CLIENT EXPERIENCE GUIDE

-CAKE SMASH-

WHAT TO EXPECT

LOCATION

The session will take place at my home studio, which is located at:

56 Gettysburg Way in Lincoln Park, NJ.

When you get there, park in the parking spot labeled "56."


PROPS

By now we should have already decided on the theme and backdrop. I will have some props such as birthday hats/crowns and numbers that will be used during the session. I also have a variety of cake stands and I will provide a cake topper. You will be able to choose the props you want to use in the session. You are more than welcome to bring your own props if you have something specific in mind that you want.

DURING THE SESSION


We will begin the session by taking a few photos of your baby on the set with no cake to get a few "clean" photos. After we get some cute photos, we will introduce the cake and move right into the cake smash! If you chose the package with a bath, we'll end with a bath. If you didn't choose the bath package, you will be able to wash off in the sink or with wipes.


You may bring another adult with you to help get those smiling shots! Babies at this age are all different; some are still sitting still while other are very active. We will need one person to sit close to the baby to keep him/her in position while the other person helps sing songs/make silly faces etc.! Please don't bring any more than just one other adult as it can be distracting for the baby if there are too many familiar faces. If you don’t have anyone to bring - don’t worry it’s not necessary we will be able to do everything that needs to be done.

STYLING TIPS

GENERAL

Keep in mind that solid colors tend to photograph best. Please avoid busy patterns and logos as these can be distracting. Sometimes logos will not be visible depending on the angle of the photo so it's really best to avoid text. Whatever you choose, make sure it is fitted! Oversized clothing looks sloppy, even on a baby. Make sure you try the outfit on and have the baby sit since that is how they will be photographed during the session. Make sure the top sits flat and isn't riding up otherwise we will be spending a lot of time during the session adjusting clothes rather than capturing those cute expressions!


BOYS

Suspenders and jeans or a diaper cover are a popular outfit choice for boys. A one piece romper or overalls work well too! Don't shy away from bowties or hats that compliment the outfit!


GIRLS

A romper, tulle dress or fluffy tutu are great outfits for your little girl's smash session! Headbands and hair bows are encouraged!


WHERE TO SHOP

I have a small wardrobe closet that you are welcome to borrow something from. Please ask to see what's available to match your set/theme. If I don't have something, Etsy has some super cute first birthday onesies, rompers, dresses and other outfits that fit the above descriptions. I also really like Reverie Threads (for girls) or Carter’s Little Planet line (for boys). Of course, in a pinch you can always find something on Amazon.

THE CAKE

SIZE

A 5" yellow cake with white buttercream frosting is included in your session fee as long as your child does not have any food allergies. If he/she does, please provide a cake that is safe for your child to consume and is between five and seven inches in diameter.


COLOR/DESIGN

If you are bringing your own cake, there are some things to keep in mind. Naked cakes or cakes minimally decorated with white frosting are great as they will be plain enough for your baby's palate but also the cake won't compete with the rest of the photo. I highly recommend you order a cake from a bakery as the cake will be in the majority of the photos and should look professional! I am happy to share some contacts for beautiful cakes if you decide to go that route. Please avoid dark colored frosting; specifically red or brown as it may not look like frosting in the photo! Light/pastel colors that match the theme are ok to use if you really want some color.

PREPARE

GENERAL

Please make sure baby’s skin is moisturized leading up to the session. Dry skin flakes can be common, especially around the nose. Please bring wipes, as we will do a sweep of the nose to remove anything we don’t want in the photos!

Make sure fingernails and toenails are clean and trimmed. They will be visible in the photos.


CAKE

Some babies don't like the texture of the icing and some love it! You can let your baby try some cake or a cupcake the week leading up to the session. This will also give you the chance to make sure your baby is not allergic to any of the ingredients in the cake! Please bring some puffs, dry cereal or other dry finger food with you. We may need these to put in the cake to make the baby more interested in eating it.


TIMING

Scheduling the session right after a nap gives us the best chance of working with a happy baby. Also, make sure the baby is fed but not overly full before the session. We want them to be a little hungry so they will want to eat! Try to keep a regular schedule as much as possible the day of the session.


THINGS TO BRING

  • a change of clothes (the baby's clothes will be messy!)
  • a towel to dry off after clean up
  • wipes
  • plastic bag for the dirty clothes
  • cheerios, puffs or other dry finger foods
  • juice/water (in case the baby gets thirsty after all that cake!)
  • diaper bag
  • favorite toy(s), especially something that makes sounds
  • your enthusiasm! We will do everything we can to get those cute baby smiles.


Parents should wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting cake and icing on!

AFTER THE SESSION


You can expect your soft proofs (lightly edited images) to be sent to you in an online gallery via email about 1 week after your session! From there, you will create a favorites list. It's ok if you can't limit your choices to just the number you originally purchased; there will be on option to purchase additional images if you desire. Once your list is made, you will send me a quick email to let me know. I will then makes the final edits on the photos you have chosen and send a link for you to download them. This could take approximately 1-2 weeks from the time you finalize your favorites list.

Your digital images are high-resolution images that will print beautifully. If you would like to order thank you cards for after the birthday party, prints, an album, a party board or other photo gifts, I can help you do that too! I work with an amazing lab that creates beautiful professional products!

PRODUCTS


I will have sample products such as mini albums and party boards. You will be able to place your order for these the day of the session or shortly after. The albums make great gifts for grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. My clients love displaying a board with all the photos at the child’s birthday party. I custom make these based on the theme and color scheme.

FINAL NOTE


I can’t wait for our session! Although I can't guarantee smiling baby photos, following these recommendations will give us the best chance of getting photos you love! Hopefully you found this information helpful. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My goal is to serve you the best that I can! This is going to be a fun session, so don’t stress. Relax and enjoy making these memories with your little one. Until then, follow along with me on social media.


IG: melissaa.photography

FB: Melissa Anglesea Photography


See you soon!