A Parent's Guide to Cake Smash and Splash:​The Behind the Scenes I Lisburn, Belfast, Northern Ireland

 
Behind the Scenes of a Cake Smash Photoshoot
Cake Smash Photographer Lisburn, Belfast
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As parents, we always look for unique ways to celebrate our little ones' milestones. Who doesn't love those cute photos of babies digging into their cakes with icing all over their faces? Cake smash and splash photo sessions are gaining popularity these days, and for a good reason. It's a fun way to celebrate your child's first birthday or any other milestone and create lasting memories. But what goes on behind the scenes of a cake smash and splash photo shoot? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what parents can expect and how to prepare for this fun-filled session.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Choosing the right photographer is crucial for a successful cake smash and splash session. Look for someone with experience in baby photography, and someone who understands your vision and can deliver the results you want. It's essential to communicate your ideas and expectations with your photographer beforehand to ensure a stress-free session.
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​PREPARING FOR THE SESSION
The first step is to choose a photographer who has experience with cake smash sessions. Check out a few websites of professionals in your area, and compare their style, prices and offering. 
Once you've found a photographer, it's time to plan your session. You'll need to decide on a theme and choose a cake that matches the theme. It's better to use a small cake as babies tend to get overwhelmed with large cakes. A lot of professional photography studios will offer a cake as a part of their package. This way you know it will match the setup perfectly. 
If you have concerns about the ingredients of the cake or your child has any food allergies, I'll be happy to provide the info about ingredients and discuss any modifications. I work exclusively with Cream Alley and her cakes are AMAZING! 
Always check whether you need to provide outfits for your child and a towel for cleanup. 
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​​DURING THE SESSION
During the session, the photographer will set up a backdrop, and decorations to match your chosen theme. They will also arrange the cake and other props. The photographer will capture your child's expressions as they smash the cake, play with the props, and splash around in the water. It’s usually a mixture of posed, close-ups and candid shots, so make sure you discuss your preferences with them beforehand. You can expect to spend around an hour or two for the session, depending on your chosen package. 
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​​SAFETY FIRST
It's crucial to ensure your child's safety during the session. The photographer should have safety measures in place, such as a clean and safe working area, non-toxic decorations, and props. Always make sure your child is supervised and never leave them alone during the session. Make sure any allergies, food or chemical, are disclosed to your photographer prior to the session, to avoid medical problems or even a sudden rush during the session. 

​​THE AFTERMATH
After the session, it's time for cleanup. Make sure to bring extra clothes for your child, as they will most likely get wet and messy. During a cake smash and splash session at a vast majority of studios, your photographer will follow up with a “splash” part of the session to remove any leftover cake or icing from your child's skin. This is quite often even more fun than the smash bit, because children recognise this part, having done it at home many times, and are usually really content and smiley. 

​AFTER THE SESSION
Your gallery is ready for viewing  approximately 3-4 weeks after your newborn session. You will receive an online proofing gallery where you will then be able to choose your favorite images and place your order. I then edit and perfect those chosen images and return them to you in a final gallery where you can download them right to your computer. You will also receive the USB with your chosen images.
Mounted prints, albums and wall art can take up to 3-4 weeks from order date. 
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Not every baby enjoys the cake... but almost everyone loves the bath!

If you are interested in booking a cake smash photo shoot for your child, connect with Elena Mason Photography at the following link: Contact