What to expect from your Full First Birthday Session
I just love putting together first birthday setups! Some clients give me a lot of direction and inspiration photos, and some give me a general idea and let me run with it - either option is great, I just want you to be happy when you see everything come to life!
I've given a general outline below for what to expect for your upcoming session.
I am SO EXCITED to see you and your sweet baby! Whether it’s our first session or you’re a repeat client, each time I get to capture this milestone for a family I am so honored!
I've given a general outline below for what to expect for your upcoming session.
I am SO EXCITED to see you and your sweet baby! Whether it’s our first session or you’re a repeat client, each time I get to capture this milestone for a family I am so honored!
Session Booking & Planning
Scheduling — I'm available Tuesdays and Thursdays between school hours as well as evenings for studio sessions. Saturday times are also available but fill up quickly. I generally aim to schedule first birthdays at 11am but can be flexible on that based on baby's nap schedule. Oftentimes, if we schedule the session several months in advance, we can adjust the time if needed when the session is closer. Remember… we are aiming to set your session up for success! Please notify me as soon as possible of any adjustments that need to be made. If we need to reschedule for illness or emergency please let me know asap as a lot of setups need to be started the night before the session so I have time to finish them.
Ideally cake smash clients should reach out 1-2 months before the desired session date. This allows time for you to source outfits, order a cake, and for me to source props if needed. Some clients choose to do the birthday session 4-5 weeks before the party so they can use the photos for invitations, some have the session 2-3 weeks in advance to have time to print photos to display at the party, while others do it close to the actual birthday - it's totally up to you!
Retainer & Contract -- Once we have your session scheduled I will send over a retainer invoice and contract. After both have been signed/paid, you are officially booked! Due to the nature of photography, this is non-negotiable.
Theme -- Typically parents have an idea of what their vision is for the session at the first inquiry. However, that’s not always the case! I’m glad to talk over ideas with you, or you can browse through my previous work or the backdrops I have on hand to help get inspired. There are SO MANY fun and adorable options, it's overwhelming! I encourage you to browse my website for ideas as well as Pinterest and Google. I also have a "bucket list" of fun ideas I want to do but haven't yet had the opportunity, so feel free to ask! Some parents opt for elaborate themed setups, others choose a more simple theme. Whatever you choose, make it YOURS. Try not to get bogged down by the ‘what ifs’. Some of my clients simply see an outfit, love the outfit, and we build the entire session around that outfit! Remember… let’s make this fun, not stressful. I have a questionnaire that includes a link to my current backdrop collection, outfits, etc that I will send once we have your session on my calendar.
General Theme Ideas
Trendy ideas (Girl) — Donuts, Rainbows, Mermaid, Boho, Fiesta, Woodland Animals, Fruits (strawberries/lemons/watermelon/etc)
Classic ideas (Girl) — Florals, Princess, Pastels, color combos (pink/gold, purple/pink, etc)
Trendy ideas (Boy) — Lumberjack, “Wild One”, First Trip Around the Sun, You are My Sunshine
Classic Ideas (Boy) — Fishing, Sports, Baseball, color combos (blue/grey, green/blue, etc)
**Non-cake Ideas — Watermelon, cookies, spaghetti, tacos, ribs, donuts, avocados, pizza - first birthdays don't have to include cake!
Please keep in mind, while I include props for the sessions, if a highly specific theme is requested I may ask the family to assist with props. Example: A couple years ago I did a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme, and the plush animals are very difficult (and expensive) to find. Thankfully the client had them on hand so she happily brought them to the session.
Outfit(s) -- You have access to my full client closet for the milestone portraits, and a limited selection for the cake smash. You are also welcome to bring your own outfit(s). When you have selected your outfits, send me a picture of the final choice to add to my backdrop planning
Cake -- This part is up to you! Due to potential allergy issues, I leave the cake ordering in your hands. Make sure you give the baker of your choice ample time to have your order on their schedule - plan to order it as soon as you've chosen your theme so that you know it will be ready in time. Provide the baker with photo examples if you have a specific style in mind. Pro tip (since I was a cake decorator for 12 years) - if you want a soft/pastel pink frosting vs a shade of hot pink, request that the baker use red to create the pink, instead of a hot pink food coloring. Often the default "light pink" is just a light shade of hot pink and it ends up being much more vibrant than the client wanted. I always recommend white or yellow cake because it's less distracting in photos. Most clients order 6in or 8in double layer cakes. A cake topper can be a cute addition, but it's also not necessary. Amazon and Etsy are both great options for cute toppers! I also keep a simple golden "one" topper in my studio just in case. I suggest giving your baby a sample of cake from wherever you are ordering from (cupcakes are a great option!) ahead of time to watch for allergic reactions. I've seen allergic reactions in the studio so I know what to watch for, but it can be scary!
