When to book your cake smash session: 

Cake Smash portraits are taken on or around your little one’s 1st birthday.  By this time your little one should be able to sit up without assistance, stand on their own, and possibly may even be walking.  As we currently only photograph 1-2 babies a week it’s best to get in contact with us as soon as possible to start planning your session.  We can book your little one’s cake smash session at any time, but the earlier the better. 

Where will your newborn session take place: 

All sessions take place in our beautiful, bright, in-home studio in Niles, IL. In home or outdoors sessions are available for an extra fee. 

How long will your cake smash session take: 

These sessions average about 45 minutes long and produce 10-20 images.  Any type of baby photography takes a lot of patience and care to be done safely.  The safety and comfort of your baby is our first priority. 

What is included in your cake smash session fee: 

Your session fee covers up to 1.5 hours of custom shooting time.  It includes the use of props, outfits, and tie-backs. It covers the photographer's expertise in baby posing and safety, editing time, session planning. Will work with you to customize the entire experience to meet or exceed your expectations for your little one’s first birthday.  After we have decided on a theme or color scheme, your job is to provide me with a photo of the outfit/outfits you have chosen as well as a photo of the cake. (I do not, provide the cake for the session.) 

The portrait portion of the session can include baby only, or a family portrait if that is what you desire.  Typically, I recommend a separate outfit than what you have chosen for the cake smash part of the session.  There is no limit to the number of outfits changes you can have during this type of photo shoot, so plan away!  I am always available to offer my opinion if you are having trouble deciding on an outfit for your little one.  I also have a couple of outfits available for your use if you would like. 

How to prepare: 

Be prepared for a mess.  I recommend bringing a change of clothes for yourself, as often the child will try to get up with Mommy or Daddy at some point during the messy part of the cake smash photography session.  This part of the shoot often goes quite quickly, and is typically child led.  I do have a few tricks up my sleeve if your little one is not interested in their cake, so don’t worry.  It is also helpful to bring along a small snack that your child is familiar with, such as cheerios. 

Immediately following the smashing, we bring out a bubble or milk, lemon, chocolate milk bath for your baby.  This is an optional part of the session, but often tends to be the most enjoyable for the babies. Parents are asked to bring the bubble bath or baby body wash that their baby is familiar with. 
 

When will you see your portraits: 

While timing cannot be guaranteed, we aim to have galleries completed 1-2 weeks after your session.   

Cake smash photography can happen in studio, or outside!  It also doesn’t have to be cake!  How about an ice cream session?  Or a watermelon session?  Cookies?  Why not?!  This type of photo shoot can be done for more than just a one year old.  It works well for two and three-year-old children as well!  And following the cakes smash?  Well of course there’s bound to be a bite or two left for Mom & Dad to have a little smashing of their own when they go home.   

So, whether you’ve already booked a cake smash photography session with me, or you are thinking of doing so, you can be sure that you will have an experience like no other. 

You can always call, email, or Facebook message with any additional questions you may have and we will respond as soon as possible.