Cake Smash Sessions I Belfast Cake Smash Photographer, Northern Ireland

​Cake Smash Sessions I Belfast Cake Smash Photographer
​Northern Ireland
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​Let’s talk Cake Smash Sessions!
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​Cake Smash Sessions have recently become SUCH a big trend of celebrating baby's 1st birthday. I’m going to talk a little bit about my cake smash session process, and include some tips for cake smash sessions with your little one.
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Also, enjoy a cute Cookie Monster Cake Smash session with Benjamin.

CHOOSING ELENA MASON PHOTOGRAPY

I am so happy when people choose me to be their Cake Smash photographer for milestone sessions like this!
Cake Smash Session is a great and exciting way to celebrate baby’s first year! We always have lots of fun during these birthday sessions, and you have two options for the cake smash photo shoot; Cake Smash Mini Session that includes one cake smash setup, for those who want only a few images of this special milestone or Cake Smash Full Session that includes a beautiful mini portrait session besides the cake smash setup. 

My Cake Smash sessions can be as themed or as simple as you would like. Some parents love messy Cake Smash pictures, others may wish to focus more on capturing natural portraits of the birthday girl/boy as they celebrate turning one! And some may prefer a mixture! We will work together to create a custom cake smash set for your little one's big milestone! 
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE A CAKE SMASH SESSION?

In choosing the date and time, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. Are you wanting these photos back for a birthday party? If so, you’ll need to book in advance before their birthday so that you have enough time to choose your proofs and me to edit them for you. In this case, I recommend 4 weeks in advance. I also have clients that want the session to be close to the baby’s birthday, and that’s totally fine too! 
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The time of a day for the session is also very important. In my experience, 1 year old's are happiest in the morning, before their afternoon nap. I try to schedule Cake Smash sessions between 10am-12pm for this reason. 
​After you have chosen a date and are booked, I will get started planning your Cake Smash session.
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CHOOSING THEME FOR YOUR CAKE SMASH SESSION

When you book your Cake Smash session we will begin discussing all the details for your baby's session: colours, themes, outfits, cake, etc. 
​Are you going to go simple, or do you have a fun theme in mind? I have a really hard time choosing between these two things. I have done some simple cake smashes, and some very involved themed sessions, and I see the attraction of each. Feel free to browse photos from Cake Smash sessions​; Cake Smash Portfolio.
If you are thinking a theme, but don’t know where to begin, start by looking at what your child likes, think characters, activities, colours, parent's hobby, etc. Pinterest is always a wealth of ideas, it’s also another great place to look for Cake Smash themes. 

ARE THE DECORATIONS INCLUDED?

My cake smash sessions include almost everything you need, so you basically need to show up with the baby - that's it!
​I will provide decorations, props and cake, I also have several outfits in the studio and you are welcome to use if you wish. 
​I work with a local bakery who makes custom cakes to perfectly match the theme. The best part is - the cake will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive for the session! If you have concerns about the ingredients of the cake or your child has any food allergies, I'll be happy to provide the info about ingredients and discuss any modifications. I work exclusively with FIONN'esse Cakes and her cakes are AMAZING! 
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Not a fan of cake? We can "SMASH" anything! Donuts, pancakes, fruit... anything your baby loves to eat (or you just think would look cute in pictures!)

WHAT IF MY BABY DOESN'T LIKE THE CAKE?

​Working with babies you can always expect the unexpected. Please 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!
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Remember the baby is just one year old and is often shy of exploring a new texture, shape or taste, especially when surrounded by adults making funny noises and clapping to encourage them. It is a good idea to do a trial run at home a few days before with a cupcake with buttercream icing. Some babies have never had sweets before, or have a hard time feeling dirty or messy. Giving them a chance to explore for the first time at home can make it easier on the day of the session.  A trial run works in your favour, so do it!
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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY CAKE SMASH SESSION?

If you have chosen to have me provide everything, mostly you just need to show up with your baby, but there are some things you can bring along that can be helpful.

*Clothes. If I am providing the outfit, baby can come in anything you would like. If you would like photos done in more than just the cake smash outfit, please feel free to bring along another outfit you would like photos in. 
*Extra clothes for you. Bring a change of clothes for yourself in case you get covered too. Some parents leave as covered in cake as their baby, some parents are luckier, and only get a few spots.
*Water and snacks (BRIBE). Sometimes puffs just won’t do! If baby doesn’t want to eat a cake, we want them to want to eat something so pack food your child likes that is small and easily picked up. Babies get thirsty, and after eating a sweet cake cake, they’re going to want to have a drink. 

CAN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS COME ALONG TO OBSERVE THE SESSION?

Due to the current situation (covid-19) and other several reasons sessions will be limited to immediate family only. Only the people being photographed (parents, sibling, etc) will be welcome for sessions for the time being, extended family will be restricted from sessions.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE SESSION?

​Your gallery is ready for viewing  approximately 3-4 weeks after your newborn session. You will receive an online proofing gallery where you will then be able to choose your favorite images and place your order. I then edit and perfect those chosen images and return them to you in a final gallery where you can download them right to your computer. You will also receive the USB with your chosen images.
Mounted prints, albums and wall art can take up to 3-4 weeks from order date. 
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READY TO BOOK YOUR BABY'S CAKE SMASH SESSION?

Wonderful! We would love to be part of baby’s 1st Birthday celebration! Please fill out this Inquiry Form and we will contact you about availability, send you our most current Product Guide, and let you know the next step to locking in your session.

Please take a moment to check out the artist’s portfolio so you can get an idea of the style of imagery we create and so you know what to expect in your own gallery: Cake Smash Portfolio

Thank you so much for considering Elena Mason Photography for your Cake Smash!.

CLICK HERE to contact the studio for pricing and availability

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