How to Capture the Best Birthday Photos
It’s no secret that kids grow up FAST! So how can you make sure you capture their personality and smiles through every milestone? Photos from Camera Shy will last forever and ensure you remember everything down to missing teeth. Here’s some tips from our photographers on how to get amazing birthday photos!
Cake Smashes!
One of our favorite birthday traditions is the cake smash! Watching the tiny hands of a child demolish a cake is a recipe for hilarious and memorable photos. Here’s a few tips if you’re wanting to incorporate a cake smash in your session.
Pick the perfect cake! When it comes to the cake there are a few things to consider. Colored frosting will stain hands, feet and clothes, if you are not ok with this pick a white frosting. Cake toppers are so cute but usually the first item baby takes off the cake. So you’ll probably only get a few pictures with the cake topper. Smaller is usually better when it comes to the cake. It can be hard for a baby to break into and really make a dent in a larger cake. Also you don’t want a cake that has so much frosting that your little one can’t get to the actual cake.
Pick up supplies beforehand. Plan to pick up your cake and any decor or balloons for your session at least a few hours before your scheduled session time. You don’t want to feel rushed getting to the studio. Also if you have a cake that has been refrigerated make sure you let it thaw out before the session so it’s nice and soft for the baby to eat.
Don’t forget about cleaning up. After the smash you will have a very messy baby so bring wipes and maybe even a towel or washcloth for a quick sink bath. Also don’t forget a comfy change of clothes for after the session! Our photographers are happy to help clean up the cake and we have plenty of supplies to clean the floors!
Arrive early. Arrive at the studio ten minutes before your session time and tell your photographer you are planning on doing a cake smash. They can store the cake somewhere safe for you until you are ready for the smash.
Manage your time. You’ll want to do the cake smash at the end of your session so plan your outfits and make sure you leave 15-20 minutes at the end of your session for the cake smash. Your photographer will help tell you when is the best time for the smash. One year olds sometimes have a hard time lasting a whole hour. You might not want to push them if they start to get fussy, or else by the end of the session they may be more upset than excited about the cake.
Plan your outfit! It’s usually best to do the cake smash in a diaper, diaper cover, tutu, or overalls/suspenders. Keep in mind that whatever they wear they will get it dirty and could potentially get ruined.
Let your baby be themselves! Lastly, let your baby show their personality. Some babies go right for the cake and dig in some just like a lick of frosting and some will get one taste and cry. No matter how your baby reacts the photos will still be priceless and reflect who they were at this stage in life.
To Balloon or Not to Balloon?
Balloons can make for some cool shots and can add a fun element to the session. Here’s a few things to consider.
Helium – Do you want balloons that will float about your children’s head or would you rather cover the floor with the balloons so your child can hold and play with them?
Number and Letter Balloons – We love the numbered balloons but keep in mind that reflective silver or gold balloons can cause reflections of you or the photographer in the picture. So go for a non-reflective color. Our photographers usually end up taping number and letter balloons to the wall so they don’t rotate and appear backwards in the photos.
What to Bring:
Outfit changes – Bring an outfit change or two. Usually the older the child the more time we will have for outfit changes. For babies and toddlers, limiting to one outfit is usually best. Kids who are five and over usually have time for two or three outfit changes, just depending on the child. It doesn’t hurt to bring an extra outfit change, but keep in mind you may not have enough time for every outfit. Consider letting your child have a say in what they wear. Capturing them in their favorite tee shirt or seeing their sense of style can really add personality to the photos!
A favorite toy or hobby – If your child has a favorite toy or hobby you can bring something to represent that for the photos. A soccer ball, a favorite stuffed animal, a toy truck, or anything they can’t live without. That way you capture what they are into at the time.
We hope you have a blast at your birthday session! Don’t forget when you check out, mention the code BIRTHDAY for $20 off & a free 11×14 or (2) 8×10 prints!
