So with LOCKDOWN in full swing...i thought i would share some tips for those parents who's little ones are TURNING ONE during LOCKDOWN who cannot book a professional cake smash session with me.

The first year of our baby is very special for every parent and is full of unforgettable milestones. The biggest of them all is our little one's 1st birthday and like all parents, we just wanted it to be perfect and memorable.  I wanted to share those tips with fellow moms- so you can have a memorable event too!  

Step 1: Plan it to perfection - the decor/theme

Get the theme right. 

The first and foremost thing is to zero in on a theme of the decor and the party- to plan the assisted props and everything around it. You can choose from a variety of options such as a single colour theme or a combination of colours or a cartoon-based theme.  So my suggestion is to choose a theme that your little one loves from the colours to the decor that matches their little personality! If they love trucks or trains or a cartoon character, something that lights their eyes up. keep it simple

Choose a simple background with only one or two props besides the cake. (It’s also perfectly fine to do just a background and cake.) Keep in mind you’ll want to shoot several angles, so you may want to arrange your props to have some close-ups that crop some of the items out. 

Step 2: Choose the right location

After getting the theme right, you need to decide on the location that will go with it.  It could be Indoors, or outdoors.  Well in lockdown it will have to be your garden but choosing the right location is key. If they love being outdoors then do it outside (in the shade of course). Watch for too many sun patches etc as this will affect the image quality. Use a teepee maybe to add more shade to the scene...and make it fun for them! 

Look for Light

For the fun, playful look that comes with cake smash photos, look for a soft light that’s easy to work with.
Look for a spot in your home that has great window light—avoid the harsher light by using a large north or south facing window. If you’re stuck with a window that has the sun streaming in, use a sheer white curtain—this will act as a cloud to soften the sunlight a bit.
Of course, if the weather cooperates, you can also set up outside in the shade.

Step 3: the outfit

Choosing the right outfit to compliment the setup. If you have a busy setup with loads of props and detail (pics i.e. cartoon characters etc) then keep the outfit simple so choose one colour or just a bottom (i.e. shorts on with naked on the top) or simple dress or jeans...etc. If you have mainly a colour setup then you can focus on a colourful and busy outfit with patterns, logos etc.

Step4: the cake or food they enjoy

Choosing the right cake or food! I say that as your little one might not have a sweet tooth, so then i recommend choosing their favourite food to do a smash session  with ie. fruit, just a cupcake instead of a whole  cake, donut or favourite biscuit or make a giant biscuit, spaghetti or favourite cereal, the list is endless!

 And now for the right execution!

• Pick the right time to plan the shoot according to your baby's schedule- may be just after their nap time when they are fresh- and before their next meal time. Make sure your kid is neither too sleepy or hungry during the photoshoot. 
• Set up your decorations in advance, so that as soon as baby's mood is set you can begin the shoot soon.
• Ensure you have very fewer people around and if it's all familiar faces- the better. The child doesn't get scared or distracted this way. 
• Keep your baby's favourite toys around, in case you need to cheer up baby's mood or want to get some candid click with the toys.
• Remember to do the shoot with the decorations and baby first and bring the cake in the end, because it's going to be all messy post the cake smash! 
• Also- if things don't go as planned, remember not to force the baby or get them all worked up- let your child enjoy the moment!
• Try to add balloons in your decorations (as long as your baby isn't scared of them!). Candid pictures with balloons make for great memories! 
• Get some family pictures clicked too with the baby.