Prep Guide for Smash and Splash | Classic one Year Old Portraits

Houston Newborn & Baby Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares tips for preparing for little one's cake smash and bubble bath session.

Cake Smash & Splash Prep Guide for Parents

Greetings! Thank you for choosing me to photograph your little one’s cake smash and splash! I am very excited to have them in the studio, or even on-location, for a gorgeous set of one-year portraits. Cake smash sessions are adorable and are a super fun way to celebrate the monumental milestone of your sweet baby turning one! Here is everything you need to know about our session together. A cake smash and splash are when baby smashes a cake followed by splashing in the tub! If you would like to omit the bubble bath (or prefer the bubble bath to the smash) let me know in advance so we may adjust session design. Most parents book in the studio because this ensures baby is happy and well rested since we do not have to worry about the sunrise/sunset light. My outdoor sessions take place right as the sun is coming up and right as it is going down so if you prefer outdoor lighting remember that nap times may need to be adjusted so baby is well rested for their session.

I provide the following for cake smash and splash:

• Time & talent designated in your session type (mini, standard, deluxe)

• A white cake stand or cream antique high chair

• · Vintage quilt if outdoors

• · Rustic floor props for baby to sit upon such as a box or bowl

• · Farmhouse bowl for the bubble bath

• · Warm water & bubbles

Parents provide the following for cake smash and splash:

• · A cake of their choice (typically 9”)

• · Any specific décor or props you would like that are not seen in my studio

• · Balloons, streamers, cake topper etc. If you are bringing additional décor, let me know in advance so I may set aside more time for set up

• · Diaper cover for baby during their cake smash or a birthday outfit

• · Towel to clean baby up + extra outfit

When Do Cake Smashes Take Place?

Cake smashes are best done when the baby is 11 months old and not yet walking. This is also a great time to book your cake smash so you may receive your photos and prints before baby’s birthday party. Many parents like to use the photos for invitations so it’s best to plan wisely. Always give yourself enough planning time. There is a two week turnaround time for photos so keep this in mind when contacting me for your cake smash. I want this to be a great experience for you!

My Baby Portraiture Style

My favorite way to photograph babies is in a simple, classic and timeless scene. I like to avoid too many props because it detracts from baby and is distracting in the images. Feel free to peruse my portfolio in advance so we can make sure we’re a good fit for one another!

Here are sample sessions to view:

• · In Studio Portion of Bubble Bath

• · In Studio One Year Old Portraits & Cake Smash

• · In Studio Sitter Session Prop Styles

• · Outdoor Cake Smash at Telge Park

• · Adorable & Classic Baby Boy Cake Sunset Cake Smash

• · Cherry Pie Smash at Sunset

• · Pumpkin Pie Fall Cake Smash

• · Baby Girl Cake Smash in Historic Setting at Sunrise

• · Sunrise Watermelon Session with Super Cute Little Girl

Helpful Tips in Preparation for Baby’s Session

• · Let the cake sit in the car overnight so it is warm and easy for baby to get into

• · Avoid fondant icing – babies often dislike the texture

• · HEB makes wonderful 9” white cakes with buttercream icing

• · If using a colored icing remember this may stain baby’s skin; red velvet cake, for an instance, will also stain the baby’s skin and it will look like the baby is injured in the photos.

• · Bring a towel and change of clothes for baby

Thanks again for choosing me to photograph your baby! Let me know if you have any questions so I may assist!

-Sarah

Baby’s Unique Features| Macro Details Included for a Soulful Gallery

Creating Stunning works of Newborn Fine Art through the Use of Impeccable Macro Images

Breathtaking images of your sweet little baby

Before I was a mama to four little ones, I thought all babies were the same once born. However, now that I specialize in posed newborn portraiture, I can attest this is anything but true. Newborns are absolutely perfectly, wonderfully and fearfully made. They are all unique, individual and even from the first few days old, have their own spirit setting them apart.

This inspires me to focus on macro images in all of my posed sessions. You see, having a soulful final gallery is of the utmost importance to me. I set your galleries apart by including unique color schemes, cozy wrapping, newborn safety, and also focusing on spectacular macro photos of your precious bundle of joy. 

Parents often ask, "what's a macro image?" The answer is simple! Macro images are a type of photography. The skill is photographing the objects very close to the lens, thus showcasing all of the special details. You use a special kind of lens for this, as a typical portrait or telephoto lens cannot do the trick. Here's the Canon 100 mm f/2.8L professional grade I keep on hand in my studio.

Macro images make my mama heart so happy because this makes you baby's features truly unique! Your baby has their own profile, set of toes, sweet chubby chin, and darling eyelashes. Their tufts of hair and lips beckon to be photographed. Your little one will never be this small. the newborn stage is only the first few weeks of life. Macros are included to preserve this stunning time in your life. You will look back on your gallery and enjoy reminsicing over the time in which baby is just becommong part of this world.

Recent macro images | favorites from in studio

Thanks for visiting my blog to see what type of macro images make baby have a special and unique final gallery! Since you enjoyed this topic, you may like reading about the following topics, too!

• How to Wrap a Newborn Baby: Three Great Styles

• Sarah's Favorite Newborn Baby Bean Bag Poses

• Family, Sibling and Parent Photos during Baby's First Photoshoot

• Where the magic happens: Houston Newborn Portrait Studio

Are you in IG? Me, too! Let's connect. 

Houston Newborn Photography including Family & Parent Posing | My Style

What to expect from family and parent photos of your baby's first professional photography session with top-ranked photographer Sarah Borchgrevink.

When booking a posed newborn session with me, you're securing an all-inclusive package meaning you select your package based on the number of digital files you'd like to receive. Sessions always include design, time and talent, retouching, and a specific number of digital files you may treasure forever.

The 'wrapped newborn collection' has the option to add family and sibling images. The 'petite' collection includes parent images with option to add sibling images. Finally, the 'full' collections includes family + sibling with no additional fees. All packages come with full resolution images, too, so you may print them as large or small as you wish, as many times, at some really great lab recommendations I have for you! 

One of the number one questions parents asks when booking is if they can be in the photos. Be sure to select a package that includes these or let me know if you'd like to add them onto the newborn session. I will provide you with some nice outfit ideas and also lead and guide you throughout the entire time together. You'll receive a newborn styling questionnaire + a posed prep guide telling you step by step instructions. I promise you're in good hands! 

After family photos, baby is the star! Everything is provided for your session, but the newborn of course, ha! Just bring your diaper bag while I joyfully photograph your precious bundle of joy. 

Sweet & Simple so baby is showcased

During the parent and family posing, my style is natural yet lifestyle in nature meaning the photos will showcase the love you have for baby. I always include a few of you looking at the camera and smiling, but we also like to have tender sweet moments such as kissing baby on the forehead, smiling at your spouse, and just the beauty of you taking baby's features in, marveling in the little life. 

I use this custom wood wall in my studio as well as the white, sheer curtains for two different looks.