Rockford Cake Smash Photos
Cake Smash Client Prep Guide
hey there!
Thanks for booking your cake smash session! I can’t wait to meet you and your little one. I’ve created this guide with tips & commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your session.
Please know, YOU are the parent and YOU know your baby best! This guide simply includes things that, in my professional experience, typically make for a successful session. It’s meant to give you a better idea of what to expect and to help calm any nerves you may have so your session can be totally stress-free!
Please read through this prep guide prior to your session.
At what time of day will my session be?
The time of your session will be determined about a month before the scheduled date. Please note: I always recommend planning around your baby’s schedule. Choosing a time right after breakfast or right after your child's first nap tends to work well. We do not want a tired baby!
How long will my session take?
Cake smash sessions typically take anywhere from 45-90 minutes from start to finish. When you arrive to the studio, we will allow your little one some time to adjust & warm up to me. We will start with Milestone photos on a more neutral backdrop, then change outfits and bring out the cake! Once we get started I like to move quickly to make sure we get through each set up before your little one decides they are done modeling. However, if your child needs some more time to get settled, or needs a break in between sets, that is totally fine as well.
Do I need to bring anything?
I am a full service studio, which means absolutely everything is included in your session! The cake, custom set up, props, outfits, etc. will all be provided. If you plan to bring anything that you’d like to include in the session, please let me know ahead of time so I can be sure to incorporate it in the best way possible.
That said, it can be helpful to bring a small familiar snack like puffs or cheerios to your session. If your child has not taken an interest in the cake after a while, we can "hide" a snack on the backside to get them to try it. I do also recommend bringing a bottle or sippy cup with water or milk.
What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
Please be aware that not every baby reacts the same way during a cake smash session. The way your child eats at home in their high chair may not be the same way they eat a full cake in a strange place in front of a new person and bright lights. Some babies dive right in, and others take small bites, or may not even be interested in the cake at all. Please manage your expectations, and sit back and enjoy watching your child in this experience!
What do I do during the session?
Please note that it can be overwhelming for a one year old to have multiple adults trying to get their attention, or asking them to smile or look at the camera. I like to go at your child's pace to avoid overstimulation. If I need assistance getting your child's attention, I will let you know. If we do need some help getting a smile, games like peekaboo, singing songs, or making silly noises tend to work better at this age than saying “smile.” In this case, please try to position yourself directly behind me and at my level, so baby will still be looking directly at the camera.
Be ready to get a little dirty! Some kids are wiggly or want to get up and move. If your little one moves too far off the set, I may need your help bringing them back to the center.
What if my child gets sick prior to the scheduled session?
In the event of illness, please reach out to me as soon as possible to reschedule your session at no additional cost. I do try to keep any sicknesses out of the studio to protect my littlest clients. Besides, your baby will likely have a much better experience on a day when they are healthy.
Can I bring my other children?
It’s important to avoid overstimulation for a happy baby and the best images! For that reason, please do not bring anyone other than yourself, your partner, and your cake smasher, unless previously discussed.
What is your photo policy?
Please leave the photo taking to me! No cameras or cell phone images. I understand that this is such an exciting time for parents, however please enjoy your session and allow me to capture the best images possible. (If you really want to document the day, you can take 1 or 2 behind the scenes photos of me working with your baby- and please send them to me if you do!)
If you have any questions prior to your Rockford Cake Smash Session, please don't hesitate to send me a message directly.
Photo by Cally Jo Photography
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