How to Prepare for Your Cake Smash Session in Edmonton!

If your little one is soon turning one year old and you are interested in doing a unique and fun photo session for them, then you have found the right place! If we haven’t met already, hi! I’m Ana, your go-to cake smash and baby photographer. If you are a current client of mine, then this is the guide for you. Here’s where I’ll help you prepare for our upcoming cake smash session in Edmonton.

This guide includes outfit and colour palette ideas, what to expect, and more. I’ve put together my best tips and tricks for you to prepare for your session. I have extensive experience working with babies and kids and have learned the best strategies to get the most out of your photo session. I look forward to working with you!

What to Expect During Your Cake Smash Session in Edmonton

A Calm Environment

It’s very normal for babies to be shy at first when they get to the studio. When you first arrive, we will give your baby some time to get comfortable with the space. I have a play area for them to explore and many spaces to crawl around. The session time is an average of an hour to allow enough time for the baby to adjust, but it can be a bit longer or shorter depending on how your one-year-old baby is doing.

A Baby-Led Session Flow

Your baby is my boss, literally. I won’t force them to stay put or fully smash the cake. I will go with the flow and let them be themselves. Most babies don’t destroy the full cake, and that’s okay! I aim to document their experience and get some cute reactions as we go, but this is a time for them to be themselves. I promise to get beautiful shots of them interacting and tasting the cake while allowing them to decide when they are done.

A Full-Service Experience

I provide everything for your baby’s cake smash photo session. The theme, all props, the smash cake by my favourite baker Jova’s Table, snacks, a wide variety of outfits and accessories, and everything needed for their after-smash cleanup. You will even get to take the cake home afterward. All you need to do is bring your baby, and I will take care of everything else.

4 Tips for Your Cake Smash Session in Edmonton

#1: A Fed and Rested Baby is a Happy Baby

I like to plan the session time around the baby’s schedule. So my biggest advice is to do the session after nap time, and once they have had something to eat. A common misconception is that a baby needs to be hungry to eat the cake, but that’s far from the truth. A hungry baby will only be fussy and won’t be interested in trying new things, so there is no need to skip a meal!

#2: Bring Snacks and Milk or Water

I have baby snacks at the studio, but if you know they have a favourite snack, feel free to bring it to the shoot! A good trick for when they don’t want to touch the cake is to add some baby puffs to it, and then they will reach for it. And if they need some milk or water in between shots, then it’s good to have a bottle available at all times, too.

#3: Set Realistic Expectations

It’s very common that the baby won’t be super excited and will want to run to mom and dad during their session. On the internet, we only see the good, but it’s normal if they get cranky and sad. I’ve had many babies in the studio before, and I know how to work around them to get some cute photos, but it’s important to understand that it’s okay if they need time to adjust.

#4: Be Prepared to Get Cake All Over You Too

We start with family photos because it’s very likely that you will get cake all over your clothes. Even I end up full of cake—it’s all part of the fun! After the bubble bath photos, we will get the baby fully clean in the large bathtub (I provide soap and a towel), but you can also bring an extra top if you don’t want your photoshoot clothes to get all messy.

The Best Colour Palettes for Your Cake Smash Session in Edmonton

Choose colours that complement each other and blend well together.

Do’s and Don’ts When Picking Outfits

DO wear warm, neutral tones. Warm, soft tones photograph best; they complement every skin tone without creating colour casts. Textures are great for adding dimension as well.

DO coordinate, don’t match – Pick a colour palette and play with it. You don’t need to use the same pieces or the same colour; just make sure they blend well together.

DO wear jeans and a white or beige top when in doubt. If you don’t want to go out of your way to find clothes, just pick a white dress or a white shirt, pair it with jeans, and call it a day!

DON’T wear heavy patterns and big brand logos – Anything that’s too bold or has many different colours in it is a no-go. These items become too distracting and do not photograph well.

DON’T wear neon or very bright, vivid tones—these colours will only diminish the beauty of the picture. Let the focus be on you, not your clothes.

DON’T mix too many patterns—less is more. If you are wearing a flower-patterned dress, don’t let your partner wear a stripe shirt; it will become too distracting.

Family Outfit Ideas for Your Edmonton Cake Smash Session

Some of my favourite and affordable places to shop for family outfits are H&M, Old Navy, Zara and even Amazon! You can always find good deals and a good variety of outfits for the whole family. For kids, I also like Carters and Gap, and for the mom some of my favourite stores are Oak + Fort and RW&CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my baby has food allergies?

Let me know at the time of booking and I will arrange for an allergen-free cake!

What else should I bring?

You can bring snacks or their favourite toy to help them during the session. If you want them to wear a special outfit, bring that, too.

What if I need to reschedule?

If we need to reschedule, that’s fine as long as it’s at least 8 days before the session. If it’s less than 7 days, I will have to charge for a new cake ($75) as per my baker’s policies. If it’s one day before the session and I have already arranged the set-up, there’s a $50 rescheduling fee.

Now That You’re Prepared for Your Cake Smash Session in Edmonton, Let’s Get Started!

I hope you have found these tips helpful and you feel more prepared for your session. I look forward to capturing some magic for you and your family. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know; I’m here to take care of you and take the stress off having your photos taken.

Thank you for reading!

– Ana

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