Cake Smash & Splash photography
If your little one is approaching their first, or second birthday - a cake smash is the perfect way to celebrate.
The session is guaranteed to be fun & messy! Some little ones get right into it, while others can be shy and need some assistance. A party lasts just a couple of hours, but images last a lifetime and a cake smash is the perfect way to ensure that you will always remember this precious time.
The sessions are completely bespoke, and are including the cake, decorations and outfit for your little one! I have a wonderful selection of cake smash outfits, backdrops and props at the studio, but I am happy to work with you on any ideas you may have, to ensure that your experience and images are unique. You can find some examples in my gallery.
The session is broken down in to three stages:
Pre-cake smash portraits
Traditional style portrait photos – this gives your child the chance to settle into the studio and feel comfortable in new surroundings. It also provides you with some classic, timeless images as part of your gallery.
The cake smash
This is where we get messy! Your child is given the cake and the opportunity to eat as much as they like, whilst I photograph them and their cute expressions.
Splash in the bath
Quite often the favourite part of the cake smash is the ‘clean up’ in the bath. It also leaves baby nice and presentable for the journey home!
I take care of everything for your photo shoot from the setup, the cake, outfits to the clearing up!
What can I expect from my session?
A lot of mess and some really cute images! I love to celebrate birthdays, especially that milestone 1st birthday. These sessions are all about having some nice photographs taken first before, then during the cake smash madness, and ending with a bubble-filled splash in the tub! Add in a totally unique backdrop and scene setup just for your child, and you will receive a gallery full of images to treasure.
How long does a session take?
A Cake smash session takes about 1- 2 hours.
When is a good time for the session?
The best time for your photo session is when your child is lively, awake, and playful, e.g. just after waking up from a nap.
When should I book my session?
If you want your images to display at birthday celebrations, to share on social media on the day, or for invitations, I recommend booking 2 - 4 weeks before the event to allow enough time for editing, viewing and purchase. If you want the images to display at home, and to be a true reflection of them as close to their birthday as possible, I would recommend booking in for the most convenient date just before or after their birthday.
What to bring with you?
For kids under one year old I can supply all clothing and props, but am also happy to use your special clothing or props which you feel are sentimental, significant or appropriate. Bring with you necessary items to help keep your child happy and content, e.g. favourite toys and blankets. Photographically speaking, meal or snack time can be fun and productive, so you may want to prepare some snacks for your child for the shoot. Try to avoid chocolate as this will stain and leave marks all over the face.
Before your session we will have discussed a customised theme, so there may be elements of this you need to bring with you but this will be discussed along with any changes in advance of “the day”.
Can other family members come along to observe the session?
Marta Brodowska Photography prefers only the parents to attend the photography session for several reasons. Studio size limits numbers, and too many people create a distraction. The number of guests should be kept to a minimum. If you would like to bring another relative e.g. Grandmother, please discuss in advance.
Can other family members come along to observe the session?
Studio size limits numbers. So the number of guests should be kept to a minimum. If you would like to bring for example Grandmother or another relative please discuss in advance.
My child has food allergies?
Special dietary requirements should not exclude from having a wonderful birthday celebration and a fun filled experience. Please let me know ahead of the session and we can be appropriately prepared.
Can I provide my own cake?
If for any reason you want something more individual or appropriate e.g. someone that wants to make your cake as a gift, just advise accordingly in advance.
Will parents get messy at a cake smashes?
I get asked this a lot and the answer is “most likely”. I recommend you bring a change of outfit.
How long after the photoshoot will I see the images?
After the photo shoot I will spend time selecting and perfecting your images. During busy periods this can between 1 and 2 weeks. I will advise you accordingly.
Do you require a deposit?
A non-refundable SESSION FEE of £50 is due on booking to secure your appointment. This DOSE NOT include any prints nor digital images, which are charged individually.
Why do you charge a session fee?
The session fee is a creative one, which covers my time and talent to shoot and create professional images that you will treasure forever, and guarantees your appointment. It also covers acquisition, full use, and maintenance of quality studio props and my time to select and perfect your images for viewing.
Cancellations
I require 48 hours’ notice when cancelling or re-scheduling. No guarantee can be given that a specific new slot will be available nor provided.
Price
Session Fee
£50 a non-refundable SESSION FEE (including cake, balloons, and decorations) is due on booking to secure your space. Please note that no images or prints are included at this point and a session fee will not be deducted from the order's full amount.
BRONZE COLLECTION£ 150SWEET
SILVER COLLECTION£ 220ADORABLE
PLATINUM COLLECTION£ 300PRECIOUS
Individual digital images may be purchased in addition to the package of your choice £15 each.