Holy moly, where did the last 12 months go?!
What an exciting milestone this is,
and one that deserves to be celebrated in fashion!
Your little one can have their cake and eat it too! This guide will help prepare you and your
birthday boy/girl , for a smashing good time!
"What happens during a cake smash and splash session?"
Your baby's session will unfold in three delightful parts: 1. Baby Portraits: We'll begin with tender portraits of your baby, sans cake. Feel free to bring an extra outfit for this segment if you'd like! 1. Cake Smash: Next, we'll introduce the cake, and your little one will (hopefully!) indulge in a delightful smashing session! To prepare, consider engaging your baby in messy play beforehand. If they're new to cake and icing, try introducing them to these flavors and textures a few days prior. 1. Splash Time: After the cake smash, we'll fill a tub with warm water (and bubbles, if desired) for a fun splash session! This is often the highlight of the session. To capture adorable 'after the smash' shots, we'll leave some cake on the backdrop around the tub. Get ready for a joyful, messy celebration of your baby's special day!
"What kind of cake should I order?"
When you get in touch with your baker to order your Cake Smash cake, the main things you should ask for are for the cake to be
6 inches round (or even 5 inches. Anything bigger than 6 inches can look really big next to baby!).
colors to match our chosen set colors/theme or in complimentary colors.
Vanilla sponge and buttercream filling . I don’t recommend chocolate sponge/filling for cake smash cakes, as this can look a bit like kids are eating mud
Covered in buttercream frosting (not icing, as it's easier for baby to smash through)
When ordering your Smash cake, kindly ask your baker to place the cake on a board that is: - The same size as the cake - Or slightly larger, if you'd like a decorative border of buttercream around the base of the cake This will ensure a sturdy base for your cake and a beautiful presentation for our photoshoot
I highly recommend Talent 2 Design, a local cake maker who creates stunning cakes perfect for your session! Talent 2 Design boasts: -a 5-star hygiene rating - Relevant food hygiene certificates
Conveniently located just 7 minutes from my studio, owner Lisa, would be delighted to craft a custom cake for your little one's special birthday!
Be sure to mention Kapture This Photography upon
ordering your cake, and be sure to place
your at least 1.5 to 2 weeks notice when possible.
facebook.com/talent2design Let her create a sweet masterpiece for your celebration.
Smash cakes are $30.00
" What should I bring to the session?"
The cake! Don't forget the cake!
An outfit for yourself to change into just incase you get messy
A towel to dry baby after their "splash"
Any outfits or props you wish to include
A favorite toy (not to go in the pictures but to get baby looking towards it if needed).
Nappies, wipes, etc.
A drink for baby
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we recommend booking your session at a time that works around your baby's naps. A well-rested baby is the key to a successful session! Whenever possible, try to: - Schedule the session after a good nap - Take a longer route to the studio if your baby sleeps well in the car A rested baby will be happier, more relaxed, and more likely to enjoy the session. This simple step can make all the difference in capturing beautiful, stress-free photos!"
Please give baby a snack before heading to the studio.
While cake will be on the menu, it's essential to ensure your baby isn't excessively hungry when they arrive. A ravenous baby might not be in the best mood for photos! Please: - Feed your baby a light snack before the session - Bring a favorite drink to keep them hydrated and satisfied during the session This will help keep your little one happy and cooperative, ensuring a successful and enjoyable Cake Smash experience!"
Introducing cake before the session
If your baby isn't familiar with the taste and texture of cake, please consider introducing it to them a few times before the session. This will help them: - Get used to the flavor and texture - Enjoy the experience of eating and smashing their cake during the session A little preparation can go a long way in making the Cake Smash experience a delightful and stress-free one for your baby
Dressing your baby for the session
I do ask that clients provide the outfits for baby during the session.
To minimize distractions and ensure we capture the best photos, we'll limit outfit changes to: - One outfit for the entire session, or - A maximum of two outfits, with the second outfit used for the timeless portraits at the beginning of the session This approach helps us make the most of our time together, as babies at this age can tire quickly and may not enjoy frequent outfit changes."
Session attendance policy
To ensure a comfortable and distraction-free environment, I kindly request that: - Only two parents/guardians accompany baby to the session - Older siblings do not attend the Cake Smash Session, as this can be overwhelming for your baby This allows us to focus on capturing special moments with your little one. If you'd like to include extended family or friends in photos, consider scheduling a separate family session. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!"
Session preparation and Cooperation Policy
To ensure the best possible outcome for your session, please carefully read this prep guide before your appointment. Responsibility: As a parent/guardian, it's essential to follow the guidelines outlined in this prep guide, including feeding and sleep advice. This will help ensure your baby is settled and cooperative during the session. Common Reasons for Unsettled Babies: At this age, babies can become unsettled due to: - Tiredness - Hunger - Teething Please ensure your baby has a good nap and is well-fed before the session. Capturing Images: I'll do my best to capture a lovely range of images. However, I can only work with your baby's mood on the day. If I feel we've achieved a full gallery, I won't offer a reshoot. Reshoot Policy: Any offers of a reshoot are at my sole discretion, subject to availability, and may incur an additional charge for session time. Cooperation and Illness: Please note that: - I cannot be held responsible for your baby's cooperation (or lack thereof) - If your baby is ill in the 48 hours leading up to the session, please notify me as soon as possible - My studio policy is to reschedule sessions if anyone involved (including myself) is ill - Rescheduling may require refrigerating/freezing or reordering your cake.
Rescheduling Policy
If you need to reschedule your session, please notify me as soon as possible. For last-minute changes (within 48 hours), please contact me directly via: - Phone: 289-686-3567 - Text message -
Facebook page message Note: facebook.com/kapturethisphotography
- Session fees are non-refundable - One reschedule is allowed within 14 days of the original session date, subject to availability, due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., illness, emergency) - Failure to arrive or excessive lateness (over 30 minutes) will require a new session fee to book an alternative date Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated."
Please be aware that you will be responsible for refrigerating/freezing/replacing the cake for your session as needed.
COVID-19 Precautions and Policies
At our studio, we prioritize hygiene and cleanliness, maintaining high standards for our facilities and props. Hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer will be available throughout your appointment for both our team and clients. Face Coverings: While we no longer require face masks during appointments, we're happy to accommodate your preferences. If you'd like us to wear masks, please let us know during booking or upon arrival. Sickness Policy and COVID-19: Please review our sickness policy and COVID-19 guidelines below to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
General sickness Policy
If you or anyone in your party has been feeling unwell prior to your appointment, please contact me to reschedule. - For viral, contagious, or illnesses involving sickness and/or diarrhea, please wait 48 hours after symptoms have subsided before attending your session. COVID-19 Specific Guidelines: - If you or anyone in your party develops COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive within 7 days of your appointment, please contact me to reschedule (unless a lateral flow test confirms a negative result). Rescheduling and Cake Care: - If you need to reschedule, please refrigerate your cake (or freeze it if the new date is more than 3-4 days away). - If you're unable to freeze the cake yourself, your baker may be able to assist. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Let's work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!"
Thank you for reading! I hope you have found this prep guide informative, and I look forward to working with you!
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