With Simply Corey Photography
Want to have a successful cake smash experience? Read and follow these tips!
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete my client questionnaire and client contract. This will allow me to get to know you a little better and to better prepare for our upcoming session together. This is due prior to our session.
I find that cake smash sessions are usually best after baby's morning nap. Do NOT plan your cake smash during regular nap or meal times, and do NOT count on your baby sleeping in the car on the way over. The session will not go well if your baby is tired or hungry.
Even the best eaters can end up unsure of their cake. Whether it's the squishy texture of the frosting, being a mess, or the super sweet taste - it happens. To help things go a little smoother, I recommend letting your baby play in whipped cream or give them a cupcake as a practice run a few days before the session.
You are welcome to show me inspiration photos so I know we are on the same page, but all custom sets are provided with your cake smash. You don't need to bring anything unless there is something special you want to include. Be sure to let me know if there is something you want to bring though so I make sure and work it into the set!
You will provide your baby's cake ... or donuts, muffins, cookies, pancakes, watermelon ... whatever fits your theme!
The cake is one of the most important parts of the whole session because it's front and center with your baby. Most parents aren't bakers or cake decorators, so I highly recommend having one made!
SIZE:
The best smash cakes are 6-8" round cakes with 2-3 layers or a large cupcake.
COLORS:
Be sure to order a cake that coordinates with your set! If you are picking up a cake from the grocery store on the way to your session (it happens), choose an ALL WHITE frosted or "naked" cake. Do not choose decorated cakes with random balloons, etc. because these will look out of place.
TOPPERS & STANDS:
You are welcome to bring a topper, but they will ultimately be taken off when baby starts grabbing it because of the pointy end.
A cake stand is optional. I have a couple you're welcome to use, but please know that baby is more apt to tip the cake over if it's on a stand. I also recommend asking your baker to put your cake on a cardboard round that will coordinate with your set. White is always good.
FROSTING:
White and light frostings are best.
Red, brown, and black frostings are NOT ideal because of the way they look when smeared all over baby's face, plus red and black tend to stain.
Whipped icing is the best because it's lighter and not as sweet. Buttercream is a close second.
Stay away from fondant. It is hard for baby to dig into and can be a choking hazard because it will NOT melt in baby's mouth.
CAKE FLAVORS:
White and yellow cake are preferred. Again, because it looks best in photos when smeared all over baby's face!
NOT TOO COLD:
Make sure the cake is not cold at the time of our session! Hard, cold cakes are more difficult to "smash" and baby will not like the feeling!
WARNING! Wooden Toothpicks/Dowels INSIDE the Cake:
Some bakeries use large wooden “toothpicks” INSIDE cakes to hold layers together. PLEASE make sure to ask your bakery if they use these and if it’s possible to not have them at all. We do NOT want your baby to go face-first into the cake and get poked!
You will also provide baby's outfit. If you have an outfit that you really want to use, please send me photos so I can make sure the set matches.
If you only have a theme in mind, I can send you some links to a few outfit ideas online. Just let me know which one you go with!
Plan on dressing baby when you get to the studio so the outfit doesn't get messed up!
I do have a small client closet and will show you anything I have that matches your set in case you'd like to use it for a second outfit/look. I still recommend you bring your own so you know you have something you like that fits!
• Puff snacks or Cheerios. I use these on the back of the cake to get baby's attention if needed.
• A bottle of milk or sippy cup with water in case baby gets thirsty.
• A coordinating bathing suit for little girls (if preferred) during bathtub "splash" photos.
• A towel to dry baby off after cleaning up.
• A change of clothes for baby - and for you! You will more than likely get cake on you before the session is over!
Prepare everything you can the night before to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and arrive at your session on time. And remember to use Google Maps or Waze to get here!
If you or your baby aren't feeling well, please reschedule as soon as possible. Your baby will not be in the mood for photos if they don't feel well and they will look sick in their photos too. It is definitely worth it to reschedule.
Re-shoots are not given for how baby was acting or regretful personal choices - i.e. clothes, cake, etc. Fees apply for re-shoots requested by the client.
You will be in charge of keeping baby on the set by the cake so I can be ready to take pictures at all times. Warning: this can be a workout. Wear comfy clothes!
Please do not permit your baby to touch or play with the props in the set.
When trying to get your baby to smile, please get DOWN on my level and be as close to me as possible. Otherwise your baby will be looking up and off to the side in all of their photos!
No cell phone photos allowed during the session.
You will be in charge of keeping baby on the set by the cake so I can be ready to take pictures at all times. Warning: this can be a workout. Wear comfy clothes!
Please do not permit your baby to touch or play with the props in the set.
When trying to get your baby to smile, please get DOWN on my level and be as close to me as possible. Otherwise your baby will be looking up and off to the side in all of their photos!
No cell phone photos allowed during the session.
I typically show a sneak peek within the first couple of business days after your session! These are posted on my Facebook and Instagram accounts and I will email you to let you know it has been posted so you don't miss it!
I would love for you to "love" the photo and click on the share options to show all of your family and friends!
You will choose your final photos from a private online gallery approximately 2 weeks after your session.
Session galleries are available for 5 consecutive days, and I will email you to let you know when it is ready. Once you let me know when you'd like your 5 days to start, I will email you the log-in information and other instructions.
You are more than welcome to share your gallery information with family and friends!
Orders are due within the 5-day viewing period. A gallery extension will need to be purchased for $25 per additional day once your gallery expires.
Payment is due in full before orders are fulfilled and delivered.
Digital images come with a personal print release and a lab recommendation.
Ordered digital images will be delivered electronically and I will send you a separate email with a download link within 3 business days after your order has been completed.
You may purchase a custom USB drive separately and it will be delivered in 1-2 weeks with your ordered digital images on them.
Due to the custom nature of products offered, all sales are final.