-Lisa & Kia

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to work with your little one. Feeling a bit anxious about how your baby will behave at the session is completely normal.

That's exactly why we've created this guide. It will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you have every tip from getting your baby prepared to encouraging your baby at the session.

We hope this guide will leave you feeling fully prepared for your session, but if you have any further questions or need additional advice, please don't hesitate to reach out via email, phone or text.



Reminder:  Bath time photos are only offered with Signature and higher packages.  Family photos are only offered with Heirloom packages. You are welcomed to upgrade your package to include these services.

04.

Don't want cake?  We can opt for a unique smash with another food your child loves.  Ideas are listed below.

03.

At least 3-4 weeks prior to your session, complete the questionnaire in your portal and schedule your design consultation so we can begin planning your baby's session well in advance.

02.

VIEW CAKE SMASH BACKDROPS from our studio and make a selection. I have both printed designs and solid designs that we can use custom build sets with existing studio props. We also supply 5 inch naked cake, stand, cake topper, honest bubble bath, and decor, i.e. word or #1, confetti, balloons, etc.

01.

Please follow these tips before your session.

How To Prepare

Cactus, Fiesta, Mardi Gras, Caribbean, Arabian, Circus/Carnival, UNO, Dr. Seuss, Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street, beach, Baby Shark, World Traveler, Hot Air Balloon, Old MacDonald Farm, Twinkle Little Star, Harry Potter

Unisex

Princess, French Country, Unicorn, Tea Party, Mini Mouse, Mermaid, Wonder Woman, Sunflower, Honey Bee, Butterfly, Ballerina, Rainbow, Flamingo, Paris, Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Bohemian Party, Ballerina, Arabian Princess, Hello Kitty, Alice in wonderland

Girls

Fresh Prince, Safari/Lion King, Toy Story, Cookie Monster, Mr. Onederful, Wild One, Baseball, Football, Soccer, Hockey, Basketball, Star Wars, Pirate, Cowboy, Camping, Lumberjack, John Deere Tractor, Prince, Fishing, Nautical, Aviator/Pilot, Astronaut, Train Conductor, Construction, Superhero, Harry Potter, Race Car Driver, Mickey Mouse, Monsters Inc, Dinosaur, Firefighter, Music/Band/retro ‘80s, Notorious One, Mechanic/garage, You are my Sonshine.

BBQ, Watermelon, Lemon/lemonade, Peach, Cherry, Pineapple, Strawberry, Donut Grow up, Ice Cream, Candy Shop, soda shop, Taco/Fiesta, pizza, Spaghetti, Chef, pancakes, Yogurt Paint, Starbucks, McDonalds, Chef, Candy, Target, Cookies, Chick fil-a, Cotton Candy, Apple Pie

Holiday/Seasonal Themes: Spring, ladybug, Cherry blossoms, spring garden, Easter, St. Patrick’s day, Christmas, New Years, 4th of July/Stars, Fall Leaves/ Fall pumpkins/Thanksgiving, Halloween, Winter Onederland, Valentine, Summer/Beach

Boys

Food

Holiday

Cake Smash sets are very small but perfectly sized for 1 year olds. (7ft wide x 5 ft tall). If you have no idea where to start, I suggest first looking at my backdrops from the link above. Below are just a few popular ideas. Some I've done. Some I'd like to do. I do not have props for all of these ideas, but sometimes parents do, so I am open to working together .

Theme Ideas

If your package includes parent photos, we'll discuss what you're wearing during the consultation.

Bring/wear 'dress down' clothes during the cake smash.  I promise, they WILL get cake all over you.  If your baby is a walker, you also may get warm repeatedly putting your baby back on the set. 

For Parents

We recommend packing outfit(s) if not using one from the studio, a change of clothes in case of accidents, plenty of boogie wipes for the face, diapers/wipes, finger snacks, milk or sippy cup, your child's favorite songs on your mobile device. Any aids for teething, just in case.

*If your baby has food and/or skin allergies, you must bring the cake (ask us for a vendor list) and you're welcomed to bring your own skin cleanser for bath time.

Essentials

to your upcoming cake smash photoshoot

What To Bring

Local: Carters/OshKosh B’Gosh, Children’s Place, Target, etc.
Online: (order early): Amazon, ETSY, Bailey’s Blossoms, Chic Bubs, Belle Threads, Pop Sparkle, Ruffles and Bowties, MamaBearBoutiqueShop, SuriPieCreations, SlickandBoogers, Pinkbowdesigns, Wildchildbirthdays, KitchieKoo, LushParadise, UniqueTiesCreations, MollyMaxBoutique, IssaBug, NWXtreme, Tutugirl,  BabyDecorBoutique, LilyandMax, MyLilPeanut

Where to buy

This should be something your baby can get messy in. Boys or girls can wear a custom onesie or simple solid color romper. Girls can opt for a romper or tutu over a custom onesie. Boys can opt for a onesie, suspenders with a diaper cover and bowtie. These are just recommendations. Choose what best fits your liking.

Cake Smash Look

Girls typically wear dresses and boys wear a button down shirt with pants or shorts. Optional accessories consist of hair ribbons/headbands for girls, suspenders, bowtie, fedora hat for boys.

Formal Look

You will need 1 or 2 outfits depending on the package you've selected.  We have a selection of clean boy and girl outfits you are welcomed to use.  Or we have some suggestions below for buying locally and online.

Outfits

Be patient with your child as they explore the cake.  Bring your silly faces, clap and sing songs for your child. Be prepared for a work out in case you must put your fast crawling or walking baby back on set.

Encouraging your baby

05.

Teething can happen at any time for your little one. Prepare by packing any aids that you normally use to soothe your baby.

Teething babies


04.

Give your baby breakfast as normal.  However, don't over feed your baby or feed them snacks immediately before the session. Let's not spoil their appetite. We want them to have room for cake.

Morning of your shoot

03.

Ensure your child follows his/her normal routine and gets a good night's rest.

Night before

02.

Do a test run with your baby at home with a mini cupcake so your baby can become familiar with the sweet taste and sticky texture of frosting. Start small with just a little at a time so not to turn your baby off.

Test run

01.

Preparing Your Baby

Session Reminders

1. Arrive at your start time and ring my doorbell.  Late arrivals do not have extended time.  30 minutes or more late will be cancelled.  NO EXCEPTIONS

2.  Park in driveway on left side, near walkway (no street parking ). 

3. Our dedicated cake smash photographer, Kia will be photographing your baby's session. As a mother of 2 toddlers she is very experienced and can fully relate to the journey you are on with little ones.  Lead photographer, Lisa will serve as backup photographer and do planning consults, editing, backup photog, and all other tasks related to the session.

After your session, you will have the opportunity to review and select your favorite portraits and if desired, order beautiful custom designed wall portraits, our popular heirloom albums or other personalized keepsakes for your family to enjoy for generations. Your selected images will be artistically edited and delivered with the correct lighting and proper skin tone within 1-2 weeks.

Your Images

WHAT TO EXPECT

Folio Box of Prints

Frame/Acrylic/Canvas Wall Art

Mounted Wall Print

Heirloom Albums

Images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured. Consider this: just fifteen years ago, digital images were stored on floppy disks, now largely inaccessible due to technological advancements. In contrast, printed photographs have endured for generations, serving as tangible links to our past and preserving memories for years to come.

Bring Your Images to Life With Prints

 I hope this guide answers all of your questions about preparing for your session. If there's something I missed or you need some extra advice, feel free to email me. I am always happy to help!

email me

Thank You!