It’s best to book your cake smash session about 3 months in advance to ensure availability around your baby’s first birthday and so that I have time to gather everything needed to make it perfect for you and your family. The date we choose depends on what you would like to do with the photos. Some families want photos on or near the big day. Others want to be able to share photos on the big day or use them for birthday invites or signage. In those cases I typically suggest scheduling the session for 3-4 weeks before baby's birthday.

Most sessions start with me taking photos of baby on a simple, solid-color backdrop so you have some traditional portraits focusing just on baby. We may also take photos of the family together on this same backdrop. Next is the big cake smash where baby is introduced to their cake and photographed on the set I've put together for you. Older siblings sometimes join this portion at the very end. To finish, most sessions end with a little splash in my tiny clawfoot tub. This helps bring out those big smiles (and sometimes big splashes) as well as helps clean baby up a little bit.

Families are able to choose if they'd like a simple cake smash setup or something more elaborate when booking their session. When designing the setup, I work closely with you to put together a theme or color scheme that reflects your baby’s personality and your style. From colors to decor, I'll create something perfect just for your little ones session.

Yes, I’ll source a beautiful, custom-made cake to match the theme of your session (as long as there are no allergy concerns). If there are allergy concerns, we'll chat about those and I'm often able to still provide the cake. Either way, I’ll make sure it’s safe and delicious for your little one to dig into!

Typically, families provide the outfits, and I’m happy to offer suggestions based on the theme we choose. I have a small collection of rompers and dresses for little ones you'll have a link to see in a virtual gallery. If anything from my little closet jumps out to you, just let me know and I'll make sure to have it available for your session!

The session typically lasts about an hour, depending on how comfortable your baby is with the cake and splash moments. I’ll go at your baby’s pace to make sure we get the best shots.

You’ll want to bring an outfit for your baby for the cake smash and the splash session (unless you’ve requested a specific outfit from me). If you'd like to bring anything to be incorporated into the setup, please chat with me ahead of time so I can plan ahead. Some water (or baby's beverage of choice) as well as some small non-staining snacks (like puffs) can be helpful as well if baby is unsure of the cake itself.

No worries! Not all babies are interested in the cake smash portion. Some prefer to enjoy the cake slowly or play with it in their own way, and that’s completely fine. I’ll focus on capturing natural moments, even if they’re a little more low-key!

Easy! Just send me a note through my contact form below or at hello@alyinspired.com to get everything started! We'll talk about the process and make sure I'm a great fit for you and your growing family. Once we're ready to move forward I'll send over my portrait agreement electronically or offer to meet in person to go over everything. At that time a reservation fee of $200+tax will be due for any session and goes directly towards the collection you've chosen at booking. Of course upgrades can be made at any time.