What to Expect

CAKE SMASH & SPLASH SESSION GUIDE

So your session can run as smoothly as possible, I have compiled a prep guide to help us get the most out of your session!

Booking your session

Cake Smash & Splash Sessions are made for babies approaching or celebrating their first birthday. Your baby should be able to sit unaided for this type of session, due to the nature of the poses, so please bear this in mind.

When you enquire about booking your Cake Smash Session, I usually ask whether you would like your session to take place on the week of baby’s birthday, or whether you’d prefer to have your photos ready to view and share with friends and family in time for baby’s birthday. If it’s the latter, then I’ll suggest we book your Cake Smash & Splash session around 4 weeks prior to your baby’s birthday, to ensure you receive your full gallery back in time.

When your gallery is fully edited I send a link to an online gallery with a password, which you can download. Then you will receive your USB and any prints you have ordered in the post.

I recommend getting in touch at least 2 months prior to baby’s birthday, as I do get fully booked in advance.
THE MOST IMPORTANT part of your booking is that you let me know if your little one has any food or skin allergies, as outlined in the booking form. I provide the cake so this is VERY important.

What happens during a Cake Smash & Splash Session?

Your session will begin with a few portraits of your baby (without their cake) and you may bring a separate outfit for this part of the session should you wish – it’s not necessary, but you can if you like!

We then move onto the Cake Smash part of your baby’s session, where they will (hopefully!) smash their cake. Sometimes little ones can be a bit perplexed by having a large cake put in front of them, don't panic! We don't rush baby, part of the wonder of the session is seeing their natural reactions.

After your baby has smashed/eaten their cake, we will fill a little tub with some warm water (and bubbles if desired), so your baby can have a splash about for the last part of their session. This is often baby’s favourite bit! I do leave some cake on the backdrop around the tub for this part of the session as it works well for ‘after the smash’ shots.

How long does a Cake Smash & Splash Session last?

Cake Smash & Splash Sessions usually last around 1 to 2 hours.

How can I prepare for this session?

Reading this guide in full is so helpful for me and for you to get the best out of your session.
I suggest giving your little one a cupcake or cake with soft icing a few days before the session, so they can get used to the texture of icing!
Ensure baby is well rested, I touch on nap times below!
Please be prepared to remove your shoes when you arrive. The studio floor is cleaned before your arrival as babies will be crawling around then putting their fingers in their mouth, so I like to keep the germs away from the white floor!

What should I bring to the session?

A towel to dry baby after their ‘splash’.
Any outfits or props you want to include.
A favourite toy (not to go in the pictures but to get baby looking towards it if needed).
Change bag supplies – nappies, wipes etc.
A drink for baby.
Babies favourite snack. Sometimes this is used to entice baby to touch the cake, if they see their favourite crisp on it!
Please bring a dummy and/or teething powder with you if you think they might be needed.
Parents should wear clothes that they don't mind getting too messy, as cake covered 1 year olds can sometimes be clingy!

What about nap times?

I usually ask you to book a suitable time to work around your baby’s naps. Please ensure your baby has a good nap directly before their session wherever possible, even if that means taking the long way round in the car on your way to me (if they sleep in the car!)! Ensuring your baby is well rested is the single most important thing you can do before your session, to ensure the best chance of success on the day.

Please give your baby a snack just before you set off from home.

Yes, they’re going to be eating cake, but equally, if your baby is really hungry when they arrive, they are unlikely to want to cooperate. Remember to bring a drink for your little one too, as they may need a breather from their cake!

Do I need to bring an outfit for my baby, what should I dress them in to arrive?

Please dress your baby in their usual clothing – I’d suggest changing them into the outfit you’d like them to be photographed in upon arrival at the studio, to avoid any dribble/spills on their clothing. I have a range of outfits suitable for Cake Smash Session at my studio, which you are welcome to use, although most Clients usually like to select their own outfit. Please get in touch with me to discuss outfits if you’re not sure what will work, or if would like to see some of mine. You are welcome to bring a "clean" outfit for the pre smash pictures, then use one of mine for the messy bit!

We will not photograph your baby in more than two different outfits – this is because with babies of this age, we only have a short amount of time to work on getting their photographs before they will become tired, so it’s best to focus on getting their photographs rather than using time on changing outfits (most babies of this age aren’t the biggest fans of getting changed either!).

What if my baby doesn’t cooperate?

It’s really important that you read this prep guide in full before your session to ensure we get the best outcome possible. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that these guidelines are followed (feeding/sleep advice etc.) as I can only capture images of your baby when they are settled.

The main reasons babies of this age might be unsettled is due to tiredness, hunger or teething. Please do your best to ensure baby has a good nap and is well-fed before their session. I will always do my best to capture a lovely range of images for you, but I can only capture what I can depending on babies mood on the day.

If your baby is poorly in the 48 hours prior to your session, please get in touch with me, providing as much notice as possible (and at least 24 hours notice) and I will advise whether I think your session can go ahead as planned or needs to be rescheduled. My studio policy is not to undertake sessions where any of the participants (or myself) are ill. I have regular contact with newborn babies and children and therefore I will always advise we reschedule if baby is poorly. Please note that should you need to reschedule your session that this may mean the cake must be frozen for the future session, or if this is not possible I may need to add a charge to repurchase the cake should you not give enough notice.