How to Prepare for Your Cake Smash Photography Session in Jacksonville, FL

Your baby’s first birthday is a milestone worth celebrating in a big way! One of the most fun and memorable ways to mark this occasion is with a cake smash photoshoot — a joyful, colorful, and sometimes messy session designed to capture your little one’s big personality.

As a photographer specializing in cake smash photography in Jacksonville, FL, I want your experience to be smooth, stress-free, and fun. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your child’s session.

1. Running Late or Need to Reschedule?

We understand that life with little ones can be unpredictable, but please let us know as soon as possible if you’re running late or need to reschedule.

• You may text Christy at 904-891-0359 to let us know your status.

• Most cake smash sessions are scheduled for 45–60 minutes, so late arrivals may mean a shorter session.

• If you’re more than 15 minutes late or do not show up, your session will need to be rescheduled and a new $100 retainer will be required.

• Same-day cancellations and no-shows are non-refundable.

• If your package includes a custom cake and you miss your appointment, you’ll be responsible for covering the cost of a new cake.

2. What to Expect During the Session

Our cake smash sessions flow in three parts:

1. Family photos and/or individual portraits of your child

2. Cake smash fun

3. Optional bath portraits to clean up and add even more adorable moments

This order helps keep little ones engaged and ensures a full variety of images.

3. Safety and Helping Hands

If you are bringing small children, we recommend bringing extra adults to help. A good rule of thumb: however many children you have under the age of 3, that’s how many adults you should bring. This ensures safety and helps us keep little ones smiling and engaged — especially during cake smashes.

4. Cake Tips for the Perfect Smash

The cake is the star of the show (after your baby, of course!). A few important things to know:

• Practice makes perfect: For the month leading up to your session, give your child cupcakes with icing to help them get used to cake, sugar, and messy textures.

• No red or dark brown icing: Red can stain skin and look like blood in photos, while dark brown can look unappealing on camera. If you need those colors, request them for the cake itself — not the icing.

• Avoid fondant: Fondant is too hard for little fingers. Buttercream is ideal, and “naked cakes” (with minimal icing) are even better.

• Thaw frozen cakes: If you’re bringing your own cake, please make sure it’s fully thawed before the session.

5. What to Bring

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

• Extra outfits:

  • One outfit for family portraits

  • One outfit for your child’s individual portraits

  • One outfit for the cake smash

• Comfortable clothing for parents (icing can stain — you’ll be holding your messy little one afterward!)

• Towels or wash rags (we provide some, but bring extras if you have sensitivities)

• A bag for dirty clothes

• Favorite toys or snacks to keep your child engaged (sometimes we hide snacks in the cake!)

• Extra adults if bringing multiples under age 3

6. Respect for the Session

Please remember:

• No cameras or cell phone photography are allowed during the session. This ensures your child looks at the professional camera, keeps the focus on safety, and respects the photographer’s time and setup. If you begin taking photos, the session may be stopped immediately, with no refunds issued.

7. After the Session: Ordering Appointment

Following your cake smash, you’ll schedule a time to review and order your images:

• If you book a 10am cake smash, you may choose to schedule your ordering session the same afternoon.

• Otherwise, you’ll return about 1–2 weeks later to view your gallery and select products.

• Please note: the session fee covers the photographer’s time and talent. Digital files, prints, albums, and wall art are purchased separately. Payment plans are available.

Final Thoughts

A cake smash is the ultimate way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday — it’s fun, messy, and unforgettable. By following these prep tips, you’ll help make your session smooth and successful while walking away with portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.

If you’re looking for cake smash photography in Jacksonville, FL, I’d love to help you create colorful, joy-filled memories of your little one’s big day.

👉 Contact me today to reserve your cake smash session in Jacksonville