Below is everything you need to know about baby plan sessions!
I have included info for EVERY milestone session;
so regardless of which package you purchased,
you'll be able to read about them here.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING MILESTONE SESSIONS:
Sessions are scheduled Monday-Friday only. Availability
varies throughout the year one what days I schedule
which types of sessions, as I have to schedule around
what days my kids are in school/activities, etc. Keep in mind
that my schedule stays full. The earlier we schedule your
milestone sessions the better. Normally we will sit down
and schedule your next milestone session as we are
wrapping up a session.
STUDIO VS. OUTDOOR FOR YOUR SESSION:
Please keep in mind what time of the year it will be.
Newborn sessions are done in studio. But other
milestone sessions may fall on extreme weather months.
I typically do all child sessions in the months of
December-February IN the studio. March-November vary,
depending on weather, but keep in mind that early
Spring and late Fall can have colder temps and
late June-August can sometimes be in the triple digits.
If the weather is too hot/cold, we may want to schedule
that particular session for the studio and do the next
one outdoor. We can discuss this prior to your session.
STUDIO SESSIONS:
Studio sessions are normally scheduled to start between
9am and 10:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
OUTDOOR SESSIONS:
Outdoor sessions are scheduled in the late afternoon.
Approximately 1-2 hours before sunset.
TSP COUTURE CLOSET:
I also have a collection of boutique and high-end
little girls dresses and accessories available for sessions.
You can find SOME of my collection at a link below.
This will not have ALL items listed as the collection
is ALWAYS growing! These are available for your
child/children to wear during their session.
Keep in mind these are not available for actual
cake smashes. Collection dresses and items are also
not available for "messy" sessions.
I have included info for EVERY milestone session;
so regardless of which package you purchased,
you'll be able to read about them here.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING MILESTONE SESSIONS:
Sessions are scheduled Monday-Friday only. Availability
varies throughout the year one what days I schedule
which types of sessions, as I have to schedule around
what days my kids are in school/activities, etc. Keep in mind
that my schedule stays full. The earlier we schedule your
milestone sessions the better. Normally we will sit down
and schedule your next milestone session as we are
wrapping up a session.
STUDIO VS. OUTDOOR FOR YOUR SESSION:
Please keep in mind what time of the year it will be.
Newborn sessions are done in studio. But other
milestone sessions may fall on extreme weather months.
I typically do all child sessions in the months of
December-February IN the studio. March-November vary,
depending on weather, but keep in mind that early
Spring and late Fall can have colder temps and
late June-August can sometimes be in the triple digits.
If the weather is too hot/cold, we may want to schedule
that particular session for the studio and do the next
one outdoor. We can discuss this prior to your session.
STUDIO SESSIONS:
Studio sessions are normally scheduled to start between
9am and 10:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
OUTDOOR SESSIONS:
Outdoor sessions are scheduled in the late afternoon.
Approximately 1-2 hours before sunset.
TSP COUTURE CLOSET:
I also have a collection of boutique and high-end
little girls dresses and accessories available for sessions.
You can find SOME of my collection at a link below.
This will not have ALL items listed as the collection
is ALWAYS growing! These are available for your
child/children to wear during their session.
Keep in mind these are not available for actual
cake smashes. Collection dresses and items are also
not available for "messy" sessions.
NEWBORN SESSION
Newborn sessions need to be done within the
first 2-3 weeks. I prefer right at 2 weeks of age
if at all possible. Newborn sessions are scheduled
in the morning, normally beginning at between
9:00 and 9:30am.
Make sure you start getting ready and plan to
leave earlier than you need to. Almost all of my
newborn clients end up running late, because they
are still getting accustomed to how a baby makes
everything take twice as long. ;)
Here are some tips to make things easier for
getting out the door (they sound silly, but they
help, I promise.) Pack everything you need and
set it by the door the night before (or even in the
car already.) Just keep out what you'll need that
night/following morning and if you need to bring
it with you, leave out another tote bag so that you
can throw those things in there too. You'll
be racking your brain to make sure you don't forget
anything that morning, so it's best to have already
packed and ready the night before to minimize
that you have to think about the following morning.
