Congratulations on your first year of parenthood!

Your little one is approaching a milestone birthday – what a fantastic achievement to celebrate with a Cake Smash Photo Shoot! Your little one has changed and learned more in their first year than they will at any other time in their lives. They have an emerging personality, are taking their first steps and are exploring the world around them.

Cake Smash sessions are a LOT of fun! You choose a colour scheme or theme before your session, and I provide some decorations and even a cake to match! Whether you want a bright rainbow, or a subtle natural look to your session, I can provide everything you will need.  If you are worried about any allergies your baby may have, I can either provide an allergy-friendly cake or come up with an alternative instead. Jell-O, fruit, or even a paint splash can be used to create some amazing images and to create an amazing mess!

After this, your baby can have a splash in some bubbles in my miniature bathtub – which makes for some fantastic images and lots of splashy fun! We finish off with a cuddle in a warm towel and lots of amazing memories!

This guide will help prepare you and your baby for your upcoming Cake Smash Session. Following this guide will help ensure your first birthday session runs as smoothly as possible. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Cake Smash Sessions generally last about 1 hour.  Sessions take place in my Chilliwack studio but in warmer weather, we can always venture outdoors instead.

1. Formal Portraits: We will start the session in their "Sunday Best" and capture some smiles with cute props.
2. Cake Smash: We will then change your baby into something more comfortable and bring in the cake.
3. Bubble Bath Portraits: Let's clean up but keep the fun going!  Portraits of your little one smiling and splashing! 

WHAT TO BRING:

• Cake-I provide the cake for you but if you would rather bring your own cake, please feel free to do so.  If you are bringing your own cake, please leave the cake at room temperature a few hours prior to the session to soften the icing.  You don't have to do a cake smash, there are many other cake smash alternatives: watermelon, doughnut, Jell-O, fruit, pancakes, paint, yogurt, whipped cream, popsicles, cupcakes, spaghetti, avocado, ice cream and pie.

• Smash outfit & optional second outfit.  Check out my Client Closet if you want to borrow something

• set décor (optional- anything above and beyond of what I include) 

• dry clean snacks (Cheerios or Puffs) and sippy cup of water

• bubble bath if baby has sensitive skin (I use a tear-free one)

• favourite song uploaded on your phone

• change of clothes for yourself- you will be wrangling a toddler… things get messy!

WHAT I WILL HAVE READY:

• birthday props (wooden “O”, “N”, “E” some banners and balloons just ask as I may already have it)

• back/floordrop colour of your choice

• Cake or cake alternative

• tub, towels, bubble bath, bubbles

TIPS:

• do a practice round at home a few weeks prior. This will rule out any allergies and get an idea how awesome cake really is!  Let them touch and play with the cake and create a positive experience so they are excited when we bring in the cake during the session.

• Scented Bubble bath will be used unless supplied by parent (let me know of skin sensitivities)

• bring a well rested baby. Generally after their first nap of the day… sometimes the car nap on the trip over is golden. 

Remember that giggles and smiles are not always guaranteed and that tears do happen; and that’s okay! Every reaction is priceless.  The best sessions come from a relaxed environment; so come ready to enjoy the full experience!

Contact Liz to book your baby's first birthday cake smash session today! liz@justshootmephoto.ca