**If you have a unique idea… LET’S TALK!!! I loooooove talking through new options. First birthday sessions don't need to include cake! My youngest had SO much more fun with her watermelon smash than she did with her cake smash. Infinite opportunities to customize the experience for your baby!
Ideally cake smash clients should reach out 1-2 months before the desired session date. This allows time for you to source outfits, order a cake, and for me to source props if needed. Some clients choose to do the birthday session 4-5 weeks before the party so they can use the photos for invitations, some have the session 2-3 weeks in advance to have time to print photos to display at the party, while others do it close to the actual birthday - it's totally up to you!
Retainer & Contract -- Once we have your session scheduled I will send over a retainer invoice and contract. After both have been signed/paid, you are officially booked! Due to the nature of photography, this is non-negotiable.
Theme -- Typically parents have an idea of what their vision is for the session at the first inquiry. However, that’s not always the case! I’m glad to talk over ideas with you, or you can browse through my previous work or the backdrops I have on hand to help get inspired. There are SO MANY fun and adorable options, it's overwhelming! I encourage you to browse my website for ideas as well as Pinterest and Google. I also have a "bucket list" of fun ideas I want to do but haven't yet had the opportunity, so feel free to ask! Some parents opt for elaborate themed setups, others choose a more simple theme. Whatever you choose, make it YOURS. Try not to get bogged down by the ‘what ifs’. Some of my clients simply see an outfit, love the outfit, and we build the entire session around that outfit! Remember… let’s make this fun, not stressful. I have a questionnaire that includes a link to my current backdrop collection, outfits, etc that I will send once we have your session on my calendar.
General Theme Ideas
Trendy ideas (Girl) — Donuts, Rainbows, Mermaid, Boho, Fiesta, Woodland Animals, Fruits (strawberries/lemons/watermelon/etc)
Classic ideas (Girl) — Florals, Princess, Pastels, color combos (pink/gold, purple/pink, etc)
Trendy ideas (Boy) — Lumberjack, “Wild One”, First Trip Around the Sun, You are My Sunshine
Classic Ideas (Boy) — Fishing, Sports, Baseball, color combos (blue/grey, green/blue, etc)
**Non-cake Ideas — Watermelon, cookies, spaghetti, tacos, ribs, donuts, avocados, pizza - first birthdays don't have to include cake!
Please keep in mind, while I include props for the sessions, if a highly specific theme is requested I may ask the family to assist with props. Example: A couple years ago I did a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme, and the plush animals are very difficult (and expensive) to find. Thankfully the client had them on hand so she happily brought them to the session.
Outfit(s) -- You have access to my full client closet for the milestone portraits, and a limited selection for the cake smash. You are also welcome to bring your own outfit(s). When you have selected your outfits, send me a picture of the final choice to add to my backdrop planning
Cake -- This part is up to you! Due to potential allergy issues, I leave the cake ordering in your hands. Make sure you give the baker of your choice ample time to have your order on their schedule - plan to order it as soon as you've chosen your theme so that you know it will be ready in time. Provide the baker with photo examples if you have a specific style in mind. Pro tip (since I was a cake decorator for 12 years) - if you want a soft/pastel pink frosting vs a shade of hot pink, request that the baker use red to create the pink, instead of a hot pink food coloring. Often the default "light pink" is just a light shade of hot pink and it ends up being much more vibrant than the client wanted. I always recommend white or yellow cake because it's less distracting in photos. Most clients order 6in or 8in double layer cakes. A cake topper can be a cute addition, but it's also not necessary. Amazon and Etsy are both great options for cute toppers! I also keep a simple golden "one" topper in my studio just in case. I suggest giving your baby a sample of cake from wherever you are ordering from (cupcakes are a great option!) ahead of time to watch for allergic reactions. I've seen allergic reactions in the studio so I know what to watch for, but it can be scary!
