SamanthaPaigePhotography

WHAT IS A CAKE SMASH SESSION?

A cake smash is a celebration your little one turning one. There will be a lot of mess and some super cute photos!
To start with we take photos of your little one against the custom set up. Then we let our little one go mad with a cake. Then if having a splash we follow with a soak in the tub! 

 

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?

This depends on when you want your images.
If you’re going to display these photos at their birthday celebrations, share on social media, or use for invitations I recommend booking 4-6 weeks before their birthday to allow enough time for editing, viewing and ordering. 

Otherwise if you just are wanting to display these proudly at home, I’d recommend booking as close to their birthday as possible. I advise customers to try book at least a month before your little ones birthday to avoid disappointment. 

 

WHEN WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Like my Newborn sessions, I only do cake smash/splash’s during the week. I’m happy to work around childcare or work commitments you may have. I tend to do cake smash sessions in the afternoon but I can accommodate mornings on the odd occasion. 

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DO WE NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

Before your session I will be in contact with you to discuss a theme/set up for your shoot. 

I always advise parents to bring your child’s favourite snack and a drink in their favourite cup. A cake can be quite sweet, so they may need a small savoury snack break and a small drink. 

If you’re having a splash I recommend you bring a towel for your child although I will have one to hand. 

If you’re choosing your own outfit instead of using one of mine I will advise to bring a change of clothes for your little one too. 

Parents - there is a chance you may get involved and also a touch messy - you have been warned! 

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HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?

Sessions last between 1 and 2 hours, with a lovely outfit for their portrait session followed by either an outfit of your choice or one of my themed outfits if appropriate. We begin the session with a mini-portrait session, followed by the cake smash. Then if having a splash - ending with the clean up in the tub with some bubbles.

 

WILL I GET TO CHOOSE THE THEME?

Yes! I love a cake smash session and absolutely love creating custom set ups for your little one. A first birthday is a big deal and I want it to reflect your childs personality & favourite things at this time in their life. 

 

DO YOU PROVIDE THE CAKE FOR SMASHING?

Due to allergies I DO NOT provide the cake.

When getting a cake, whether it’s shop brought or custom made, I would advise against chocolate icing. 

 

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS ALLERGIES?

Please advise me before your session if your child has any allergies. 

Even if they’re allergic to any bubble mixtures please let me know ahead of the session so I can plan accordingly. 

 

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR?

This is completely up to you and every parent prefers something different. 

I do suggest for the first part of the session a smart/casual outfit or something that matches your theme. 
For the smash, a vest / bloomers is usually the outfit of choice. I have a few outfits / simple options for both available in the studio which you’re welcome to use. 

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I HAVE TWINS, CAN THEY BOTH BE INCLUDED AT THE SAME SESSION?

If you have twins, triplets or more then we will definitely do their sessions together, but please let me know when booking.

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CAN SIBLINGS BE INCLUDED IN THE SESSION?

Of course! With all cake smash’s I will tackle the few family photos at the beginning.

But for the rest of the session, it is all about the birthday baby.
If older siblings wish to stay they’re welcome to, but I ask you bring them something to occupy their time if they get bored easily. 

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HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I GET?

As a rule I will never stick to a set amount of photos to take during the session. If the session goes extremely well I’m likely to take more photos. Each child reacts differently to a cake smash. Some will eat the whole cake and be ages, whereas others will not want it and the session be over quicker. 

Therefore I never say how many images you will have to choose from, but there is always more than your package includes. 

 

DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE AN IMAGE PACKAGE BEFORE I BOOK?

Yes. I do ask that customer’s choose to have either a cake smash or a smash and splash. This helps me prepare for the session and also reduce any waste.

Once you’ve had your session I will edit your images - then you’re either welcome to come back and view your images or I can send you an online gallery to view your images.  

At this point you can choose your images  included if you’d love any additional prints, products or wall art. 

 

DO YOU SHARE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

I love to share a sneak peek from your session.
I may also use the images from your final gallery on my social media pages as well as my website or blog as a promotional tool. I only do this in a few cases.

If you would prefer your child's images not to be used in this way that's fine too, please just let me know before your session.

 

HOW LONG BEFORE WE SEE THE PHOTOS?

After your session I ask you to allow me up to 3 weeks to edit and create a gallery to showcase your beautiful images.
You’re either welcome to come back and view your images or I can send you an online gallery to view your images.
At this point, you can choose your images & also let me know if you’d love any additional items such as Prints, wall art and albums.