Hello and welcome!
I’m so excited to smash some cake with your baby! Below is all the information for your cake smash session. I realize it is a lot of information but it will be helpful in you being prepared and knowing what to expect during our time together. If you have any questions, please let me know!
DO THIS THE WEEK OF YOUR SMASH IF POSSIBLE:
A trial run works in your favor, so do it! If your little one isn't a huge mess maker then I suggest a trial run. Buy a cheap plastic tablecloth and let your little one sit on the floor, give them a tub of cool whip or pudding/yogurt or get them a jumbo/regular cupcake or mini cake from the grocery store. I've found allowing them to do this before the smash makes them a little more comfortable sitting on the ground, trying to eat cake, with lights and a camera in their face. Below is the rest of the prep for the day of, if you have any questions about anything please feel free to ask! I can't wait!
DAY OF...DON’T FORGET:
Please don’t forget any outfits you may want them to wear before the smash during the portrait portion of the session. Also, don't forget the cake! A towel for after their tubby will also be needed as well as a change of clothes and fresh diapers.
We will start with the formal portrait portion on a solid, neutral backdrop. I have plenty of props but please feel free to bring your own outfits or you may borrow one from my client closet. Please bring a towel for after his/her bath! And if you use special soap for skin issues/allergies please bring it with you. (J&J is kept in the studio to be used). We will have time for 1-2 outfits for portraits and then move directly into the cake smash. After the smash, we will splash in the tubby with either some bubbles or a milk bath. Please be sure to communicate your preference in advance. Babies are usually photographed without a diaper while in the tub. However, if you would prefer a swim diaper to cover their private areas, please be sure to bring one with you. *Please be aware that using a swim diaper may be visible in the photos so keep this in mind if using one for your session.
This part is SUPER IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Bring something your baby LOVES to eat! That means if they love strawberries, mango, broccoli, cucumbers, donuts, or chicken nuggets then bring it with you! Sometimes puffs just won’t do! If baby doesn’t want to eat cake we want them to want to eat something so PLEASE pack food your child likes that is small and easily picked up and placed behind/in/around the cake. Pouches and yogurt won’t work, it needs to be something solid. Think of things they like that are hand-held and small that we can hide in or around the cake. Don’t be shocked if they don’t want to eat the cake, it’s completely normal! They are used to eating tiny pieces of food and we put a huge cake in front of them. Most babies are totally confused! Some are extremely happy! Help make it easier by bringing small portions of their favorites!
Tips from my past experience...
LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!!
Here are some great tips that I’ve found to make your cake smash experience FUN! Please give your child a snack and not a full meal if they wake up around the time of the session, we want them to be hungry (but not angry or hangry!) when we smash some cake! Please bring all their favorite treats, toys, and items just in case they have a meltdown! (It happens, they are 1). Don't wear your best clothes! Prepare to work out a little or a lot! If your baby is mobile, you will likely be corralling them and placing them back in the spot where I will be photographing them. You might sweat but it will be worth it!
SAY CHEESE?
At ACP, we don’t say “cheese.” Believe it or not, most babies can get very easily overwhelmed in a studio setting. Making lots of noise, silly faces, or yelling to get their attention can backfire big time. I request that you allow me to be the sole person working to get your baby’s attention. I provide a loveseat for parents to sit and relax while I work with baby. As I stated above, I may solicit your help in corralling your child if they are extremely mobile. In terms of getting them to look at the camera and smile, please leave that up to me. It can be very confusing when mom and dad are standing behind me calling baby’s name. The result will be that baby isn’t looking at my camera but rather is making eye contact with you.
I usually start with a very gentle approach that almost seems quiet and subdued. They don’t know me, they are in a strange place, and everyone is looking at them. This can be scary so don’t be surprised if your baby needs time to warm up. If I need your assistance, I won’t be shy about pulling you in for some backup.
YOU MEAN YOU DON’T USUALLY FEED THEM ON THE FLOOR?
Just a little warning, sometimes the babies hate the cake, me, and well let’s face it, life. It's tough being one. Sometimes they love it and are smiles ear to ear. It's a total crap shoot. How they eat at home in a high chair has nothing to do with how they will eat a whole cake, sitting on the floor, in a strange place, in front of a stranger, her camera, and a bright light. Stage fright is a real thing, so just come in with an open mind and a relaxed demeanor. It could go either way so expectations for how long your little one will last during the entire session should be reasonable based on their personality and ability to adapt in new situations.
