cypress first birthday portrait

MJ – cypress first birthday portrait

Have you heard of a Cake Smash session? There are a lot of trends that come and go, but a Cake Smash session is here to stay. I am a Cypress baby photographers and I love doing Cake Smash Sessions. I typically schedule them when the baby is around 11 months old. That way they are done by the time the Birthday party is thrown!

Here’s how Cake Smash sessions go down at MJ’s Photography |cypress first birthday portrait

• We plan a theme. Since most of my Cake Smash sessions are of clients who are part of my “grow with me” plan, meaning I have done their newborn portraits and 6 & 9 month milestones, we usually already have a consistent theme going with their little one. I do get new clients that come in just for their Cake Smash session, in that case we put together some ideas. I am more of a simple background kind of photographer, so I stick to the basics. What colors do they want? What theme is their birthday party going to be done in? I provide most of the props, such as the large number 1, the things for them to sit on, the background banner that displays O-N-E, and some other accessories. Of course lots of parents choose to bring more and that is completely ok!

cypress first birthday portrait – MJ

• We plan outfits for their Cake Smash session. I allow a couple outfit changes. We usually do one outfit before the cake, that way we can get an “official” first birthday portrait. Then we change them into their “cake smash outfit.” For girls, some opt for the tutu and necklace look, a romper, or a cute onsie with a number 1 displayed. For boys, my favorite option is the shorts with suspenders and a little hat! Some other cute options are bloomers and a matching bow tie, or just a diaper cover. Again, less is more.

• Parents bring the cake for the Cake Smash session. The main reason for this is because of allergies. Each baby is different and it is safer if the parent brings the cake. I am big on baby safety whether it is a newborn portrait or a cake smash session. Most opt for the smaller cake. There is not need for a huge cake to make it a success. You want to bring the cake at room temperature, that way it is easier to dig into. Of course, living in Texas, this is never a problem! Colors to avoid? Red. Why? It is so hard to clean off of them and leaves them with a skin dye for a little while. For icing, avoid fondant-it is really hard to break into and can create a choking hazard.

• Can I just assume that my baby will dig in? No. Not all babies will. My daughter wanting nothing to do with the cake and avoided it at all costs. Some do that. She also had never had cake before. Babies are hesitant with new textures, so give them a little practice run before with a small cupcake, this will help.

• Lastly, make sure to bring wet wipes, extra clothes, and plan on giving your little one a good bath when they get home!  There will be cake everywhere, but that’s the whole point of a Cake Smash session!

Cake smash sessions are a blast. It is such an amazing way to capture their personalities for their first birthday.  I love photographing first birthdays. So much personalities in such little babies! The only problem with cake smash sessions is, WHY DIDN’T THEY COME AROUND SOONER! I wish I had one of myself ha ha!

MJ – cypress first birthday portrait

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