Let’s Smash Cake!
Hosting a cake smash has to be one of our favourite photo shoots. Everything about these sessions is so special. For starters it is a certain someone’s birthday and to smash cake in celebration is so much fun!
For this blog post I thought I’d show you Rebeccca Holmes portfolio and answer some of the questions I am often asked about cake smashes.
This was Rebecca’s third session with us; she has brought her little one to us on an annual package and has had, newborn and six month portraits with us too. She will be back again in six months for a final toddler session to complete her portfolio. But today it is time to smash cake!
Do you supply the cake?
Yes, Amy from Amy’s Cakes and More is our amazing baker. She has designed three cake styles for clients to choose from: a giant cupcake, a tower that can be personalized as our client chooses and a penguin. The beauty of having them made professionally is that they always look amazing and make such a great prop for the shoot. Amy takes the time to personalize each cake in it’s own unique way, and we have never had two smash cakes the same.
Can I bring my own cake though?
Yes you can. If you really want to make your own cake, or you have allergy concerns for your little one, you are very welcome to supply your own cake.
Do you just Smash Cake?
The whole of the shoot doesn’t have to be about cake. We usually divide the shoot in half. Beginning with regular studio portraits and finishing with the messy stuff.
For Rebecca’s session we started of with some portraits that show off Lily’s new walking skills and her love of books.
The beginning of the shoot is also a great opportunity to get some family portraits if you have been thinking of doing that.
Then we ease into the messy shots, we start with ‘baking’ which Lily loved and was giggling away as she mixed the flour and got her cake ready.
We introduce the cake with a tea party set up so your little one can have some ‘clean shots’ with the cake before everything gets every where!
Do you Smash the whole Cake?
It looks like it! But actually we only smash a little bit of the cake. You get to take most of it home to eat later. And Amy is an amazing baker, so you will thoroughly enjoy tucking into your cake come tea time!
How Long does it take to Smash Cake?
These sessions are an hour and a half, though we usually don’t need that long. Your little one may need a milk break half way through. Or we might need to stop for cuddles. We just want to have the time there so that no one ever feels rushed. We want to be able to stop and start a session as we need to. And still have plenty of time to create the portraits.
How much does it cost to Smash Cake?
The session is £80 or £30 if you have already bought an Annual or Portrait Club Package with us. The price includes an hour and a half of studio time when we will explore at least 5 creative ideas and make you around 60 portraits to choose from. You’ll get a beautiful bespoke designed cake, a 10” luxury metallic print and membership to our portrait club.
When Should I Book?
We do get quite booked up, especially at the weekends, so get in touch as soon as you know you would like to do this and we will reserve you a space in the diary. We will ask for a £40 deposit to make the booking. Call the studio if you want us to have a look at availability for you – 01524 555789.
What if I Want More Pictures?
We have a wide range of packages available for you. From simple digitals to bespoke designed composites like Rebecca chose. You don’t need to decide any of this though until you have seen your portraits and know what you are in love with.