CHECK LIST FOR PACKING:
1. A few swaddling blankets. These are just to
wrap him/her in during feedings or while we are
trying to calm him/her. They will smell familiar
to him/her and be more soothing. They won't be
in pictures, so you don't have to worry about
what they look like. But make sure to pack 5-6 just
to be safe, (because of spit up, peeing/pooping
while doing any pictures with his/her diaper off or
while being held while his/her diaper is off.)
2. Plenty of diapers AND wipes.
3. Whatever you need to nurse/bottle feed your baby.
If you are formula feeding, bring plenty of
formula and bottles. If you are breastfeeding,
but also pumping, please bring a few bottles
with breast milk. It's much easier and quicker to
feed breast fed babies with bottles during the
shoot.
If you are breastfeeding and NOT pumping,
bring whatever makes you comfortable- Boppy
or other breast feeding pillow, cover ups if you
use them, etc. I want my breastfeeding moms to
feel comfortable. While you are feeding, I will
usually be rearranging props and blankets, getting
ready for another setup. You are more than welcome
to hang out on one of the sofas to nurse,
where you are the most comfortable.
4. Gas drops, if you are using them.
5. Pacifier. Even if he/she acts like
he/she doesn’t like them or he/she doesn't take
them very well.. they almost ALWAYS DO take
them during their session. So bring a couple
just incase. These can make a big difference.
6. Items of your own that you would like to
incorporate. If you have anything you would like
to use, such as hats, headbands, stuffed animals,
special/handmade blankets, old/antique
items that belonged to mom or dad or other
family members, diaper covers, sentimental things,
items from his/her room, etc. Do not feel obligated
to bring anything and don't worry about bringing
a lot. Just bring the things that you
absolutely want to use. I have plenty of hats,
headbands, etc. that we will be able to use, so you
don't have to worry about not having anything
for the session. But to feel free to bring things that
are special to you and that you want to incorporate.
7. A couple of comfortable outfits for AFTER
the session. Bring a couple of outfits for him/her
(not for pictures) but just for his/her "going home"
outfit from the studio. You can bring him/her IN
one of these outfits, and just pack 1 extra.
The reason for bringing 2 is sometimes they have
accidents (spit up, leaky diapers) so it's best to
have 1 extra, just incase.
**HE/SHE WILL NOT NEED NORMAL CLOTHING
FOR THE SESSION.
Normal everyday clothing (no matter how small)
fits frumpy and does not look good in pictures.
The baby will be posed throughout the session
and no matter how well they fit, when we pose
the baby, the clothing will try to cover his/her face,
or be bulky. This is the only time he/she will EVER
be this tiny, and we want to show off how tiny
and beautiful he/she is. All poses are of him/her
curled on her belly, swaddled, or in specific
newborn prop clothing. There are handmade
newborn outfits/clothing that are made specifically
for babies to wear during sessions. I have a few items
that we can use for the session (I try to add things
all the time.) These are hand made pieces that fit
very snuggly and are normally worn without a diaper
on so as not to look bulky. This type of clothing
is normally the only clothing I like to photograph
a newborn in.
THE MORNING OF THE SESSION:
The morning of the session you will need to keep
him/her awake an hour BEFORE you head this way.
This is usually best done by giving him/her a bath.
Immediately after the 1 hour of awake time, you’ll
need to feed him/her. As soon as feeding is done,
you’ll head this way. I don’t expect the baby to stay
away for the car ride. The 1 hour of awake time
prior to the feeding is plenty. Dress him/her in
something that is LOOSE fitting, comfortable for
him/her and easy to get him/her out of (without
disturbing too much.) Just a sleeper or something
simple. Anything that fits snug or tight will leave
"lines" or "marks" on his/her arms or legs that take
a while to fade.
If you have a long trip to get to the studio
and need to feed the baby again as soon as you arrive,
that is completely fine. As soon as arrive, I'll have
you take him/her out of the carrier and undress
him/her down to just a diaper, then wrap him/her in
one of the swaddle blankets that you brought.
He/she will most likely eat a time or 2 during the
session. Sometimes they want to "snack" because
we disturb them during sleep moving them around.
This is completely normal during the newborn session.
The majority of our session will consist of posing
him/her and waiting for him/her to sleep in the
set ups. This is completely normal as well. 80% of
newborn sessions is "waiting them out."
