Behind the Scenes: What Really Goes into Preparing a Cake Smash Session? 🎂
When you book a Cake Smash session with me at Shelly Loxton Photography, you’re not just turning up to a pretty setup — you’re stepping into a carefully planned and lovingly prepared celebration for your little one. These sessions may look effortlessly magical, but behind the scenes, there’s a whole lot of preparation and care that goes into every detail.
So, what actually goes on before (and after!) your baby has their big cake moment? Here's a little look behind the scenes...
🧽 1. Deep Cleaning the Studio
Before any cake hits the set, my studio gets a full clean from top to bottom. I want it to be sparkling, hygienic and safe — especially since little ones are crawling, sitting and playing on the floor. I clean and disinfect all surfaces, props, floors and equipment to create a lovely fresh environment, ready to welcome you in.
👗 2. Washing, Ironing & Preparing Outfits and Backdrops
Each session includes access to a carefully selected wardrobe and themed backdrop setup, and I make sure everything is freshly washed, steamed or ironed and looking its best. From pretty rompers and tutus to tiny bow ties and bunting, I prep it all so your everything looks picture-perfect on the day.
🪄 3. Setting Up Props, Lights & Equipment
No two cake smashes are the same, so each session is styled to suit your chosen colour palette or theme. I arrange backdrops, floor drops, balloons, banners and props, all while adjusting lighting and camera settings to ensure everything works together beautifully. The setup is tested and tweaked to make sure it's just right for your little one’s big moment.
🎂 4. Baking & Decorating the Cake
Yes - I actually make and decorate the cakes myself! We choose colours and designs that match the session theme and are perfect for photographing, while keeping in mind baby-friendly textures and ingredients. Soft sponges, fluffy frosting and just enough mess factor make it fun for your baby and beautiful in the photos.
📋 5. Admin Time: Emails, Questionnaires & Invoices
A lot of time goes into communication and admin before you even walk through the door. I send out detailed booking information, cake smash prep tips, questionnaires to learn more about your baby, and personalised invoices. Every step is carefully managed to keep things easy and clear for you.
🖥 6. Post-Session Culling & Editing
Once the cake is smashed and the smiles are captured, the behind-the-scenes work kicks off again! Aside from the clean up! I then upload and sort through hundreds of images, selecting the very best expressions, moments and details. I'll upload the best photos to your Softproofing Gallery for you to choose your favourites. Once you've selected, each image is then individually edited by hand to reflect my signature soft, timeless style — this takes several hours and sometimes more, depending on your final gallery size.
🌐 7. Creating & Sending Your Online Gallery
Once your final edits are complete, I prepare your private online gallery, where you can view and download your images and select your favourites. I’ll send you an email with access instructions and tips on downloading and ordering wall art, prints or albums if you wish.
💕 More Than Just a Session
So when you book a cake smash with me, you're not just getting an hour of photography! You're receiving hours of thoughtful planning, prep, baking, styling and editing — all designed to make this milestone special, stress-free and full of joy.
These sessions are a labour of love, and it means the world to me to create memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
If your little one’s first birthday is coming up, I’d love to help you celebrate with a beautiful, messy, fun-filled cake smash. Feel free to get in touch — I can’t wait to plan something magical just for you!
