Commonly Asked Questions
Most frequently asked questions about the cake smash sessions.
During your 30 minute session we will shoot at least 2 different setups. You will fill out a questionnaire regarding your cake color and outfit preferences. We will then use our extensive inventory of cake plates, banners, backdrops and more to match. You only need to bring the cake! Everything else is included.
It is best to schedule your child’s cake smash session about a two weeks ahead of time. Cake Smash sessions are almost always best in the morning, based on the best time around their nap. Even if your one year old is beaming and happy at 6pm when you or your spouse come home from work, we have found that this is not the best time in the studio.
You will need to bring the cake, the outfits and snacks such as puffs and water for your child.
We will work with coordinating your color preferences before your session. We provide all the props for each set including cake plates, banners, and decorations.
The cake should be 5-6” with a soft icing and a light color cake inside. Please leave the cake at room temperature about 2 hours before the session to ensure the frosting is nice and soft.
Yes, we do. However, Cake smash sessions focus on the baby. In the beginning of each session spend a few minutes playing games and warming to your child. We will absolutely include a family or sibling shot at the start of the session.
It is a good idea to do a trial run at home a few days before with a cupcake with frosting. Some kids have never had sweets before, or have a hard time feeling dirty or messy. Giving them a chance to experience these sensations for the first time at home can make it easier on the day of the session.
I know kids at this age are on the move! Lots of falling and tripping. If you child has a small mark on their face, do not worry as I am able to touch it up in post.
A healthy child is a happy child. Please let me know within 24hrs of your session if your child is sick, has a runny nose, or cough, so we can reschedule your session. We never charge a sitting fee just for this reason. We want the best and biggest smiles possible. Thank you for keeping me and my family healthy too!
This does happen. Some children love the cake smash and dig right in. Others are hesitant. I recommend making a cupcake or small cake and introducing the cake smash idea before (a few days/weeks before) our session date. This way, your child will be familiar with the process and will know that they can smash the cake. Also, bring or have on hand puffs or cheerios so we can stuff them into the cake. Your child will want to grab them out of the cake and eat it.
You definitely will! You will have to show your child that they can eat the cake so you might have to take a bite yourself. Yum! Also, your child may stand up and walk or crawl around, so you will have to keep putting your child back into the designated space. Your will get frosting on your clothes so don’t wear anything you do not want to get ruined. You may also want to bring a change of outfit as well.
Too many people trying to get your child to smile or talking tends to be a distraction. We kindly ask that you show your loved ones the keepsake memories.
The best part of having a cake smash at MTW Portraits is…. We do all the clean up! At the end of the cake smash we will provide you with a towel so you can clean your baby. But we will clean the mess on the floor and the studio. Most kids are done (really done!) at the end of the session so you get to walk out the door and leave the mess for us.