Cake Smash Photography

Celebrate your little one's first year with a cake smash! I capture the messy, joyous fun and take care of the cleanup! Would you like to have some updated family photos taken while you are at it? Classic portraits without cake or decorations in the white, natural light portion of the studio are included in full sessions.

FAQ

What is a cake smash?

A cake smash is a fun session celebrating baby’s first year. It includes a personal cake for baby to taste and make a delightful mess with. 

When is the best time to schedule a cake smash?

Some parents like to schedule the photos very close to baby’s actual birthday  to be a true reflection of them as close to their birthday as possible. If you would like photos in time for a party, you should schedule the session for around three weeks before you need to print them to allow for proofing, image selection, and editing.

Some parents use the images for party invitations, a big framed photo on an easel at the party, or for thank you cards afterwards.

How much does a cake smash session cost?

Cake smash sessions are similar to milestone and family session pricing, with the added cost of a simple cake. Parents can opt to bring their own cake for a $20 discount. Special pricing for weekday mini sessions of baby only with the white natural light studio setting and a simple cake are also available.

Cake Smash Session

$265 + tax

weekend + $40

Up to one hour session in the studio.

• Simple cake with your choice of available garlands and props. Parent's may opt to bring a cake for a $20 discount.
• Classic portraits of the birthday boy or girl before the cake smash portion of session. Immediate family is welcome to participate in these photos!
• An outfit change is welcome for the birthday kiddo!
• 10 edited, full resolution images of your choice from a proof gallery of 35 + images.
• Additional edited images available to purchase. Individual images are $25 + tax, with discounts for 5+ additional images. Unedited images are not available.

Weekday Mini Cake Smash Session

$175 + tax

20 minute session in the studio for baby only.

• Simple naked white cake or rainbow sprinkle cake.  Parents may opt to bring a cake for a $20 discount.
• Classic portraits of the birthday boy or girl before the cake smash portion of session. 
• 5 edited, full resolution images of your choice from a proof gallery of 30 + images.
• Additional edited images available to purchase. Individual images are $25 + tax, with discounts for 5+ additional images. Unedited images are not available.

What kind of decorations and themes are available?

For full cake smash sessions, I have wool pom garlands, ribbon garlands, and various greenery garlands. A custom 4' balloon garland in up to three colors is another included option. .Several cake stands of different colors and materials are also available. Custom color schemes are available at  no additional cost for the pom or balloon garlands, please just allow a two week lead time for me to create them. I’m constantly adding new decorations to the studio collection. The style I aim for is festive, yet keeps the focus on the birthday kiddo. 

Weekday mini cake smash sessions are kept simple in the white, natural light section of the studio. A simple white naked cake with a live greenery topping or a rainbow confetti cake is included, along with use of any of the cake stands in the studio.

How long do cake smash sessions last?

Full 1st birthday cake smash sessions are about 45 minutes long, or an hour if including family. Cake smash mini sessions for just the birthday kiddo are about 20 minutes long.

Where does the cake smash session take place?

Cake smash sessions take place in my studio in Central Northwest Houston. This gives you access to all of the cake stands, decor, and wardrobe, and we can ignore the weather forecast!  We can also pick a time of day that works around your child’s nap instead of needing to schedule around sunrise or sunset for a location session.

Can you take photos without the cake first? Can we get a few family photos also?

Certainly! For both full and mini cake smash sessions, we can take some milestone photos of the birthday kiddo without decorations, and one outfit change is welcome. Immediate family photos can also be taken at full cake smash sessions.  I like to keep this portion of the session short and sweet to avoid tiring out the baby before the fun cake smash portion. 

Do you provide the cake?

Yes! A simple 6” round cake is included. Options include a white naked cake with greenery, a white, pink, or baby blue buttercream cake, or a confetti cake. Would you like to bring your own cake?  I apply a $20 discount to the session then.  If you are wanting something a little fancier or different, I love the cakes from LSB Baking Creations, and I offer free pick up service if you order from her. If your baby has allergies, I do ask that you provide the cake.

If you bring the cake…

Please steer clear of red, brown, or black frosting, as it looks icky when smeared. White cake photographs much prettier than chocolate cake. If you are opting to use the studio wardrobe, I do ask that the icing on the cake be white.

Do you have a cake smash studio wardrobe?

I’m working on it! I have some items in neutral and muted pastel colors that photograph well in the studio and keep the focus on baby. I’m happy to send photos of current inventory upon request.

What if my child doesn't eat the cake?

Some parents choose to save baby’s first taste of cake for the session, while others let their baby have some cake beforehand. When a baby is tasting cake for the first time at a session, you may be surprised to see that they don’t dig in immediately, and prefer to explore this new smell, taste and texture slowly.  Other babies start joyfully smashing right away! It’s a neat surprise to see how baby will react. If you like things to be more predictable, letting your baby taste some cake on a separate day before the session is a good idea. Feel free to bring puffs or another favorite snack to place in the frosting and encourage your baby to grab some cake!

Can balloons be included?

Full cake smash sessions include the option of a custom 4' balloon garland in up to 3 colors. You are welcome to bring helium balloons, but please choose round ones!  Helium number balloons don’t stay in the correct direction, and transfers focus from capturing baby’s expressions to getting the balloon to float the right way.

Do you use printed backdrops?

All of my cake smash decorations and setups are real - life items! I feel that it is too easy to spot a fake backdrop. They lack dimension and the lighting directionality rarely matches from backdrop to subject. It is worth the extra effort to set up a real decorated environment for smash cake fun!