If you and your spouse would like to be in some
of the shots, we will do the normal "mom and dad"
pictures with him/her and you'll have a few
more things to add to your packing list.
You will each need a simple/neutral colored top.
Black, grey, cream are usually the best colors.
Do NOT wear these to the studio. I tell EVERY mom
and dad coming with a newborn... come in
something comfortable! The studio will get very
warm during her session (to keep him/her
comfortable) and by the time it's time for the family
shots they will be wrinkled and most likely covered
with fuzz balls and lint from baby blankets and even
flakes of baby skin.
Go ahead and have your hair and makeup done,
but dress in something comfortable for you.
When I'm ready for the "mom and dad" shots, I'll
have you both go change in the bathroom. (The reason I
said bring shirts only, is most of these pictures
are from the waist up. So unless you WANT to wear
different pants for these, they really won't be shown.)
If there are big brothers or big sisters that will
be participting in the session as well, be sure and
bring them a coordinating outfit as well. We
will do photos of the family and some of the baby
and big brother/sister as well.
Newborn sessions usually last anywhere from
2-3 hours. I try not to go over 3 hours. But be sure
and grab you something to eat on the way here
so that you aren't hungry. If you have other
children that will be coming as well, make
sure you bring activities for them so they
don't get board and restless. Tablets, crayons,
coloring books, etc. Bringing snacks is also
recommended!
Newborn sessions need to be done within the
first 2-3 weeks. I prefer right at 2 weeks of age
if at all possible. Newborn sessions are scheduled
in the morning, normally beginning at between
9:00 and 9:30am.
Make sure you start getting ready and plan to
leave earlier than you need to. Almost all of my
newborn clients end up running late, because they
are still getting accustomed to how a baby makes
everything take twice as long. ;)
Here are some tips to make things easier for
getting out the door (they sound silly, but they
help, I promise.) Pack everything you need and
set it by the door the night before (or even in the
car already.) Just keep out what you'll need that
night/following morning and if you need to bring
it with you, leave out another tote bag so that you
can throw those things in there too. You'll
be racking your brain to make sure you don't forget
anything that morning, so it's best to have already
packed and ready the night before to minimize
that you have to think about the following morning.
CHECK LIST FOR PACKING:
1. A few swaddling blankets. These are just to
wrap him/her in during feedings or while we are
trying to calm him/her. They will smell familiar
to him/her and be more soothing. They won't be
in pictures, so you don't have to worry about
what they look like. But make sure to pack 5-6 just
to be safe, (because of spit up, peeing/pooping
while doing any pictures with his/her diaper off or
while being held while his/her diaper is off.)
2. Plenty of diapers AND wipes.
3. Whatever you need to nurse/bottle feed your baby.
If you are formula feeding, bring plenty of
formula and bottles. If you are breastfeeding,
but also pumping, please bring a few bottles
with breast milk. It's much easier and quicker to
feed breast fed babies with bottles during the
shoot.
If you are breastfeeding and NOT pumping,
bring whatever makes you comfortable- Boppy
or other breast feeding pillow, cover ups if you
use them, etc. I want my breastfeeding moms to
feel comfortable. While you are feeding, I will
usually be rearranging props and blankets, getting
ready for another setup. You are more than welcome
to hang out on one of the sofas to nurse,
where you are the most comfortable.
4. Gas drops, if you are using them.
5. Pacifier. Even if he/she acts like
he/she doesn’t like them or he/she doesn't take
them very well.. they almost ALWAYS DO take
them during their session. So bring a couple
just incase. These can make a big difference.
6. Items of your own that you would like to
incorporate. If you have anything you would like
to use, such as hats, headbands, stuffed animals,
special/handmade blankets, old/antique
items that belonged to mom or dad or other
family members, diaper covers, sentimental things,
items from his/her room, etc. Do not feel obligated
to bring anything and don't worry about bringing
a lot. Just bring the things that you
absolutely want to use. I have plenty of hats,
headbands, etc. that we will be able to use, so you
don't have to worry about not having anything
for the session. But to feel free to bring things that
are special to you and that you want to incorporate.
