wearing for this special occasion, feel free to bring it along.

While I offer a selection of outfits in my client wardrobe, and encourage your input to make your cake smash photoshoot experience as bespoke as possible!

Lastly, don’t forget the essentials for the post-cake smash cleanup – a towel and your baby’s preferred body wash or bubble bath. The splash session that follows the cake smashing is not only a delightful way to conclude the photoshoot but also a wonderful opportunity for capturing more joyful moments of your baby as they play in the bubbles. 

The Importance of Comfort and Safety

Ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety is paramount during a cake smash photoshoot, and at I take this responsibility very seriously.

My studio is specifically set up to provide a warm and welcoming environment, making sure your little one feels snug and secure from the moment you step in.

With a focus on creating a stress-free atmosphere, I closely monitor your baby’s comfort levels throughout the session, adapting my approach based on their responses and needs.

We understand that every baby is unique, with different sensitivities and thresholds for engagement. That’s why our sessions are entirely led by your baby’s cues.

We patiently allow them to set the pace, ensuring they are never overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the activities.

This baby-led philosophy extends to the selection of props, toys, and accessories, all of which are designed to be safe and baby-friendly.

We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making sure everything your baby comes into contact with is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised.

Whether it’s managing the little messes that naturally come with a cake smash photoshoot or ensuring a quick and easy clean-up after the fun, I’ve got it all in hand.

Incorporating Personal Touches

I believe that adding personal touches to your baby’s cake smash photoshoot brings a unique charm and emotional depth to the photos.

It transforms the session from a simple photo shoot into a timeless story of your baby’s individuality and your family’s story. That’s why I warmly encourage you to bring along any item that holds special significance to you or your little one.

This could be anything from a hand-knitted blanket passed down through generations, a cuddly toy that your baby adores, or a book that you read together during quiet moments.

These items not only serve as beautiful accessories in the photographs but also help to create a comfortable and familiar environment for your baby.

They often spark joy and genuine reactions, leading to more natural and lively images!

If you’re commemorating a particular milestone or celebrating a theme, I am also more than happy to discuss how we can integrate this into the session.

Our aim is to make these photos as meaningful and personalised as possible, capturing the essence of your baby’s personality and the special bond you share.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out before your session to chat about any ideas or items you’d like to include into your cake smash photoshoot. 

Planning for the Day of the Photoshoot

When you arrive at my studio for your Putney baby photo shoot session, know that it lasts about an hour to an hour and a half.

This timing ensures we have ample opportunity to capture a wide array of delightful moments, from the initial hesitant touches of the cake to the full-on joyous smashing and the bubbly fun of the splash session that follows.

With a naked cake smash cake provided for the cake smash photoshoot, your baby will have the perfect centrepiece to explore, taste, and enjoy, making for lovely images. 

During your visit, we will also take this opportunity to capture beautiful family, parent, and sibling shots. These photos aim to complement the cake smash by showcasing the loving relationships and bonds within your family.

Remember, my approach is entirely centred around your baby’s comfort and readiness, ensuring we proceed with activities that they are open and receptive to. 

It’s all about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for you and your little one. By focusing on a baby-led session, we can capture the most authentic and joyful expressions. 

Your involvement in planning and preparing for the cake smash photoshoot plays a crucial role in making the session uniquely yours, and I am here to guide and support you every step of the way.

After the Cake Smash – What to Expect

Following the whirlwind of joy that is the cake smash, we transition smoothly into the splash session, a delightful way to conclude our photoshoot.

This part of the session not only aids in cleaning up your little adventurer but also offers a unique chance to capture a series of photographs as they splash around and play with bubbles.

It’s an absolute joy to watch and photograph, as babies generally adore the water, resulting in natural, candid shots filled with genuine happiness!

Rest assured, the water will be comfortably warm, and I will ensure the environment is safe and inviting for your baby. This is a fantastic opportunity to photograph more spontaneous, joyful moments, rounding off the cake smash photoshoot beautifully.

If there are any specific shots or ideas you have in mind for this part of the session, please feel free to share them with us. We aim to tailor this experience to your preferences, ensuring we capture those perfect moments that reflect your baby’s personality and the fun of the day.

Ready For Your Cake Smash Pictures?

Now you know how to prepare your baby for their cake smash photoshoot! From knowing what to expect during the cake smash to choosing the perfect outfit and ensuring safety, I have covered it all.

Just relax and get ready for about an hour or so of messy, giggly fun as your little one dives into the cake and splashes around!

I’ll be there to capture every adorable moment, so let’s make some memories together at my specially designed studio 15 minutes from Putney . Get in touch to book your baby’s special session.