“I am SO happy that I booked my son's first birthday cake smash with Claire. We all had the most wonderful time, and Claire captured some very special and beautiful moments! Claire is lovely and is amazing at what she does. We are thrilled with the photographs, and I can't stop looking at them.” - Chenge
Your Smash Cake Photoshoot in London
The experience
My Smash cake session is a fun and playful photoshoot that allows your little one to let loose and have fun while we capture their candid expressions and silly moments.
For you, it’s a stress-free experience as I will handle everything for you!
This session is all about your child, but also includes Family portraits. You will walk away with a beautiful collections of images, reflecting their little personality.
What’s included
Your Smash cake photoshoot includes 10 digital images, naked cake and bubble bath, styling advices and access to my client’s wardrobe, link to your online private gallery with 50+ images to choose from.
The Smash cake session lasts 1 hour.
Booking
You can book your Smash cake session between 11 and 14 months old. Early booking is highly recommended as I take only a few bookings per month.
My usual turn around is 2 to 3 weeks time, so if you need the photos ahead of a party, be sure to book early enough so there is enough time for editing and printing. I can not deliver the photos in less than 2 weeks.
A deposit of £100 secures your space in my calendar.
Let’s get in touch !
Complete the form below to get in touch with me and discuss your dream session.
I aim to reply within 24h. Please check your spam folder if you don’t see a reply from me.
I can't wait to meet you !
Your Questions Answered
When should I book my shoot ?
Between 11 to 14 months old is perfect. If you really want the photos or even wall art ready before the actual date, it’s good to book the session for 1 month before their 1st birthday.
I need at least 1 week notice before the shoot to order the cake.
Where is your studio ?
My in-home studio is located in Warlingham. You can park in the driveway so there is no stress about parking !
How long will the session take ?
First Birthday sessions last 1 hour. Parents and siblings included in the session too if you wish.
Do I pay a deposit ?
Yes, a non-refundable deposit of £100 is due at the time of booking, to secure your session date & time. This is then deducted from the session fee.
I have a date booked, what's next ?
Once we have agreed on a date, I will send you a booking confirmation email which includes a contract & invoice. Once you have read and signed the contract and paid the non-refundable £100 deposit, your session is confirmed. You will then receive your Welcome guide & your Styling guide. I will send you a questionnaire to get to know you better and we can plan a 15 min call to answer all the remaining questions you would have :)
What should me and my family wear?
I will send you a Styling guide prior to the session with tips on what to wear or what to avoid. I have also a few dresses and baby clothes in my client wardrobe that you are welcome to use. My style is very neutral & white tones, which makes your photos timeless. I don’t have anything for Dads, but a simple white shirt or t-shirt with a beige or grey trouser work wonder.
For the Smash cake, I would recommend a white bodysuit (I have some in my client’s wardrobe if needed) or a white/cream bloomer or romper.
What if I am sick or my kid is sick ?
It's better to reschedule then. Nobody wants to do a shoot with a fever or runny nose! We can reschedule once without additional fees.
Which days and times are available ?
I shoot part-time at the moment as I still have a corporate job during the week. I shoot Fridays and also some weekends. The rest is for family time ! I am a natural light photographer, so at the moment it's better to shoot between 10:00 and 16:00.
Do you offer products or prints ?
Yes I do. I believe that your gorgeous photos shouldn’t just stay on your laptop or phone, but truly deserved a place on your wall. I have a simple choice of products available to you, from frame to albums with some very original other products too.
I can show you some samples after your session, and I have a Product Guide I can send you.
How much does it cost ?
My Smash Cake & Bubble Bath package is £280 and includes x10 digital images and matching prints.
Do I need to bring something specific ?
I will provide the towels for after the bubble bath. You just need to bring some spare baby clothes for after the bath.
Some moisturising cream, if it’s something you like to apply on baby’s skin after the bath.
What happens after the session ?
It usually takes 2-3 weeks to deliver a gallery. You will receive an email with a link to your gallery. You can select your favourites by clicking on the little heart icon. Your package will include 10 photos already, but if you love more than 10 then you can upgrade to one of my collections. Just let me know and I will send you an invoice. You can pay by bank transfer or Paypal. I ask my clients to select their photos within 7 days otherwise there is an extra fee of £20.
Do you provide hair & make-up ?
I don’t at the moment, but I am looking into it, so watch the space.
What cake and bubble bath products do you use ?
The cake will be a Naked cake, so just a basic sponge cake and vanilla cream around it. If your little one has allergies, please let me know beforehand. For the bubble bath, I use Childs Farm Baby Bedtime Bubbles Organic Tangerine, which is suitable for sensitive skin (Paediatrician & Dermatologist approved) . If your little one has sensitive skin and you would prefer to bring your own bubbles shower gel, please let me know.
What if my baby has allergies ?
I always ask you to let me know before booking if they have allergies. My cake supplier is able to provide vegan cake and cream, so you are all good !
What if my baby cries ? will you wait for him to settle ?
Of course. My sessions are baby-led. We will go at his/her pace and I will never force a baby to do something they don’t enjoy.