A Christmas Cake Smash
This cake smash session started with preparation. I worked with Studio JD in Old Forge to put together a set felt slightly Christmassy without being overdone. I picked up the balloons and poinsettias, and the trees were actually decor that a neighbor gifted me last year.
The session was broken into three parts to keep things relaxed and flexible. We began with family portraits in front of a Christmas-themed set designed by Studio JD. At first, the baby’s older brother felt very shy and did not want to come into the room. Rather than rushing or forcing the moment, we started with portraits of mom and her daughter, allowing everyone time to settle in. Eventually, with some encouragement and balloons, the older brother joined us. We asked him to stand with his sister to help keep her steady, which helped him feel comfortable and involved. The photos that followed were incredibly sweet and genuine.
Next, we moved into clean portraits of the birthday girl in front of her cake smash backdrop. There were only a few moments of fussiness, and mom and grandma were quick to comfort her, keeping the session calm and enjoyable. Grandma stepped behind the camera to help get smiles, and the energy for both of the kids lifted. I always encourage families to bring support to sessions. An extra voice or familiar face can be incredibly helpful, especially with young children.
We ended the session with the cake smash itself. The birthday girl immediately went for the cake. Her mom shared that she loves food, and she proved that right away by happily digging in and getting messy. The final images are full of personality, joy, and genuine moments.
As a cake smash photographer serving Scranton, Old Forge, Wilkes-Barre, and Northeast Pennsylvania, my goal is always to create a stress-free experience for families while capturing authentic moments. Every child is different, and sessions are designed to move at their pace. This first cake smash session confirmed how powerful patience, flexibility, and collaboration with families can be in creating beautiful images.