I am well versed on how to overcome aversion to being in front of the camera and make them appear they had a wonderful time even if it was pure torture, only you will know what really happened here! Some kids smile from the time they walk in the door and some kids are stone-cold serious the entire time. This is an important milestone in your baby’s life and at the end of the day we are capturing their personality (whatever it might be that day). We will have some fun either way!
GUESTS IN THE STUDIO:
If I was your newborn or milestone photographer, you may know that my home studio is quite small. It is not ideal for siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, cousins, etc. Please bring only the necessary people required for the session (usually parents only). I don’t say this because I don’t like people. I love people! But, I also love carefree sessions focusing on your baby. Extra people can be an added distraction, especially in a small space.
SICKNESS POLICY:
IF FOR ANY REASON, your child wakes up sick with a snotty, running nose, coughing, and/or fever not related to teething or seasonal allergies, please call me ASAP to discuss options. I require that anyone entering my studio (including parents), be fever free/vomit/diarrhea free for a MINIMUM of 48 hours. I have a very strict sickness policy because I work with newborns regularly. I try to keep sickness out of the studio for the safety of my littlest clients. If you come to your session and your child is visibly sick (snotty/running nose, wet/nasty cough, or they are visibly miserable, etc) you will be asked to leave and your session will be forfeit. You will be charged a session fee to reschedule. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK A SESSION THE DAY AFTER/MORNING OF SHOTS! If you contact me asap prior to coming in we can reschedule your session without penalty.
Please email me to confirm you have read and received it and will be attending the session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
MY HOME STUDIO IS LOCATED AT: 1006 Eddystone Ct. Reading, PA 19605. The entrance to my studio is around the side of my garage. This is the entrance you should use. You will see a small set of wooden stairs to the left of my garage. Enter through that door and proceed down the staircase to my studio. You can be seated on the couch if you arrive early. *Please note that my studio space is currently under construction so excuse its appearance during this time. The studio appearance has no impact on your final images and you should expect the same quality of images that you see in my portfolio. Thank you for your patience as I work to create a more inviting space for my clients.
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770
DO THIS THE WEEK OF YOUR SMASH IF POSSIBLE:
A trial run works in your favor, so do it! If your little one isn't a huge mess maker then I suggest a trial run. Buy a cheap plastic tablecloth and let your little one sit on the floor, give them a tub of cool whip or pudding/yogurt or get them a jumbo/regular cupcake or mini cake from the grocery store. I've found allowing them to do this before the smash makes them a little more comfortable sitting on the ground, trying to eat cake, with lights and a camera in their face. Below is the rest of the prep for the day of, if you have any questions about anything please feel free to ask! I can't wait!
DAY OF...DON’T FORGET:
Please don’t forget any outfits you may want them to wear before the smash during the portrait portion of the session. Also, don't forget the cake! A towel for after their tubby will also be needed as well as a change of clothes and fresh diapers.
We will start with the formal portrait portion on a solid, neutral backdrop. I have plenty of props but please feel free to bring your own outfits or you may borrow one from my client closet. Please bring a towel for after his/her bath! And if you use special soap for skin issues/allergies please bring it with you. (J&J is kept in the studio to be used). We will have time for 1-2 outfits for portraits and then move directly into the cake smash. After the smash, we will splash in the tubby with either some bubbles or a milk bath. Please be sure to communicate your preference in advance. Babies are usually photographed without a diaper while in the tub. However, if you would prefer a swim diaper to cover their private areas, please be sure to bring one with you. *Please be aware that using a swim diaper may be visible in the photos so keep this in mind if using one for your session.
This part is SUPER IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
Bring something your baby LOVES to eat! That means if they love strawberries, mango, broccoli, cucumbers, donuts, or chicken nuggets then bring it with you! Sometimes puffs just won’t do! If baby doesn’t want to eat cake we want them to want to eat something so PLEASE pack food your child likes that is small and easily picked up and placed behind/in/around the cake. Pouches and yogurt won’t work, it needs to be something solid. Think of things they like that are hand-held and small that we can hide in or around the cake. Don’t be shocked if they don’t want to eat the cake, it’s completely normal! They are used to eating tiny pieces of food and we put a huge cake in front of them. Most babies are totally confused! Some are extremely happy! Help make it easier by bringing small portions of their favorites!