7. A couple of comfortable outfits for AFTER
the session. Bring a couple of outfits for him/her
(not for pictures) but just for his/her "going home"
outfit from the studio. You can bring him/her IN
one of these outfits, and just pack 1 extra.
The reason for bringing 2 is sometimes they have
accidents (spit up, leaky diapers) so it's best to
have 1 extra, just incase.
**HE/SHE WILL NOT NEED NORMAL CLOTHING
FOR THE SESSION.
Normal everyday clothing (no matter how small)
fits frumpy and does not look good in pictures.
The baby will be posed throughout the session
and no matter how well they fit, when we pose
the baby, the clothing will try to cover his/her face,
or be bulky. This is the only time he/she will EVER
be this tiny, and we want to show off how tiny
and beautiful he/she is. All poses are of him/her
curled on her belly, swaddled, or in specific
newborn prop clothing. There are handmade
newborn outfits/clothing that are made specifically
for babies to wear during sessions. I have a few items
that we can use for the session (I try to add things
all the time.) These are hand made pieces that fit
very snuggly and are normally worn without a diaper
on so as not to look bulky. This type of clothing
is normally the only clothing I like to photograph
a newborn in.
THE MORNING OF THE SESSION:
The morning of the session you will need to keep
him/her awake an hour BEFORE you head this way.
This is usually best done by giving him/her a bath.
Immediately after the 1 hour of awake time, you’ll
need to feed him/her. As soon as feeding is done,
you’ll head this way. I don’t expect the baby to stay
away for the car ride. The 1 hour of awake time
prior to the feeding is plenty. Dress him/her in
something that is LOOSE fitting, comfortable for
him/her and easy to get him/her out of (without
disturbing too much.) Just a sleeper or something
simple. Anything that fits snug or tight will leave
"lines" or "marks" on his/her arms or legs that take
a while to fade.
If you have a long trip to get to the studio
and need to feed the baby again as soon as you arrive,
that is completely fine. As soon as arrive, I'll have
you take him/her out of the carrier and undress
him/her down to just a diaper, then wrap him/her in
one of the swaddle blankets that you brought.
He/she will most likely eat a time or 2 during the
session. Sometimes they want to "snack" because
we disturb them during sleep moving them around.
This is completely normal during the newborn session.
The majority of our session will consist of posing
him/her and waiting for him/her to sleep in the
set ups. This is completely normal as well. 80% of
newborn sessions is "waiting them out."
If you and your spouse would like to be in some
of the shots, we will do the normal "mom and dad"
pictures with him/her and you'll have a few
more things to add to your packing list.
You will each need a simple/neutral colored top.
Black, grey, cream are usually the best colors.
Do NOT wear these to the studio. I tell EVERY mom
and dad coming with a newborn... come in
something comfortable! The studio will get very
warm during her session (to keep him/her
comfortable) and by the time it's time for the family
shots they will be wrinkled and most likely covered
with fuzz balls and lint from baby blankets and even
flakes of baby skin.
Go ahead and have your hair and makeup done,
but dress in something comfortable for you.
When I'm ready for the "mom and dad" shots, I'll
have you both go change in the bathroom. (The reason I
said bring shirts only, is most of these pictures
are from the waist up. So unless you WANT to wear
different pants for these, they really won't be shown.)
If there are big brothers or big sisters that will
be participting in the session as well, be sure and
bring them a coordinating outfit as well. We
will do photos of the family and some of the baby
and big brother/sister as well.
Newborn sessions usually last anywhere from
2-3 hours. I try not to go over 3 hours. But be sure
and grab you something to eat on the way here
so that you aren't hungry. If you have other
children that will be coming as well, make
sure you bring activities for them so they
don't get board and restless. Tablets, crayons,
coloring books, etc. Bringing snacks is also
recommended!
3 MONTH SESSION
At this age we will concentrate on shots of your
baby sitting up (leaning) in chairs as well as on
their back and on their belly. The session will last
no more than 1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make it
through all outfits during the session), a bottle
(incase we need to stop for a feeding), any small
toys from home that make your baby laugh
or smile. You're also welcome to bring any props
from home that you’d like to incorporate.
