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So, I’m more of a food photographer but I do enjoy taking photos of the grandkids. When my daughter-in-law asked me to do a Smash Cake Birthday Photo Shoot for Fin, I admit that I was a little nervous – honored, but nervous.
I immediately started researching and ordered this backdrop because it was the only one that would arrive on time out of the few we had picked out. You can iron it and wash it. The only thing I don’t like about the backdrop is how easily it wrinkles.
Since I don’t have a studio, I set everything up in my living room. I do have lighting that I use for my food photography. If it wasn’t November and cold, I would do the Cake Smash Birthday photo shoot outside during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset). Golden hour photo shoots are my favorite.
So, here’s what you will need to do a DIY smash cake birthday party photo shoot.
PAW Patrol Smash Cake Photo Shoot
Lighting and Backdrop
In my opinion, lighting is the most important aspect of any photo shoot. If you don’t have good lighting, there’s only so much you can do while editing the photos. These are the lights I use.
If you have a room flooded with natural light, I’m in awe! I don’t have a whole lot of natural lighting in my living room, but I do have some. When I added my lights, it was fine.
If you don’t have lights, set up in front of a large window. The baby should be facing the window.
Theme (PAW Patrol)
Fin adores Paw Patrol so Paw Patrol it is! His mom found the most adorable outfit for him to wear at Needles Knots N Bows, complete with a first birthday hat.
Smash Cake
My daughter-in-law found a photo of a Paw Patrol Smash Cake and she sent it to the Publix bakery. They did a great job. The candle is from an Etsy shop called AEinspirations.
Props
I don’t like a lot of props so a few balloons and Fin’s Paw Patrol pals are it. If you get things too busy, it takes the focus off of the main attraction, your beautiful child.
Bring on The Tears
Is it wrong that this is one of my favorite photos? At one point, Fin had a little breakdown, but he quickly recovered and the photo session continued.
Clean Up
You may as well take advantage of the cleanup and get a few extra photos.
These are some of my favorites.
Helpful Tips
- Try to take the photos when your baby is not sleepy or overly hungry.
- Take a few practice shots to make sure your lighting is good.
- You will need a fast shutter speed because babies move a lot.
- Take the cake photos first while someone else gets the baby dressed for the photo shoot. Move the cake to a safe place while you take photos of the child.
- Add the cake and take more photos.
- Move fast. Babies get tired quickly.
- Get down on their level.
- Don’t get stressed out. Take a lot of photos and you are bound to get a few great ones.
I had the best time doing Fin’s Cake Smash Birthday Photo Shoot. We made some precious memories and when he turns 16, I’ll break out his first birthday photos.
22 comments
Awww, I think the crying photo is really cute, too. Plus it will make a GREAT blackmail pic at his high school graduation someday LOL.
First birthdays are the very best. Never seen anything like this done before and sounds and looks perfect for the first birthday.
So sweet! I know this is a popular show for kids, so I can see them loving this. I love these photos! My daughter was offended by her smash cake since she got dirty.
This is such a cool idea! I love the way the photos turned out. It looks like he was having so much fun.
OMGoodness how adorable is this?! I love this theme and that little guy is super cute
How cute! My nephew is 8 months old, I’m going to share this with his mommy and daddy as I know they’ll start planning the big day soon.
Those eyes though!!!! Omgosh he is the cutest! I love the smash cake. My nieces and nephews love paw patrol! So darn cute!
This is so cute. My granddaughter likes Paw Patrol, so I’m pretty familiar with it. It’s a cute smash cake theme.
Don’t stress out, Greatest advice when doing a photo shoot with kids! It’s so easy to stress out over it.
Oh how cute! I love paw patrol and smash cakes. This is too adorable! No stress! Look how adorable this is!
Oh my gosh! What a little cutie! You captured such great images!! I love that little outfit, too.
Finn is adorable!! I love this Smash Cake Shoot, it looks like he had a great time!!
Oh my word, I just died. He is so cute and this photo shoot with the bathtub is so cute. Gotta love Paw Patrol too!
He is really cute, love that photo shoot and bathtub he is happy with that. But cake smashing he is not that found of.
The bathtub photo is really cute. I would love to make this to my niece and nephews too!
Fun smash cake and adorable baby. My two year old is Paw Patrol obsessed. May need to do our own photo shoot.
Gah! This is so cute!! Love a good smash cake, and we’re all Paw Patrol fans here too. Such a fun shoot.
What a cute baby in the dress of Paw Patrol. Also, the yummy paw patrol cake. Happy family!
Amazing website, wonderful photo shoot, Thanks for sharing
I love It Thanks For Sharing This Post
Hi there, Thanks for this amazing tutorial.
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.