Tips from my past experience...
LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!!
Here are some great tips that I’ve found to make your cake smash experience FUN! Please give your child a snack and not a full meal if they wake up around the time of the session, we want them to be hungry (but not angry or hangry!) when we smash some cake! Please bring all their favorite treats, toys, and items just in case they have a meltdown! (It happens, they are 1). Don't wear your best clothes! Prepare to work out a little or a lot! If your baby is mobile, you will likely be corralling them and placing them back in the spot where I will be photographing them. You might sweat but it will be worth it!
SAY CHEESE?
At ACP, we don’t say “cheese.” Believe it or not, most babies can get very easily overwhelmed in a studio setting. Making lots of noise, silly faces, or yelling to get their attention can backfire big time. I request that you allow me to be the sole person working to get your baby’s attention. I provide a loveseat for parents to sit and relax while I work with baby. As I stated above, I may solicit your help in corralling your child if they are extremely mobile. In terms of getting them to look at the camera and smile, please leave that up to me. It can be very confusing when mom and dad are standing behind me calling baby’s name. The result will be that baby isn’t looking at my camera but rather is making eye contact with you.
I usually start with a very gentle approach that almost seems quiet and subdued. They don’t know me, they are in a strange place, and everyone is looking at them. This can be scary so don’t be surprised if your baby needs time to warm up. If I need your assistance, I won’t be shy about pulling you in for some backup.
YOU MEAN YOU DON’T USUALLY FEED THEM ON THE FLOOR?
Just a little warning, sometimes the babies hate the cake, me, and well let’s face it, life. It's tough being one. Sometimes they love it and are smiles ear to ear. It's a total crap shoot. How they eat at home in a high chair has nothing to do with how they will eat a whole cake, sitting on the floor, in a strange place, in front of a stranger, her camera, and a bright light. Stage fright is a real thing, so just come in with an open mind and a relaxed demeanor. It could go either way so expectations for how long your little one will last during the entire session should be reasonable based on their personality and ability to adapt in new situations.
I am well versed on how to overcome aversion to being in front of the camera and make them appear they had a wonderful time even if it was pure torture, only you will know what really happened here! Some kids smile from the time they walk in the door and some kids are stone-cold serious the entire time. This is an important milestone in your baby’s life and at the end of the day we are capturing their personality (whatever it might be that day). We will have some fun either way!
GUESTS IN THE STUDIO:
If I was your newborn or milestone photographer, you may know that my home studio is quite small. It is not ideal for siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, cousins, etc. Please bring only the necessary people required for the session (usually parents only). I don’t say this because I don’t like people. I love people! But, I also love carefree sessions focusing on your baby. Extra people can be an added distraction, especially in a small space.
SICKNESS POLICY:
IF FOR ANY REASON, your child wakes up sick with a snotty, running nose, coughing, and/or fever not related to teething or seasonal allergies, please call me ASAP to discuss options. I require that anyone entering my studio (including parents), be fever free/vomit/diarrhea free for a MINIMUM of 48 hours. I have a very strict sickness policy because I work with newborns regularly. I try to keep sickness out of the studio for the safety of my littlest clients. If you come to your session and your child is visibly sick (snotty/running nose, wet/nasty cough, or they are visibly miserable, etc) you will be asked to leave and your session will be forfeit. You will be charged a session fee to reschedule. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK A SESSION THE DAY AFTER/MORNING OF SHOTS! If you contact me asap prior to coming in we can reschedule your session without penalty.
Please email me to confirm you have read and received it and will be attending the session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
MY HOME STUDIO IS LOCATED AT: 1006 Eddystone Ct. Reading, PA 19605. The entrance to my studio is around the side of my garage. This is the entrance you should use. You will see a small set of wooden stairs to the left of my garage. Enter through that door and proceed down the staircase to my studio. You can be seated on the couch if you arrive early. *Please note that my studio space is currently under construction so excuse its appearance during this time. The studio appearance has no impact on your final images and you should expect the same quality of images that you see in my portfolio. Thank you for your patience as I work to create a more inviting space for my clients.
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770