Cake:
Let’s talk the color of the cake. While I understand you may want to match the cake with your theme, it is important to remember that food dye stains your child and the clothes they are wearing. I suggest you do a white or cream color base with color details. Size is another important factor in the ability to get the “perfect shot”. I recommend getting a cupcake or a 6 inch one tier cake. Anything bigger than that will be a waste.
The biggest shock to parents who attend these sessions is the fact that their child will make the biggest mess at home or in restaurants but they will not touch their cake during this session. It is important to remember that this is a new environment and they are feeling a little stress. If they choose not to eat or even touch the cake it is ok. The session does not fail simply because they won’t do what is expected. This is always why it is important to get a small cake that is fairly inexpensive in case it is not consumed. Please do not try to force the cake on the child, this may result in crying and the session will have to end.
Child’s Behavior:
I pride myself on my ability to work with children and that I can make it work no matter their mood. It is also important to remember that I do this sessions often and I have 3 boys of my own. If your child doesn’t sit still, won’t wear a hat or shoes you brought or is having trouble smiling please do not let that discourage you. I can still get beautiful shots without those details. If the parents can stay happy and care free it makes the session easier for the child. It will not bother me if the child is not acting a certain way but what does bother me is when parents get upset or frustrated and it makes the session tense for everyone.
Direction:
Please bring snacks, juice, toys or a stuffed animal that the child likes and will help direct their attention and hopefully produce some smiles! If other adults are going to join the session please let them know that they should remain in the background. I understand that we want to get a good smile or reaction out of the child but if the child only looks towards the corner of the room where grandma is standing, the digitals will not be what is expected. The attention of the child needs to remain on the camera, on me or the adult that is standing directly behind me. I know that as parents we want to be involved in things like this but remember that constantly walking in front of the camera to adjust the child may result in me missing a shot. If you plan to be apart of the session I ask that you wear shoes that can slide off easily. During the session please take off your shoes when going to walk on the paper, shoe marks are hard to remove in post production.
Decorations:
I do provide the basic decorations such as balloons, filler props, cake stand, banners and other items that may pertain to your theme. If there is something specific that you wish to have in the session please provide it yourself or send me the exact link to see if it falls within my budget to purchase. When discussing your idea of theme please be as specific to detail as you wish. If you choose to bring your own decorations please arrive to your session 15 minutes early, if you use some of the hour to set up it will not be composted for. It is up to the parent’s to provide the cake and outfits.
What to bring:
I suggest to each parent to bring at least two outfits for the session. One outfit will be worn for regular/family pictures and the second will be worn during the smash cake portion of the session. A towel, extra Wal-Mart sack for dirty clothes, and baby wipes are also helpful when needing to clean up your child. As stated above; snacks, drinks, toys or stuffed animal is encouraged to make sure the child is happy throughout the session.
