Here are some helpful hints to prepare you for your Smash Session with Six17 Photography:

• If your child has never eaten cake and/or icing before, consider picking up a cupcake and try a test run.  Most kids love it, but some do not have a sweet tooth, or do not like the texture of icing.  If this is the case, you may want to consider a Donut Smash, a Berry & Cream Smash, a Spaghetti Smash – basically anything that your child loves can be made into a Smash Session!
• If there are any known / potential allergies, we ask that the cake be provided by the parents.  While the bakery we work with is amazing, and is able to provide nut-free, gluten-free cakes, we would feel better knowing that your child is safe and that there was zero chance of an allergic reaction.  Your session fee will be discounted for the amount of the cake.
• Have some of your child’s favorite snacks on hand during the session.  “Planting” little snacks in the cake can be a good way to give the illusion that your child is eating the Cake Smash cake if they are not interested in it.
• Most children love balloons, but we have come across a few that do not.  If your child has not been exposed to balloons, perhaps pick one up and see their reaction.  If you know that your child is not fond of them, please let us know at least 2 days before the session.
• Be prepared to get dirty!  If you child is a little reserved in front of the camera, they may need you to sit with them / beside them for part of the session, and inevitably will want to be picked up at some point.  I am used to cake smash sessions, so please do not worry if your child comes to me full of icing!
• Keep a wooden spoon, spatula, or even one of their toys handy!  Some children do not like to get their hands dirty, but are more than happy to use a utensil of some sort to smoosh around on their cake!
• It is important that we are able to connect one-on-one with your child during the session – that is how we get those beautiful smiles while they are looking right into the lens!  Having too many people trying to get their attention and make them smile can overstimulate your child, or you will not have any photos where they are looking at the camera.