First Birthday Cake Smash & Splash
How does it work?
- First, book your cake smash as far in advance as possible for planning purposes and to be sure to secure a date. Cake smashes must be booked a minimum of two weeks prior to the desired session date. You should aim for a date that is about 3 weeks before their birthday so that images can be edited and returned in time.
- Next, choose a theme for your cake smash! We'll discuss what theme you choose so that I can be sure to have any backdrops or decorations/props on hand before your session. I will put together a studio setting to match (backdrop, banners, numbers, confetti, glitter curtains, cake stand, etc.) to create the perfect scene! Have an idea? Share it with me so that we can work together!
- Select an outfit (or two!) for your little one to wear. You will bring these with you to the session. Please send me a picture of the outfit(s) you choose so that I can ensure they match the scene!
- Decide whether you are going to make your own cake, or if you'd prefer to order one from a professional bakery. You are responsible for bringing the cake and ensuring it matches the theme. Feel free to send me pictures if you're unsure if it will match!
Do you have a water baby?
All cake smash sessions include complimentary bath photos* while we clean up your little one! Most babies absolutely love this part of the session - and we do, too! Sit back and enjoy watching them splash and play while I capture their sweet innocent nature, chubby rolls, and adorable smiles!
*For babies celebrating their first birthday only. Includes a small round white tub. Upgrade to our special clawfoot tub for just $20 more! Please be sure to select the clawfoot tub add-on at the time of booking.
Cake Smash & Splash Package
For babies turning one year old (BEST three weeks before birthday)
Basic decorations/themed backdrop included
Portraits, cake smash, and bath images included
10 digital images
$275 (Cake not provided)
- For themed sessions with a specific backdrop (lumberjack, farm, princess, characters, floral, etc.), please let us know well in advance. We have an extensive backdrop collection, but there may be an additional charge for a backdrop or props that go with your theme. Please keep in mind that it takes several weeks to receive a new backdrop order and plan accordingly.
- You are responsible for ordering and picking up the smash cake from a professional bakery or providing a home-made cake. Please avoid chocolate cake and avoid fondant decorations (these can pose as a choking hazard). Whipped frosting in light colors works best with light cake colors. Please make sure that no toothpicks or other structural items are placed inside the cake (sometimes babies put their face in the cake head-first!). Please avoid lining the base plate with tin foil. A plain white plate or light colors matching your session work best - please mention this to the bakery when ordering your cake. Please keep in mind that colored frosting may stain!
Please note: family portraits are not included in the cake smash sessions because of the small size of the scenes. If you would like family portraits, please book a separate family session.
Tips for a Successful Cake Smash
Can the whole family attend?
I have a cozy space in my studio that's perfect for mom and/or dad, your baby, and me. If you would like to bring someone else, let me know. I know how much the baby loves grandma and big brother or sister, but I want them to pay attention to me! If you are having a birthday party, that's the time to show these photos off. Bringing extra family to the shoot can ruin the big reveal of the photos. It also tends to distract your little one, so be sure to know the fewer people and distractions the better the photos will turn out!
Fact: Not all babies love cake. I know- right?!
Be prepared that your baby may not want to be near the cake. It's OKAY! I am confident we will get some shots of the baby enjoying just being photographed! Some babies are afraid of the cake. It makes sense - new place, lots of people staring at them, and then you want them to eat a cake that normally you'd take from them.
Cake smashes can be MESSY!
Be prepared for a mess! Some babies love (and I mean LOVE) cake, Those are the best, but they can also be the messiest! If you have somewhere to go afterwards, you may want to bring an extra change of clothes for yourself in addition to your baby.
Cake recommendations
My advice? Keep it simple. When you go to a professional baker they frequently use fondant. Fondant is hard for babies to break into and destroy a cake. Also, (truth here) it doesn't taste good. Keep the cake ingredients to soft frosting, and whipped creams. I have found over the years that sugary and butter cakes don't go over well with kids. What does go over well are the whipped cream cakes. They are easy to smash and make the best mess for fun photos. Also, try and keep the cake to just a cake. No cute prop on top. Kids tend to get distracted easily and if they find a toy on top, it can be a deal-breaker.
My baby is sick - what do I do?!
I know how much time and planning you put in for this session, and then your little one gets sick. You try and push through, "it's only like 30 minutes, they will be fine," right? Unfortunately, It's been our experience that if the baby doesn't feel good the entire session is photos of the baby crying.
Our advice? Reschedule. These photos aren't date stamped and if the photos are a few days before or after their birthday it really won't matter. I don't have a reschedule fee. I understand things happen. As a mom myself, you can't plan every day to be perfect. If your baby has a cold or has run a fever in the last few days, let's reschedule. If they're teething and cranky and miserable, let's reschedule. If they had an ear infection or you've given them ANY antibiotics or Tylenol in the last 24 hours, reschedule. Also, if ANYONE in your house is/has been or is in contact with anyone who might have been throwing up or otherwise sick, PLEASE reschedule.