PETALING JAYA: The scene is delightful: a baby, eyes gleaming with wonder, plunging their tiny hands into their very first cake. This heartwarming moment is one of many that Sherine Loh, an award-winning photographer and pioneer of cake smash photography in Malaysia, has been capturing for nearly a decade. Loh has transformed the way families celebrate their baby’s first birthday, turning messy cake encounters into cherished memories filled with laughter and joy.
Recently, FMT Lifestyle visited Loh’s studio in Damansara Jaya to explore how she developed this playful concept into a beloved family tradition.
The Joy of Celebrating Milestones
Celebrating a baby’s first birthday is a significant milestone for any family, and Loh believes that what better way to commemorate this occasion than with cake? When she first began experimenting with the cake smash concept, it was relatively unknown in Malaysia. “I believe I was the only one doing this here, and even in the US, it wasn’t very popular yet,” she reflected. The charm of these sessions lies in their spontaneity. “You give a one-year-old a cake, and they’ll just put their hands all over it. I look at the parents’ faces—mouths wide open. They can’t believe the mess their baby is making.”
For Loh, the mess is an integral part of the magic. “I always say that if it’s messy, it’s a success!” she exclaimed, relishing the genuine joy that these sessions bring to families.
Unforgettable Moments Captured
Loh recalls a particularly memorable session involving a baby who had been mostly sleepy throughout the family shoot. However, the moment a cake was placed in front of him, everything changed. “He just came to life—playing and eating!” she recalled, illustrating how the cake can spark excitement and joy in the little ones.
One of her most cherished shoots involved six mothers and their babies, all of whom had formed friendships at a confinement center. The scene was lively and humorous; once one baby began to cry, it set off a chain reaction among the others. “It was such an amazing experience. But it was really cute,” Loh reminisced, highlighting the camaraderie and shared experiences among families.
Typically, her photography sessions last between one to two hours. Loh’s style is minimalistic, focusing on capturing the baby’s natural expressions rather than relying on elaborate props or heavy editing. This approach allows her to emphasize the authentic joy of the moment.
A Holistic Approach to Photography
While cake smash photography is a hallmark of her work, Loh’s talent extends beyond this niche. She captures a wide range of family moments, including pregnancy, newborns, and other significant life events. For Loh, it is essential that each session remains a positive experience. “If the session was so difficult and the baby was crying the whole time, that’s not a memory you want. I don’t like to force it,” she explained, underscoring her commitment to creating joyful experiences for families.
Her dedication to providing a pleasant experience is evident in the care she takes to ensure that each shoot is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
From Corporate Life to Creative Expression
It may come as a surprise that Loh spent decades in the corporate world before discovering her passion for photography. Her journey began approximately ten years ago when a friend asked her to photograph their grandmother’s 80th birthday. “I had never touched a camera before,” she admitted. Her late husband, who worked in the entertainment industry, lent her his camera and gave her a crash course the night before the event. This humble beginning sparked a profound transformation in her life.
Tragically, Loh faced a difficult period when her husband passed away three years ago. “It was a really rough patch. But this work helped me cope,” she shared. Photography became not only a career for Loh but also a therapeutic outlet that enabled her to navigate her grief.
As word of her talent spread, what initially started as a hobby blossomed into a thriving career. Today, Loh attracts clients from as far away as Singapore and Japan, establishing herself as a sought-after photographer in the region.
Building Lasting Connections with Families
A significant aspect of Loh’s work is the enduring relationships she cultivates with her clients. Many families return to her for subsequent sessions as they welcome new children into their lives. This continuity creates a special bond between Loh and the families she photographs. “I love capturing that whole journey,” she stated, emphasizing the heart of her work: “We don’t want just photos; we want memories.”
Her commitment to documenting the full spectrum of family life reflects her understanding of the importance of these moments. Each photograph tells a story, preserving the joy and milestones of growing families.
The Evolution of Cake Smash Photography
Loh’s cake smash sessions have not only gained popularity but have also evolved into a cultural phenomenon in Malaysia. Families now seek her out specifically for this unique experience, and it has become a staple in first-birthday celebrations. The concept has grown beyond just the cake; it embodies the spirit of childhood and family bonding.
With the advent of social media, these charming photographs are shared widely, inspiring other families to embrace the idea of cake smashing as a joyful way to celebrate their children’s milestones. Loh has played a pivotal role in popularizing this trend, bringing joy and creativity to family celebrations across the country.
A Playful Legacy
As she reflects on her journey, Loh acknowledges the transformative power of her work. “Capturing these moments allows families to relive the joy of their children’s early years,” she remarked. The photographs become cherished keepsakes that families will treasure for generations to come.
Loh’s ability to turn a simple idea into a beloved tradition speaks volumes about her creativity and passion for photography. Her unique approach has not only redefined how families celebrate milestones but has also created a sense of community among those who share similar experiences.
Future Aspirations and Community Impact
Looking ahead, Loh aims to continue expanding her photography business while also exploring new avenues for creativity. She is passionate about mentoring aspiring photographers and sharing her knowledge with others interested in pursuing photography as a career.
By hosting workshops and classes, Loh hopes to inspire others to capture the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. “I want to empower others to find joy in photography, just as I did,” she expressed.
Her commitment to fostering a sense of community extends beyond her studio. Loh is actively involved in local initiatives that promote family bonding and celebrate childhood, further solidifying her role as a key figure in the realm of family photography in Malaysia.
Conclusion
Sherine Loh’s journey from corporate life to a thriving photography career is a testament to the power of creativity and passion. Through her cake smash photography, she has created a joyful and memorable way for families to celebrate one of life’s most significant milestones—the first birthday. Her playful approach captures the essence of childhood, reminding us of the importance of cherishing each moment.
As families continue to embrace the charm of cake smashing, Loh’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on how we celebrate and capture the joy of growing up. Through her lens, she not only documents memories but also nurtures the bonds that connect families, ensuring that these moments are cherished for years to come.
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