Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
1st Birthday in Pink a Cake Smash Photo Session in OKC
Posted in Family Photography by Charis Elisabeth
Yay! Your baby made it and not just your baby but you have made it too! That first year of sleepless nights, growth spurts, and a thousand tiny milestones is behind you, and that deserves to be celebrated by everyone who loves your little one. And as a family and newborn photographer in OKC I love celebrating milestones for families!
If your baby’s first birthday is coming up, a cake smash photo session in OKC is such a fun way to mark the occasion and really see just how much growth happened in that first year. Here’s a wild fact for you: if babies kept up their first-year growth rate through childhood, they would be about 19 feet tall by age 10. No wonder we parents get so easily tired. That’s a lot happening in one year!
My Favorite Way to Do a Cake Smash Photo Session in OKC
I offer simple cake smashes for families who want classic first birthday photos without the fuss. My favorite recommendation is to make the cake smash part of a full family session, either at home or outdoors. When we tuck it in at the end, it becomes a natural, delightful way to celebrate your whole family making it through baby’s first year.
The next best option is a simple cake smash on its own.
What Is a Simple Cake Smash?
A simple cake smash puts the focus on your baby instead of busy decor and elaborate backdrops. We keep the background clean so all the attention lands on that sweet face, those chubby hands, and those little expressions from trying it.
My cake smash photo sessions are done at a few different natural light local studios in the Oklahoma City area. (Edmond, Bethany & OKC options). My clients can choose two colored paper backgrounds for their session. That gives you a little variety and fun while keeping things classic and neutral, the kind of photos that will still feel timeless when your baby is heading off to kindergarten. And all my client families have the option to add in some family photos at the end.
Who Provides the Cake?
For my clients, I have my families purchase the cake on their own. That way you can make sure it works with any allergies, and you get exactly the cake you want.
If you’re in the OKC area, you can choose a more budget friendly one from Crest or Costco or one of my go-to recommendations. For something a bit more personalized and extra yummy, I love Sweet Friends Bakery. And for allergy friendly cakes, Jo-Jo’s Bakery in Newcastle is wonderful.
5 Things to Keep in Mind for Your Baby’s First Birthday Cake Smash
1. Your baby might want nothing to do with the cake.
I know, after all that planning only to have you little one pout and cry. But not all babies like cake (hey I agree! give me a sugar cookie or ice cream any day!) Some babies hate the texture of the frosting, some don’t love the taste, and some just aren’t sure what to think about the whole situation. Be okay with this. Let go of happy expectations and just enjoy seeing your little one as they discover something new. Those unsure little faces and skeptical side-eyes make some of my favorite photos, and they’re just as true to who your baby is right now.
2. Let your baby try cake about a week before the session.
This way the cake isn’t a brand new experience on session day, and you’ll know ahead of time about any allergic reactions. A little taste test at home makes the real thing feel a little bit more familiar and fun.
3. Choose the right cake.
A few things to skip when you’re ordering so that your pictures and session goes well!
- Do not pick chocolate, since a white cake photographs best.
- Do not choose bright or bold colored frosting.
Both of these will stain your baby’s fingers and face, and that’s something we want to avoid. – - Also skip heavy decor and fondant. Buttercream or whipped frosting is perfect, and a naked cake is awesome too.
4. Keep outfits simple and comfy.
I always recommend bringing at least two outfits, though it’s not always necessary. You want your baby to be able to move freely without tripping on their clothes. Stick with classic, neutral colors that won’t cast color onto their skin, and avoid neon or super bright shades.
5. Schedule earlier than you think.
If you want the photos ready in time for the first birthday party, reach out to your photographer when baby is around 9 months old so we can plan a session for when they turn 11 months. If you’re happy receiving your gallery a few weeks after they turn one, a date close to their actual birthday works fine. Just make sure you get in touch early enough to schedule the session, order the cake, and plan the outfits without feeling rushed.
Let’s Celebrate Your Baby’s First Year
You don’t need an elaborate setup or a perfectly themed party to document this milestone. Your baby, a simple cake, and a little room to be themselves is more than enough. And want to make it even better? Invite me over for a documentary session in your home, in your baby’s happy place. And we can do a simple cake smash or even one of your baby’s other favorite foods.
If you’re excitedly planning for your baby’s first birthday and want a cake smash photo session reach out and let’s plan it together. I’d love to celebrate this big first year with your family.
