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.  Best to get in contact with us when baby is 10 months old to start planning your session. I recommend scheduling your appointment 3 weeks before party day if you need photographs for display.  We can book your little one’s cake smash session at any time, but the earlier the better.

 Most Important- pick time that is happy time for baby's schedule. Absolutely No on changing nap time or skipping one! From my experian's morning appointments has biggest success. Do notschedule your appointment same week as routine vaccinations.

Where will your Cake Smash session take place: 

All sessions take place in our beautiful, bright, in-home studio in Niles, IL. 

How long will your Cake Smash session take: 

These sessions average about 45-75 minutes long, it all depends on baby's social skills and ability to adjust to new place and be happy and cheerful.  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 45-75 minutes of custom shooting time.  It includes the use of props, outfits (for dry shots only), and tiebacks. 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. (I do not, provide the cake for the session.) 

The portrait portion of the session include baby only. To start session, I recommend separate outfit than what you have chosen for the cake smash part of the session. 

  I am always available to offer my opinion if you are having trouble deciding on an outfit for your little one.  I also have outfits available for your use for first look. 

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.  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. 

For Smash and Splash package 

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

How to choose cake?

I recommend picking 6'-inch cake, usually looks best. In my opinion there is no necessary for fancy custom cakes, and absolutely no to cakes covered in fondue. Most moms pick white or naked cake from any grocery store, we can nicely decorate in studio. Moms of picky earthers or babies with allergies often bring home made cake.

Most important to stay away from brit colors as red, blue, fusain, that usually colors baby's face and does not come off.

When will you see your portraits: 

You will receive sneak peek ( 3-5 images) in 24 hours after smash. They can be used for media birthday sharing or party print outs. 

While timing cannot be guaranteed, full gallery delivery we aim to have completed 2-4 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? Pizza? Ribs? Pasta? Why not?! If baby loves it, it can be unique and more special.

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! 

 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 email; with any additional questions you may have, and we will respond as soon as possible. 

And last but not least, all we ask during your session to respect are beautiful studio, inventory, props and trust your photographer's knowledge and experience.

Cake Smash Prep List.

• Cake - please leave at room temperature a few hours prior to the session to soften the icing.
• Absolute NO to fondue cakes or birth colors!
• Bring Snacks: cheerios, or puffs in case they don't like the cake. I sometimes have to hide them in the back of the cake to make it look like your little one is actually eating cake.
• Sippy cup to help wash down the cake. 
• Smash outfit & optional second outfit
• Bubble bath if baby has sensitive sin or allergies
• Favorite Musick uploaded on your phone.
• Change of clothes for yourself you will be handling baby, things get messy!
• Diapers & wipes
• A favorite toy
• DO NOT schedule any doctor's appointments week before or have your baby's ears pierced within two weeks before the shoot.
• Bring a well-rested baby.
• Generally early morning is the best or after their first nap of the day sometimes the cat nap on the trip over is golden.
• Please rescheduleif baby has anything that makes him uncomfortable or not feeling well! 

Happy Smashing!