What to expect for your baby's 1st birthday Session

Depending on which package you choose, the cake smash is always done at the end of the session. If you have selected a package with family photos, these are usually done at the beginning of the session to get baby comfortable and warmed up.

BEFORE THE SESSION

• Share with me your ideas and inspiration for your baby’s cake smash. If you aren’t sure what you want to do, I usually suggest going online to research ideas for first birthday photo shoot and see what catches your eye!  It can be a favorite cartoon, toy, animal, colour, or hobby theme.  
• Here are some examples to choose from:
  • BOYS: Camping, fishing, dinosaur, cars, rustic, blue & white, black & gold, earthy, boho, mickey mouse, tractors, planes,  peppa pig, cocomelon, 
  • GIRLS: All white, princess, boho, floral, baking, mermaid, sunflower, dream catcher, cream, pink, purple, rustic, peppa pig

OTHER IDEAS APART FROM CAKE SMASH:

• If you aren’t into the whole cake smash thing, you can still incorporate food using one of these:
• Watermelon, mango, strawberry, banana, orange, lemon, cookies, donuts, ice cream, yoghurt, pancakes, pizza etc.
• Please ensure you time the shoot right after a nap as usually this is when they are happiest. If you are coming from far, you can let your baby nap on the drive to my studio. 
• If you do a cake smash, it’s a good idea to get your baby to play with messy food before so they aren’t surprised by its texture at the shoot.  
• If your baby does not like mess and is not very sensory, then I recommend not doing a cake smash. You can try another food item or not use food at all.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Your cake or food item
• Outfits (Or you can use from my studio)
• A favorite snack that is not messy (puffs, biscuits etc)
• Water for baby
• A Towel for the bath tub after

WHAT TO WEAR:

• My studio has white walls for family photos so anything can go well with this background. Choose a color that compliments you and something you feel comfortable.
• Try to ensure that everyone’s clothing compliments each others. 
• It’s best not to be too matchy match. Try to mix some patterns with solid colors that go together. If you are having a hard time choosing, feel free to ask me for advice.
• Neutral solid colors are nice too to keep baby in focus.
• Avoid wearing anything with logos, words, and distracting patterns.

DURING THE SESSION

• Getting ready for a shoot with young ones can be very stressful but try to not over analyze or stress about minor details. It is my job to make you feel as relaxed as possible. Remember its a time of celebration and should be fun. I will guide you along every step of the shoot so there is no reason to worry how to pose.
• The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your baby will be and the more fun it will be!
• When you arrive we will give your baby time to adjust to the new environment.
• Avoid bringing out screens for the baby unless it’s absolutely needed and I ask you to. 
• Avoid making too many loud noises and singing as this can overwhelm the baby. Let me do the singing and if it’s needed I can ask you to join in.
• There is a short time frame in which to take photos so it’s important to move quickly throughout each set up and wardrobe change so we don’t prolong the shoot unnecessarily. 

AFTER THE SESSION

• Sneak peeks are delivered within a few days and all photos via email within 3-4weeks after the shoot.
• Permission is always asked first before posting any photos of your child and family.
• Referrals and reviews on my FB page are always encouraged and welcomed, especially any honest feedback to help me improve my service!

Thank you for trusting me to capture your baby’s milestone!