At this age we will concentrate on shots of your
baby sitting up (leaning) in chairs as well as on
their back and on their belly. The session will last
no more than 1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make it
through all outfits during the session), a bottle
(incase we need to stop for a feeding), any small
toys from home that make your baby laugh
or smile. You're also welcome to bring any props
from home that you’d like to incorporate.
6 MONTH SESSION
This session will showcase your baby at the “sitting”
milestone. Although some ARE crawling at this
stage, normally this is right before baby starts to
become mobile. The session will last no more than
1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make
it through all outfits during the session), “puffs”
or crackers, a bottle or sippy cup of something
(for any quick snack breaks), any small toys
from home that make your baby laugh or smile.
You’re also welcome to bring any props from home that
you’d like to incorporate.
This session will showcase your baby at the “sitting”
milestone. Although some ARE crawling at this
stage, normally this is right before baby starts to
become mobile. The session will last no more than
1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make
it through all outfits during the session), “puffs”
or crackers, a bottle or sippy cup of something
(for any quick snack breaks), any small toys
from home that make your baby laugh or smile.
You’re also welcome to bring any props from home that
you’d like to incorporate.
9 MONTH SESSION
This session will showcase your baby standing
(pulling up) on different props. Your baby should
be fairly mobile at this point and it will consist
of a little bit of chasing. ;) The session will last
no more than 1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make
it through all outfits during the session), “puffs”
or crackers, a bottle or sippy cup of something
(for any quick snack breaks), any small toys from
home that make your baby laugh or smile.
You’re also welcome to bring any props from home
that you’d like to incorporate.
This session will showcase your baby standing
(pulling up) on different props. Your baby should
be fairly mobile at this point and it will consist
of a little bit of chasing. ;) The session will last
no more than 1 hour.
Bring: 4-5 outfits (although we might not make
it through all outfits during the session), “puffs”
or crackers, a bottle or sippy cup of something
(for any quick snack breaks), any small toys from
home that make your baby laugh or smile.
You’re also welcome to bring any props from home
that you’d like to incorporate.
12 MONTH SESSION
The 1 year finale session! This session will
showcase your baby at all of the 1 year
milestones; standing, possibly walking (and
if walking.. then also a lot of chasing them.) ;)
At the end of this session we will have the
“cake smash.”
Most children only pick at their cake (we assist them
in “smashing” it a little better.) So please don't
be disappointed if your child doesn't just jump
right into it. Some children even cry, if they don't
like their hands dirty. Every smash cake session
is different. It's not a bad idea to let your child
have a cupcake the week before your session.
Many kids haven't had any type of cake/cupcake, etc.
to eat, much less been allowed to tear into at
their own free will. So most kids usually hesitate
and look to mom to make sure what they are doing
is okay. Some kids don't like sweets! This is very
common. Most of my moms are very excited for the
came smash part. It's a sweet little milestone and fun
moment to watch your child's personality come out.
If they have already been allowed to "practice" on
a cupcake or small cake at home, they almost always
do much better. (In the past I have had clients schedule
their smash cake sessions AFTER the actual birthday--
these children almost ALWAYS do better at "smashing"
the cake than the children who are doing it for the
first time.) So giving your child even a cupcake
to play in at home, could make a big difference
when it comes time for the pictures!
This session will last up to 90 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring: 3-4 outfits. We might not make it through
all outfits during the session-- most kids don't
enjoy clothing changes at all, much less when
it happens numerous times over a short period
of time.. and we want to keep them in a good mood
for the cake smash portion, so we normally have
them wear their outfits in order of your most favorite
to least favorite.
Also bring an outfit or something specifically
as a “smash cake” outfit.
For boys this can be denim or colored denim
shorts or jeans (I recommend cuffing the bottoms),
or you can also find diaper covers to match
a certain theme, on Etsy.
While you can also find shirts and onesies
to match a theme or color scheme, I don't really
recommend it. In my personal opinion, no top,
is much cuter for cake smash sessions. Save the
shirts and onesies for their party.
If they wear it for their cake smash session, they
may end up staining it from colored icing anyway.
You can also find cute party hats, bow ties, etc on Etsy.
Just search for colors or themes and type "party hat" after or "1 year hat," etc.
For girl's you have a few different choices.