**If you have a unique idea… LET’S TALK!!! I loooooove talking through new options. First birthday sessions don't need to include cake! My youngest had SO much more fun with her watermelon smash than she did with her cake smash. Infinite opportunities to customize the experience for your baby!
What to Expect During Your Session
I will send a Prep Guide email two days before your session. This will include a list of reminders about what to bring to your session, since things can get a little hectic when you're getting ready!
Where is the session?:
My studio is located in the garage of my home in Sycamore, IL, near Rt 23 and Peace Rd. I'll send directions a day or two before the session.
When you arrive:
I'll have you get baby changed into the outfit they will be wearing for the Milestone Portrait portion of the session. This is also when we will do the family and sibling shots if requested. This helps ease baby into having me get their attention, the light flashing, etc.
Milestone Portraits:
After we've finished with the family/sibling shots, it's time for baby to be the star of the show! If you've requested specific props to be used I'll have them ready to go, otherwise I always plan to try and get a standing shot with a ladder, a sitting shot on either a chair or crate, and a sitting shot inside of a crate, basket, or bowl. I'll also get some shots without any props which is often a fun way to capture baby in motion (this can get a little crazy with confident walkers and fast crawlers haha). Lastly I'll lay out my white fur blanket and get some shots from above with on their back. This can be tricky since they don't always want to lay in one spot, but the photos turn out so cute and are worth trying for!
Cake Smash Portraits:
While you are switching baby into their cake smash outfit I'll get the cake set up on a cake stand (I have several options and I'll get your opinion on which to use), get the topper in place if needed, and get some shots of the cake with the backdrop before it meets it's demise :) Sometimes they go down pretty quickly, so it's nice to have a shot of it beforehand! I'll then move it to the side and capture a few shots of baby on one of my chairs so we have some clean photos with the backdrop before things get messy. After that, it's cake time! Some babies are VERY eager to dig into the cake, and some have 0 interest in it. The majority are pretty indifferent and need some encouragement to get started. I'll have you give them a taste of the frosting so they know it's food, help put their hands in, help pull the side of the cake open so they aren't just getting all frosting, etc. I take baby's lead and give you direction to help keep things moving as needed. I have a general list of shots in my head that I aim to get each time, so I'll (hopefully) keep shooting until I've checked them all off. Sometimes babies just aren't having it, and I will never force a baby to keep interacting with their cake if they are miserable.
Bath Splash:
This is an optional part of your session, but almost everyone chooses to include it! Sometimes even if the baby was very unhappy during the cake smash portion, we'll get happy smiling shots during the bath. That being said, there have been a few babies over the years that absolutely hated the water, but that doesn't happen very often! After we've finished the cake smash portion I'll have you carefully clean baby up while I get the tub filled with warm water. I don't use any bubble bath because of allergy reasons (I myself am allergic to most). I always just leave the cake mess (though I do remove the cake and re-box it so you can have a snack at home later), and set the tub in the middle of it. I have fake plastic bubbles that I set around that add to the cuteness. Some babies splash like crazy in the tub, others are just chill - either way, it's adorable an adorable end to the session :)
Just a reminder — I am all for having family involvement, but oftentimes having parents/siblings as well as myself trying to get the baby's attention is a bit overwhelming for the birthday baby. Sometimes it's best to just hang back and wait for me to ask for help as needed :) Feel free to take videos of the fun, but expect me to be making silly noises in the background ;) I'll occasionally ask to take videos as well to share on my Instagram (where I definitely add music to get rid of my noises haha)
Where is the session?:
My studio is located in the garage of my home in Sycamore, IL, near Rt 23 and Peace Rd. I'll send directions a day or two before the session.
When you arrive:
I'll have you get baby changed into the outfit they will be wearing for the Milestone Portrait portion of the session. This is also when we will do the family and sibling shots if requested. This helps ease baby into having me get their attention, the light flashing, etc.
