FAQ Cake Smash & Splash
Frequently Asked Questions
It is best if your session is booked at least 1-2 months in advance although I may be able to accommodate last minute sessions too.
You can book your session online or contact me with your preferred session date and theme before booking.
Harry Potter? Cars? Cinderella? Trains? Or something simple? I may not have all the themes on display but let me know your vision and I will do my best to accommodate it!
If you wish to order a styled cake via my cake maker there is an extra charge of €60-80 (depending on your wishes) for the cake which will go directly to the third party. The cake needs to be booked well in advance and is subject to allergies and availability.
The cake is optional, it is paid by you when booking the session and is treated as provided by you but I take all the hassle away and order it at your request and on your behalf from a third party cake maker, and get it delivered to the studio. Please discuss any ingredients, allergies and concerns with me. You are welcome to bring your own cake but it is subject to some “no go” ingredients / colouring and needs to match your chosen backdrop / theme and fit my cake stands.
All my cake smash sessions include an optional portrait part before the cake which can be done on the same or a different backdrop. It often involves a change of outfit for the baby that can be brought by you or borrowed from the selection of outfits available at my studio.
This is the part where other family members can have their pictures with the baby too. We will discuss this option during the consultation before your photo shoot. I will send you a what-to- wear guide with tips on how to coordinate your wardrobe.
If you choose not to have a family portrait or think that too many outfit changes might be too much for your little one we can start with a cake right away! I will capture a few quick clean shots before it gets messy and then we’ll bring the cake in.
Should you not feel comfortable giving me the consent to publish your photos (on my website and social media platforms), I am more than happy to respect your privacy and only share the images with you.
My cake maker not only matches the cake to your chosen theme, colours and backdrop, she also makes the most delicious cakes! Even if the cake has simplified baby friendly ingredients it is always fresh, soft, easy for your baby to smash and tastes delicious.
If the baby has any allergies I can arrange the cake maker to accommodate the needs or we can choose to do a fruit smash instead. If neither of those work for some more food sensitive babies I can even provide a fake but a very real looking cake. You will still have the cutest images to take home and will never know the cake wasn’t real!
Good thing all cake smash sessions include a bath splash time where the baby gets to soak in a warm and soapy water and go home not only with great pictures but all fresh and clean! Usually this is the favourite part for everyone so even if the baby wasn’t very much interested in eating or smashing the actual cake, he / she will most certainly have lots of fun while splashing the water around! Along with a regular bubbly bath I can also arrange a milk / milk alternative baby bath spa and a transparent bathtub to go with the white milk too.
It is up to you if you want the baby to wear a nappy suitable for swimming or be naked – I don’t mind either and will only take pictures while the baby is sitting in the bathtub which I always make sure that they do due to safety.
Here’s everything summarized for you to quickly review before heading out.
My studio prop stash is always growing and what I provide will depend on your chosen theme / style but this is what is generally included with the session:
A customised backdrop from the backdrops already owned or a brand new backdrop where applicable / available
A white floor or a floor matching the set up / theme
Decor and props like florals, balloons, crates, etc.
A selection of optional outfits for a 1 year old matching the backdrop / theme
A matching cake stand – mostly wooden and baby friendly
A wooden spoon
A stylised cake* (subject to allergies) or a fake cake or other alternatives
Wooden letters and / or a cake topper “ONE”
A bathtub with warm water and some bath bubbles (you are welcome to bring your own especially if the baby has allergies)
- A stylised cake.
- Baby snacks, puffs
- Baby’s water
- A towel
- A change of clothes for yourself and the baby
- Bath bubbles (optional, can be provided)
- Swimming nappy (optional)
- A favourite toy
- A favourite song / show on your phone / tablet
A non refundable session fee of €50 (+ costs of cake) needs to be paid to secure your session date. The session fee includes your session time, photographer’s creativity, use of props, equipment and studio, personalised decorations – it does not include any images or products, but will be deducted from your final package fee.
This is entirely up to you. You can visit my studio or we can meet in your favourite park or place in and around Vienna.
My studio is located at Schlöglgasse 11/9, 1120 Vienna – easily accessible by public transport. The S-Bahn and Tram 62 stop conveniently close to my studio.
By all means do not keep the baby hungry; however, if the session time is closer to the baby’s snack time or if the baby only had half of the snack before the session they will be more interested in trying the cake which is the aim of the session and all those fun filled pictures.
The biggest tip that can be given before any important photo session is to relax! I know it is often easier said than done and we have all been there but the baby can often pick up on stress and how Mum feels, and we want them to come happy, positive, eager to play and enjoy their photo shoot.
It is totally normal to go all Instagram crazy and have multiple outfits in mind and high expectations; however, remember that it is the baby who runs the show. Some babies really love people, new places and mess and would dig into the cake right away while smiling for the camera at the same time, some might be shy or overwhelmed by a new place and new experience and might need a bit of encouragement to get to their normal selves.
If it is their first time having something sweet (which usually is!) they might even dislike the taste of the cake and refuse to eat it or go anywhere near the cake at all. It is totally normal and not unusual as every baby is so different!
Please do not get discouraged if the baby does not behave as expected and doesn’t shower us with smiles and laughter on the day. They are experiencing something very new and often would take the job of smashing the cake (or just exploring it gently), new tastes or bubbles and splashing in the bathtub very seriously! We still get to capture beautiful pictures, some smiles and a huge, one in a lifetime, milestone of your baby along with his / her personality. One or two crying pictures next to the cake often end up being the most favourite and will make you laugh when you look back at them and remember that sweet face and all the cake drama years later!
Not a problem! If for whatever the reason you have decided a cake smash is not for you, do reach out for a chat. We can always arrange something alternative and not less fun at all like a donut smash, paint splash, watermelon, strawberry party or even a pasta fiesta if you like!