As I mentioned for boys-- I don't recommend
shirts or onesies for the actual smash
cake portion. While you can easily find shirts
and onesies to match a theme or color scheme,
in my personal opinion, no top, is much cuter for
cake smash sessions. Save the shirts and onesies for
their party. If they wear it for their cake smash
session, they may end up staining it from colored icing
anyway. For girls you could use a tutu, petticoat,
diaper cover (ruffle bloomers), skirt, shorts,
bubble romper (even though this technically has a top,
I am still fond of these) and on
occasion (depending on the theme, sometimes
a tutu/leotard would work well.
You have several options-- I would pick something
that best goes with the theme or color scheme
that you are planning on.
Puffs, cheerios or crackers, etc. to help keep them
in a good mood in between wardrobe changes.
A bottle or sippy cup of something, for any quick
snack breaks and to sip on while eating cake.
Any small toys from home that make your baby
laugh or smile. Anything you would like to
incorporate into your smash cake set. (Many
clients have banners, or props that they have
gotten to use at the party to go along with the
theme. You are welcome to bring these to possibly
work in to the smash cake setup. But do not
feel obligated to purchase things because you
feel you have to. I do have things we can use for the
cake smash session. If you want something in
particular, please check with me prior to the session
to make sure we have what we would need here
already for your child's session.)
Wipes. Remember we are going to, hopefully, have
a messy baby after the session is done! ;)
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
The Cake!
At the bottom I've included links for a couple of
local bakers I've worked with before
and that do a wonderful job! When calling to place
an order make sure you let them know it's for a
smash cake, so they will have a better idea of the
size you'll be needing. Smash cakes can be simple
or elaborate. You'll work with the bakery to decide
on the style of the cake.
1 thing I do not have in the studio are helium balloons.
Some clients like balloons for this session, while
other's don't really care to have them. I feel like
it depends on the theme you are going for. I HIGHLY
recommend ordering balloons from the business
I personally use as well; Celebrate it!
They are amazing and can also make custom balloons
decorations (like objects or characters made out
of balloons) arches, and awesome little add on options
as well as getting pretty much any color, pattern
and style of balloon you can imagine!
Celebrate It! (903) 785-9966
IMPORTANT CAKE INFORMATION:
DO NOT get fondant icing. Fondant is hard and
doesn't smear. We want soft icing that will smash
(smear) and make a mess. Buttercream or whipped
icing only for smash cakes. Some fondant decoration
ON a buttercream cake would be just fine--
but make sure the baker knows that the cake itself
must be buttercream.
Also- for the cake, I don't recommend
getting chocolate. Yellow or white cake or other
fun colors (pink, blue, rainbow, etc..) look great
but chocolate cake doesn't really
work well for a smash cake session.
If you have a specific theme, let me know ahead
of time! I love to customize the cake smash part
around the theme. If you are having trouble picking
a theme and would like help, I'm happy to help! I LOVE
1st birthday themes and seeing the smash cake
portion come together. I have done very simple to
very elaborate for a cake smash set-- and I LOVE
the chance to work on different themes I haven't
gotten to shoot before.
The 1 year finale session! This session will
showcase your baby at all of the 1 year
milestones; standing, possibly walking (and
if walking.. then also a lot of chasing them.) ;)
At the end of this session we will have the
“cake smash.”
Most children only pick at their cake (we assist them
in “smashing” it a little better.) So please don't
be disappointed if your child doesn't just jump
right into it. Some children even cry, if they don't
like their hands dirty. Every smash cake session
is different. It's not a bad idea to let your child
have a cupcake the week before your session.
Many kids haven't had any type of cake/cupcake, etc.
to eat, much less been allowed to tear into at
their own free will. So most kids usually hesitate
and look to mom to make sure what they are doing
is okay. Some kids don't like sweets! This is very
common. Most of my moms are very excited for the
came smash part. It's a sweet little milestone and fun
moment to watch your child's personality come out.
If they have already been allowed to "practice" on
a cupcake or small cake at home, they almost always
do much better. (In the past I have had clients schedule
their smash cake sessions AFTER the actual birthday--
these children almost ALWAYS do better at "smashing"
the cake than the children who are doing it for the
first time.) So giving your child even a cupcake
to play in at home, could make a big difference
when it comes time for the pictures!
