What is a Cake Smash Session?

 

This is a special photo session dedicated to birthday celebrations!


Typically infants, turning ONE!


The very first birthday is something exciting and special to celebrate. A Cake Smash Session is a way to celebrate the moment with something you can keep forever. Photos!

The photos you will receive will include a variety of images from our time together. You'll have opportunities to include the family in shots and we'll capture all of the messy memories that come with smashing a delicious cake!


That's right.. real cake, real icing, real mess.

Toddler in a pink romper and daisy flower crown enjoys a smash cake on a blanket outdoors beside a basket of daisies.

What to expect...


You get to design your set up.


Part of the fun is choosing a theme, deciding on the cake, finding your ideal decorations, and choosing your favourite outfits.


I do not provide the cake or any decorations without additional conversation, and incurred additional fees.


I am more than happy to help with these tasks. I've found that designing the area for the cake smash is something that some parents really enjoy, so that task is yours, but I love assisting where I can. I am absolutely willing to take over completely if you're really not interested in decorating your cake smash.

Toddler in a pink romper and daisy flower crown sits on a white blanket near pink balloons and a teddy bear in a wicker basket.

Who has a cake smash?


Typically this is a celebration for babies as they turn ONE, but that's not a requirement. Neither is the cake really...


If you're looking for a way to celebrate a birthday milestone this might be a good option for you.


This is usually a separate planned event from the birthday party. Members of the immediate family are invited however this photo session is not the actual birthday celebration.

Toddler in a pink romper and flower crown sits on a blanket with a smash cake, pink balloons and daisies for a first birthday photo.

When should you book?


It will take some time for your photographer to get your images back to you after your session. You should allow 2-3 weeks for your photos to be returned.


If you're wanting to post your images on the birthday date, please plan accordingly and book your session well in advance of that date.

Toddler in a floral crown sits on a blanket in a sunny meadow, enjoying a small cake beside a daisy basket and teddy bear.

Where does a cake smash happen?


This is so flexible.


If weather permits, it can be outdoors.


It can be in your own home, where everyone is already so comfortable with the space.


I can also inquire about renting a studio space here in Grande Prairie. There are a few different locations that I can book on your behalf. Let me know if this is a route you're interested in and I will provide the prices!

Baby girl in a flower crown sits on a cream blanket by a lake with pink balloons and a number one balloon at her first birthday photoshoot.
Toddler in a pink romper and flower crown enjoys a smash cake on a cream blanket in a grassy field beside a basket of daisies.

Outdoor


This is an example of an outdoor location that is easily accessible for our whole city!

Toddler in a floral romper and bow headband stands barefoot holding a rose gold number one balloon and white balloons for a first birthday.

Your Home


This is the place your children grow. Why not celebrate these four walls too?

Baby girl in a pink tutu dress and floral headband sits beside a white smash cake with orange flowers at a first birthday photoshoot.

Rented Studio Space


This was at "GP Photo Studio" which is available to rent by the hour!

How does a cake smash happen?


The first step is to ensure the set up and space is ready for the session to begin.


Before anyone gets messy is a great time to spend moments playing together, and capturing some nice family images.


We'll capture solo shots as well as group shots and as time progresses, we'll bring in the cake for some messy play.

Baby in a flower crown enjoying a smash cake on a picnic blanket beside a smiling mother, with balloons and a daisy basket by a lake.
Smiling family of three posing on a cream blanket in a green meadow, with a toddler in a flower crown sitting between her parents.

Family shots first.


This often helps the little one get comfortable with the surroundings and settled in.

Smiling family of three enjoying a sunny outdoor picnic on a lace blanket, with a baby in a flower crown and fresh daisies nearby.

Explore



Pick up and explore the different props or decorations within reach.

A man and woman hold their baby girl on a white picnic blanket by a calm pond, with a flower-filled basket and teddy bear nearby.

Spend time together.

Toddler in a pink outfit reaches into a wicker basket with white daisies and a teddy bear in a party hat on a blanket outdoors.

Then some solo shots


Explore the props.

Solo shots and family shots.

Baby girl in a daisy flower crown sits on a blanket with a smash cake, pink balloons, and a daisy-filled wicker basket outdoors.

Add the cake...


Bring in the cake.

Explore textures and tastes.  

Baby in a pink romper and floral headband eats a smash cake on a woven blanket in a sunny meadow beside a basket of daisies.

enjoy the mess!

This stage is quick.

Cake and icing everywhere, followed by giggles and the inevitable clean up!

Smiling toddler with curly blonde hair and a daisy flower crown kneeling on a soft blanket in a grassy park, wearing a pink ruffled romper.
smash the cake


Celebrate


Time passes so quickly.. we ALL age so quickly... It's most noticeable in the first years of life. The rapid change in face shape from newborn to toddler. It's important to celebrate these fleeting moments while they last.