Milestone Portraits:
After we've finished with the family/sibling shots, it's time for baby to be the star of the show! If you've requested specific props to be used I'll have them ready to go, otherwise I always plan to try and get a standing shot with a ladder, a sitting shot on either a chair or crate, and a sitting shot inside of a crate, basket, or bowl. I'll also get some shots without any props which is often a fun way to capture baby in motion (this can get a little crazy with confident walkers and fast crawlers haha). Lastly I'll lay out my white fur blanket and get some shots from above with on their back. This can be tricky since they don't always want to lay in one spot, but the photos turn out so cute and are worth trying for!
Cake Smash Portraits:
While you are switching baby into their cake smash outfit I'll get the cake set up on a cake stand (I have several options and I'll get your opinion on which to use), get the topper in place if needed, and get some shots of the cake with the backdrop before it meets it's demise :) Sometimes they go down pretty quickly, so it's nice to have a shot of it beforehand! I'll then move it to the side and capture a few shots of baby on one of my chairs so we have some clean photos with the backdrop before things get messy. After that, it's cake time! Some babies are VERY eager to dig into the cake, and some have 0 interest in it. The majority are pretty indifferent and need some encouragement to get started. I'll have you give them a taste of the frosting so they know it's food, help put their hands in, help pull the side of the cake open so they aren't just getting all frosting, etc. I take baby's lead and give you direction to help keep things moving as needed. I have a general list of shots in my head that I aim to get each time, so I'll (hopefully) keep shooting until I've checked them all off. Sometimes babies just aren't having it, and I will never force a baby to keep interacting with their cake if they are miserable.
Bath Splash:
This is an optional part of your session, but almost everyone chooses to include it! Sometimes even if the baby was very unhappy during the cake smash portion, we'll get happy smiling shots during the bath. That being said, there have been a few babies over the years that absolutely hated the water, but that doesn't happen very often! After we've finished the cake smash portion I'll have you carefully clean baby up while I get the tub filled with warm water. I don't use any bubble bath because of allergy reasons (I myself am allergic to most). I always just leave the cake mess (though I do remove the cake and re-box it so you can have a snack at home later), and set the tub in the middle of it. I have fake plastic bubbles that I set around that add to the cuteness. Some babies splash like crazy in the tub, others are just chill - either way, it's adorable an adorable end to the session :)
Just a reminder — I am all for having family involvement, but oftentimes having parents/siblings as well as myself trying to get the baby's attention is a bit overwhelming for the birthday baby. Sometimes it's best to just hang back and wait for me to ask for help as needed :) Feel free to take videos of the fun, but expect me to be making silly noises in the background ;) I'll occasionally ask to take videos as well to share on my Instagram (where I definitely add music to get rid of my noises haha)
What comes next?
Sneak peeks are typically posted on my Facebook Page or sent via email (if you don't allow Facebook sharing) within one week of your session. (This is subject to change depending on workload.)
Your image selection gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session via password protected online gallery. The instructions to access gallery and choose your images will be included with the email. Once you've made your selection you'll send me an email letting me know you are ready, and I'll then put all of your images into a downloadable gallery. I'll also add select black and white version of photos (typically some from the milestone portion of the session). You should have your downloadable gallery within 24 hours of letting me know you've made your final selections, or you've paid the invoice to upgrade to the full gallery!
The gallery will also include options to purchase prints through my professional lab. You can even purchase prints for photos that you do not select for your final downloadable gallery. You may also share this gallery with others who will then have the option to purchase prints as well.
Your image selection gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session via password protected online gallery. The instructions to access gallery and choose your images will be included with the email. Once you've made your selection you'll send me an email letting me know you are ready, and I'll then put all of your images into a downloadable gallery. I'll also add select black and white version of photos (typically some from the milestone portion of the session). You should have your downloadable gallery within 24 hours of letting me know you've made your final selections, or you've paid the invoice to upgrade to the full gallery!
The gallery will also include options to purchase prints through my professional lab. You can even purchase prints for photos that you do not select for your final downloadable gallery. You may also share this gallery with others who will then have the option to purchase prints as well.
I hope this answers most, if not ALL, of your questions regarding the smash cake session process. They are truly some of my favorite sessions and I look forward to each and every one! I’m always available to assist with any additional topics you may uncover. CONTACT ME here!
See you soon,
Mandy
See you soon,
Mandy