This session will last up to 90 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring: 3-4 outfits. We might not make it through
all outfits during the session-- most kids don't
enjoy clothing changes at all, much less when
it happens numerous times over a short period
of time.. and we want to keep them in a good mood
for the cake smash portion, so we normally have
them wear their outfits in order of your most favorite
to least favorite.
Also bring an outfit or something specifically
as a “smash cake” outfit.
For boys this can be denim or colored denim
shorts or jeans (I recommend cuffing the bottoms),
or you can also find diaper covers to match
a certain theme, on Etsy.
While you can also find shirts and onesies
to match a theme or color scheme, I don't really
recommend it. In my personal opinion, no top,
is much cuter for cake smash sessions. Save the
shirts and onesies for their party.
If they wear it for their cake smash session, they
may end up staining it from colored icing anyway.
You can also find cute party hats, bow ties, etc on Etsy.
Just search for colors or themes and type "party hat" after or "1 year hat," etc.
For girl's you have a few different choices.
As I mentioned for boys-- I don't recommend
shirts or onesies for the actual smash
cake portion. While you can easily find shirts
and onesies to match a theme or color scheme,
in my personal opinion, no top, is much cuter for
cake smash sessions. Save the shirts and onesies for
their party. If they wear it for their cake smash
session, they may end up staining it from colored icing
anyway. For girls you could use a tutu, petticoat,
diaper cover (ruffle bloomers), skirt, shorts,
bubble romper (even though this technically has a top,
I am still fond of these) and on
occasion (depending on the theme, sometimes
a tutu/leotard would work well.
You have several options-- I would pick something
that best goes with the theme or color scheme
that you are planning on.
Puffs, cheerios or crackers, etc. to help keep them
in a good mood in between wardrobe changes.
A bottle or sippy cup of something, for any quick
snack breaks and to sip on while eating cake.
Any small toys from home that make your baby
laugh or smile. Anything you would like to
incorporate into your smash cake set. (Many
clients have banners, or props that they have
gotten to use at the party to go along with the
theme. You are welcome to bring these to possibly
work in to the smash cake setup. But do not
feel obligated to purchase things because you
feel you have to. I do have things we can use for the
cake smash session. If you want something in
particular, please check with me prior to the session
to make sure we have what we would need here
already for your child's session.)
Wipes. Remember we are going to, hopefully, have
a messy baby after the session is done! ;)
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...
The Cake!
At the bottom I've included links for a couple of
local bakers I've worked with before
and that do a wonderful job! When calling to place
an order make sure you let them know it's for a
smash cake, so they will have a better idea of the
size you'll be needing. Smash cakes can be simple
or elaborate. You'll work with the bakery to decide
on the style of the cake.
1 thing I do not have in the studio are helium balloons.
Some clients like balloons for this session, while
other's don't really care to have them. I feel like
it depends on the theme you are going for. I HIGHLY
recommend ordering balloons from the business
I personally use as well; Celebrate it!
They are amazing and can also make custom balloons
decorations (like objects or characters made out
of balloons) arches, and awesome little add on options
as well as getting pretty much any color, pattern
and style of balloon you can imagine!
Celebrate It! (903) 785-9966
IMPORTANT CAKE INFORMATION:
DO NOT get fondant icing. Fondant is hard and
doesn't smear. We want soft icing that will smash
(smear) and make a mess. Buttercream or whipped
icing only for smash cakes. Some fondant decoration
ON a buttercream cake would be just fine--
but make sure the baker knows that the cake itself
must be buttercream.
Also- for the cake, I don't recommend
getting chocolate. Yellow or white cake or other
fun colors (pink, blue, rainbow, etc..) look great
but chocolate cake doesn't really
work well for a smash cake session.
If you have a specific theme, let me know ahead
of time! I love to customize the cake smash part
around the theme. If you are having trouble picking
a theme and would like help, I'm happy to help! I LOVE
1st birthday themes and seeing the smash cake
portion come together. I have done very simple to
very elaborate for a cake smash set-- and I LOVE
the chance to work on different themes I haven't
gotten to shoot before.
where to find me
based in paris, texas
info@taraswain.com
based in paris, texas
info@taraswain.com
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