Have you heard of the term “Cake Smash”? This type of 1st (or even 30th!) birthday photo shoot has become a fun way to capture all of the excitement of birthday milestones! It looks (and tastes–yum!) just like it sounds; Baby + Cake = Many great photo ops! To someone entirely unfamiliar with the concept, the idea of a cake smash photography may seem weird, to say the least. After all, why would you order a beautiful cake, dress up a 12-month old…and then take numerous photos of the child destroying the sweet delicacy, getting all messy? However, the fact is solid: cake smashes are getting increasingly popular, bringing families together in a unique, fun and memorable way. I too am offering this type of photo shoots at my home studio, and I even gave birth to a baby so I can practice at her 1st bday! Just joking  :) But nevertheless, here are some of my favorite pics.

First birthdays are as much a celebration of the parents as the baby. One year of dirty diapers and late nights survived. One year of all the stress and the love, the giggles and the tears… survived. Oftentimes, it surely feels as though the year will never end… and other times as though the year is passing all too quickly. Before long, this same small baby will be all grown up, preparing for life as an adult. Their time as a baby is all too limited. A cake smash is the perfect commemoration of all that has happened during this year. But of course we're taking a few decent and "clean" pictures first.

Typically, the cake smash photography session is done around the baby’s first Birthday, and the photos are then used to adorn party invitations or let family and friends know about important developmental milestones (not to mention the hilariously embarrassing opportunities for when the kid grows up). Before that age, there wouldn’t be much use in offering the little one cake, as they wouldn’t necessarily show any interest. On the contrary, at 12 months, a sudden rush of sweetness is often the first time the child can consume as much cake as they want, or better still – do whatever they want with it. From face painting into it to throwing the bits and pieces around like there’s no tomorrow, the possibilities are endless! But don't be frightened - most babies have no idea what to do with the cake, and once they try it, they eat slowly and are very cautious. And you, as a parent or photographer, can take the cake away anytime, so that everyone is satisfied with the results of the shooting and you still can serve the cake to the guests at your b-day party (just like we did with this particular one).

A cake smash session can be best described as a beautiful mess! Plan everything in advance, but don’t forget to breathe, relax, and fully embrace the fun and chaotic nature of the shoot. Watch your little one destroying the cake (or maybe just carefully licking it) and imagine all the precious memories to come – many moments to cherish and remember!

P.S. Some pics from the previous shootings as an example of what is possible to arrange. For example, the cake can be either ordered through my favorite cake lady Inna, who is also a mom and comes from Ukraine, just like me, or can be bought at a local supermarket (then I decorate them myself) or even baked by the clients! I've worked with all options and one thing is clear - memories will be vibrant and fun no matter what you choose.