Baby Hannah shines in her Cake Smash Photography Far Hills NJ session

A cake smash photography session can look deceptively easy. Well, compared to a newborn photography or baby photography session. However, it is anything but easy. Let’s first talk about how it is difficult for the star of the show. Imagine being a 1 year old. Like Hannah, who came to our studio recently for her Cake Smash Photography Far Hills NJ session. Inquisitive yet guarded. Excited to see something that looks so yummy but you’ve never tasted sugar. Shiny background, balloons all around the room. But you can’t run or pop them.

And then, the strangest thing happens. You make a mess. I mean, a real mess. Yet, you find everyone around you clapping and cheering you on. “Yay! Go Hannah”, “Dig in”, “Yes, do it, smash that cake” are some of the phrases you hear. You see big smiles on your parents faces. There is a a photographer who, like paparazzi following a celebrity, is snapping away happily. And in your little heart, there is hope that your parents have the same reaction forever in the future. “You spilled chocolate milk on the new designer sofa? No worries at all.” (Not exactly apples-to-apples, but reminds me vaguely of this Kirstie Alley Modern Family episode).

Next, let’s turn to the photographer. You have to compartmentalize setups, actions and emotions. What does that mean? See, a cake smash photography session is also a baby portrait photography session. For each, you need to find an appropriate backdrop, the right accessories and difference in how you guide the child. For portrait photo session, take Hannah for example, she needed to be a princess. With a castle in the background, pearls around her neck, a cute bowtie headband, and the perfect shade of pink dress. Voila! You have a beautiful, gorgeous princess.

Now, for the cake smash photo session. You remove all distractions, that means no castle in the background. A cute tutu. Shiny sequins in the back. It’s party time! Your excitement level is through the roof. If you acted like this in public, they’d look at you crazy! And I mean that, seriously.

But, if you didn’t, how else would you get such nice pictures. At the end, that’s all that matters. A happy child, happy parents and memories that last a lifetime. My job here is done (drops the mic!)

The princess learns early on how to sit on a throne.

Look closely, it is Arendelle in the background. Yes, it’s a real place.

It’s my 1st birthday, I’m number one, this is the first cake smash for me — so many “1” things to talk about, right?

The coronation happened a little too early, we guess!

Let’s go this way. To the royal stable.

Giddy up, horsie!

This is actually quite good. Hey, why am I getting this only now?

I think my job here is done