Smash & Splash · Session Guide
Smash & Splash Guide
Portraits, cake, and a warm bath — your little one's first birthday
What to expect
Your session, in three parts
Smash & Splash sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Avoid scheduling the session at baby's nap time.
- 01
Part 1 — The portraits
The first 20–30 minutes are milestone pictures, where we capture the personality of your little one across one or two backgrounds. You choose a simple balloon wall or a full balloon wall at the time of booking. We typically get through 2–3 outfit and backdrop changes, depending on how cooperative baby is feeling.
- 02
Part 2 — The smash
We begin with pictures of the cake and set, then baby with the cake. Once the cake comes in, this portion takes about 15 minutes. We let your baby set the pace — some dig right in and destroy the cake, others need encouragement and even a little help getting past the frosting. Be ready to get your hands dirty. We ask that baby stays in the cake area so the rest of the studio stays clean (especially if they already walk or crawl).
- 03
Part 3 — The bath
We finish with a warm bath, so please bring a clean outfit for the ride home. Choose between a floral bath, a fruit bath, or the traditional bath with adorable ducks — and for themed sessions, we can swap ducks for little dinosaurs, for example. A white, hotel-grade, freshly washed towel is provided in studio. The bath is optional; please let your photographer know in advance if you're opting out, as it's prepared ahead of time.
Styling
What to wear
After choosing the theme or color scheme for the session, then you can choose the outfits. I suggest one white outfit (romper, dress, etc.), one in the color of your choice, and a third that matches the cake. I'd be more than happy to help style your baby and suggest links or specific outfits if needed.
- Outfit 1 — a simple white romper or dress
- Outfit 2 — your chosen accent color
- Outfit 3 — coordinated with the cake design
- Etsy is a wonderful resource for custom-made outfits that make the session memorable.
Resources
My favorite shops & local boutiques
Packing list
What to bring
- Cake smash outfit
- 2–3 additional outfits for baby
- Change of clothes for parents, just in case
- Diapers
- Sippy cup to help wash down the cake
- Snacks — think Cheerios or puffs
- A clean outfit for the ride home after the bath
Frequently asked
Questions parents ask
Who provides the cake?
The photographer — the session includes the cake. The design is chosen by the photographer and parents together before the session and added to the inspiration board at least 2 weeks beforehand. Please let us know of any food allergies ahead of time.
Can parents or siblings be part of the pictures?
Honestly, the cake smash isn't the best time for family pictures — it's already a long session for baby, and the cake portion images suffer when everyone is tired. That said, there's an add-on upgrade for families who still want them, photographed in Part 1 before the cake smash.
How do I know what the session will look like?
I create a visual inspiration board ahead of time to bring your vision to life — an individual board is made for every single session.
When will my images be ready?
Allow 3–5 weeks for sorting, editing, printing, and setting up your post-session appointment in studio. Be ready to see beautiful prints and an album — and most likely to upgrade your package, because your baby will only be this little once. The wait is worth it.
Go with the flow
Sometimes nothing goes as planned! Try to go with it anyway — you never know what amazing photos you might get.
Glam Studios · 11201 Hoyt Court, West Pasco, WA · Angela Johnson Photography
