Cake Smash Session Prep Guide
Hopefully you will find this A-Z guide on how to prepare for a family photo session helpful! I've complied a list of frequently ask questions and most overlooked topics to help make your session as smooth as can be. Have more questions, refer to the Q&A page or reach out to me, Im always happy to help! Come session time the only thing left to do will be to enjoy the moment!
Ask me anything
What to wear, what size prints would look best on your wall, anything!
Boogers
Snot, eye goop, sticky candy, and any other residue you can think of that may be stuck to your kids face. Stash some tissues and wet wipes in your bag to keep little hands and faces clean and camera worthy. Large bandaids and temporary tattoos will not be edited out so if you don't care for them, keep them covered or remove them before your session.
Cake
Everything for your baby’s custom set will be provided for you except for the cake. When talking to your baker make sure to order a smash size (typically 6-8”) and avoid colors like red, black, and brown. They will make your little cutie’s face less adorable when smeared with those colors.
Details
Many galleries include close up shots so make sure to pay attention to the fine details. If we are doing family poses make sure nails are well manicured, zippers and buttons lined up, bra straps tucked in, and cell phones, keys, and other bulky items removed from pockets. Socks, shoes, and even bare feet (especially for studio sessions and in-home sessions) need not be forgotten.
Extra time
One year olds notoriously have stranger danger. When you arrive to the studio we will allow your baby to warm up to me and the new environment before we begin shooting.
Facebook, Instagram, and Google
Tag, brag and review. Tag yourself in the Facebook sneak peek posts and then share the post from The Big Fish Stories page to your own. For Instagram, tag yourself and then regram tagging Big Fish Stories. Bragging about your photos means referrals which equals print credits for you and your friends! If you like the experience you receive please take a moment to post a review on Facebook and Google. Your honest review could be extremely helpful to another family searching to find a photographer thats right from them.
Get behind me
Babies are always looking for familiar faces. If they seem to be looking at you more than me, stand directly behind me. A good game of peek-a-boo is great for genuine smiles.
Hair
For everyone stepping in front of the camera minimize fly aways and style in a way that is complimentary and manageable. Feel free to bring a brush, hairspray, and whatever else you need for in studio touch ups. Need help? Let me know and I can refer you to a number of phenomenal hair and make up artists. Check your clothing for dog and cat hair, you don't want those showing up in every shot!
Icing
Cold icing not only feels strange to babies but also is harder to smear. Let your cake sit out at room temperature for an hour or two before making your way to the studio.
Jump, sing, dance, be silly
We are going do whatever we need to in order to make your baby smile and giggle. If they like music just ask Alexa to play whatever you like.
Keep the distractions to a minimum
Its typically best for your child to focus on me and at most one other person. If too many people start talking, clapping, and singing this can get overwhelming for your little one.
Like certain colors and not others?
Let me know during the planning process. Cake smash sessions include 2 additional sets up for the baby and family. They are typically neutral in color but I like to know your likes and dislikes beforehand.
Matchy matchy family pics
This look is rather dated. Instead choose for outfits that coordinate. Choose 1-2 neutrals plus 1-2 accent colors and 1 sparingly used pop of color. It's best to choose color pallets that fit the season and the environment in which we will be in. Check out some suggestions on my Pinterest page and you can alway snap a picture of your outfits and send them to me if you would like styling suggestions.
Neutrals
I have a strong love for neutral tones! Whites, creams, tans, taupes, and grays are the foundation for many of my color palettes. If you need inspiration for a color scheme check this out.
On the move
If your baby is crawling or walking they are most likely going to try to scurry of the set and towards you over and over again. That means you get to place them back on the set and scurry out of the way!
Patterns
Great in moderation, patterns and textures can bring depth and interest to your images. In groups I usually recommend that some wear all solids and a a few incorporate patters as too many patterns can be overwhelming. Wide stripes, flannels, and large patterns work best. Avoid thin stripes and checks and overly busy designs. They can cause moire which is a distortion that doesn't look good on anyone! See some examples here. I try to steer people away from logoed clothing and graphic tees but in some cases (hip, urban settings for instance) they can work out rather well.
Quit thinking about your flaws!
If I had a super power, it would be to show you what you look like through my eyes! Many people, women especially tend to see an image of themselves and immediately start making a checklist of al of the negative things they see. STOP THAT! I get it, I am guilty of it too. So if you have certain concerns, let me know ahead of time but let's make a pact to acknowledge that those around us think we are beautiful and they are right!
Relax!
So you have a huge pimple and your kids didn't nap so they are running on fumes today. Don't put too much pressure on yourselves. We may have to go to Plan B or even Plan Z but in the end, you will have a gallery of images of your gorgeous family that you will be happy to show off to your friends and family. Trust me, not every moment of these sessions was filled with happy, smiling, obedient children but you wouldn't have know if I didn't tell you! And honestly, toddler meltdown are a part of life so I don't mind capturing that as well. Life is made up of the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Snacks
The studio is stocked with cold beverages, coffee, tea, and snacks. Help yourselves to whatever you like. Bringing your little one’s favorite snack is recommended. Not only to keep them happy but we can also sneak them in the back side of the cake to entice them to try it if they are hesitant.
Touchey touchey
Most cake smashes also include family portraits. When I pose you not only will you smile but there will also be extra cuddles, kisses, and tickles. Alway try to be in physical contact with one another during the session.
Unhappy babies
Some babies just don’t like getting their hands dirty. That’s ok! Don’t fear, we will still get plenty of cute shots of your babe looking adorable.
Viewing
About 2 weeks after your session we will schedule a live reveal. This gives you a chance to see your images for the first time and for us to discuss the best way to display your new artwork. You'll place your order during this session so it's important to make sure that all decision makers are present.
Wrinkles
Clothing wrinkles need to be ironed out. Sending clothes to the dry cleaner or using your iron is much cheaper than having me edit each one at an additional cost!
X Marks the Spot!
X Marks the Spot!
Know your drive time to the studio. Street parking is typically available very closet to the front door of the studio. Tardiness is deducted from your total session time and anything after 30 minutes can result in a non-refundable cancelation.
You should bring some extra clothes
99% of parents end op with cake icing on their clothes and in their hair. You’ve been warned!
Zero
Zilch, nada, nothing else for you to worry about once we start shooting. Relax, have fun, and leave the rest to me!