"What if my baby doesn't smile?"
The good news is that babies don't need to smile the entire session to create beautiful photos. Some of the sweetest images are the curious looks, serious expressions, and little moments of wonder as they explore something completely new.
That said, there are lots of tricks we use to encourage smiles and laughter throughout the session!
Every Baby Is Different
Some babies arrive ready to party, while others need a little time to warm up. A cake smash session is full of new experiences—a new space, new decorations, a photographer they've never met, and a giant cake sitting in front of them.
My goal is never to force a smile. Instead, I create an environment where your baby feels comfortable enough to let their personality shine.
Music Can Be Magic
One of my favourite ways to get babies smiling is through music.
Before your session, feel free to let me know what your little one loves listening to at home. Some babies light up when they hear children's songs, while others start clapping and dancing to whatever Mom and Dad listen to—whether that's country, rock, pop, rap, cultural music, or upbeat dance music.
Many babies can't resist bouncing, clapping, and dancing when their favourite song comes on, and those moments often lead to the biggest smiles.
Parents and Siblings Are My Secret Helpers
Some of the best smiles come from the people babies love most.
Dad making silly faces.
Mom cheering them on.
Big brothers and sisters playing peek-a-boo.
Pretending to sneeze dramatically.
Clapping, laughing, and celebrating every tiny reaction.
You might feel a little silly, but trust me—it's worth it!
What If My Baby Has Stranger Danger?
If your little one is currently going through a stranger danger phase, please let me know before your session.
I'm more than happy to have you arrive a little early so your baby has time to explore the studio, get comfortable, and warm up to me before we start taking photos.
A little extra time can make a huge difference and helps create a much more relaxed experience for everyone.
What If My Baby Doesn't Like Cake?
Believe it or not, not every baby loves cake!
Some babies dive right in, while others are unsure about the texture, the icing, or simply aren't interested in eating sweets.
That's completely normal.
If your baby isn't a fan of the cake, we simply move on and focus on other moments. We also finish many sessions with a fun little bathtub splash, which is often a huge hit. Some babies who weren't interested in the cake suddenly light up once they're splashing in warm water and playing.
The bathtub photos are often some of the happiest images in the entire gallery.
The Goal Isn't Perfect Smiles
At the end of the day, cake smash sessions are about capturing your baby's personality exactly as they are at this stage of life.
Whether they're giggling, clapping, dancing, cautiously inspecting their cake, or giving us their best serious expression, those moments tell the story of who they are right now.
And years from now, those are the memories you'll treasure most.
If you're looking for a Leduc cake smash photographer or first birthday photographer near Edmonton, I'd love to help you celebrate this special milestone with a fun, relaxed session designed around your baby's unique personality.
Melissa
Stained with Joy Portraits
Leduc, Alberta
