What do you need to have for a smash cake photo session with me?
This session is fun and the set up can be very simple. You really don’t need a lot of things!
The basics:
Your baby (ha!)
A smash cake
A place where they can sit to get into the smash cake. You can choose either a highchair for or a blanket/quilt.
The extras:
Decorations ideas
balloons
banner that says “one” or “happy birthday”
a little chair or bench
a sign or letter board
Backdrop if indoors such as a large bedsheet to hang from the wall
All of these extras are just that, extra. They aren’t necessary and completely up to you!
Where do I get a smash cake?
A smash cake is really just a small, round cake. You can either make one yourself or you can order one from a local bakery. If you want some bakery suggestions then see my blog post for a list of local bakeries.
If you are making one yourself, then you can either use your favorite cake recipe or find one online. A lot of the cake recipes when you search for a smash cake are healthier cake options made from oats, bananas, no added sugar, etc. These are great options for a first experience with a dessert for your baby.
Where do we do the smash cake session?
We will pick the location together. Depending on what you want and the time of year here are some options to choose from:
Your own backyard (or front yard). This is very convenient if you have a good space at your house. All you need is an open area that you can throw a blanket down or put a highchair.
A park in your neighborhood or near where you live. This also can be very easy and convenient for you if you don’t have a good outdoor space at your home.
Inside your home. If it is really cold outside then we can do the session in your home. Because I am a natural light photographer, we would need a space that has good natural light (a few big windows).
A local studio. I have a few options that I can suggst. It will included an added rental fee.
What is your baby supposed to wear?
I do like to take a few pictures before the actual smashing of the cake happens, so if you have a cute birthday outfit or shirt then you can have your baby start off in that.
But then once the cake is introduced, it can get pretty messy pretty quickly. So I suggest either have your baby wear an outfit you don’t mind getting dirty or you can take off their shirt/onesies and let them be naked.
Add a Splash!
After a smash cake photo shoot, let your baby enjoy a splash in the bath to wash off the messiness of the cake. I provide the basin and bubbles.
Monica Conlin is a family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, smash cake photography, 1st birthday, school photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Druid Hills, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland).
Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com for all your family and newborn photo session needs!
