Available for in-home
& studio sessions
Serving NYC &
surrounding areas
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CAKE SMASH SESSION PREP GUIDE
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Baby’s First Birthday Session
Your cake smash session includes two different looks: timeless birthday portraits followed by the cake smash celebration.
Some babies dive right into the cake, while others explore it slowly. Both are completely normal. We will follow your baby’s cues and keep the experience relaxed and fun.
TIMELESS BIRTHDAY PORTRAITS
Before the birthday celebration begins, we start with simple, timeless portraits on a white backdrop.
We usually select one classic outfit for these photographs before changing your baby into a second outfit for the cake smash. This gives you a beautiful variety of portraits that are not entirely centered around the birthday theme.
DESIGNING YOUR CAKE SMASH
You do not need to design the setup yourself. All you need to do is tell me which color palette you prefer, and I will take care of the rest.
Each setup is styled to feel classic and timeless, with simple details that complement your chosen colors without taking attention away from your baby.
CHOOSE YOUR COLOR PALETTE
Not sure what you would like? Browse the cake smash examples below for inspiration.
You can choose the same palette as one of the examples or use the photographs to help you decide which colors you prefer. The final styling may vary slightly, but it will maintain the same timeless and minimal feel.
THE CAKE
Your cake is provided and is included with your session.
The cakes are white and can be decorated to coordinate with your selected color palette. I also provide the cake topper and all styling details.
Please let me know before the session if your baby has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. If your baby has never tried cake or frosting, offer a small amount at home beforehand to check for any sensitivities.
You can also let your baby practice touching soft foods such as yogurt or whipped cream. Some babies need a little time to become comfortable with the texture.
PLAN AROUND NAPS
Choose a session time when your baby is usually happiest. Try to keep naps and feedings as close to their normal schedule as possible.
A well-rested baby is more important than arriving with an empty stomach. Please give your baby a light meal before the session so they are comfortable and happy.
INTRODUCE CAKE BEFOREHAND
If your baby has never tasted cake or frosting, offer a small amount at home before the session. This gives you time to identify any sensitivities and helps your baby become familiar with the taste and texture.
You can also let your baby practice touching soft foods such as yogurt or whipped cream. Some babies are unsure about getting their hands messy at first.
DURING THE CAKE SMASH
Your baby may need a little time to warm up to the cake. I may ask you to place a small amount of frosting on their finger or help break open the cake.
Please do not worry if your baby does not completely smash the cake. Some babies taste it, some touch it carefully, and some want nothing to do with it. We will follow their cues and keep the experience relaxed.
WHAT TO BRING
• Diapers and wipes
• A change of clothing for your baby
• An extra shirt for the assisting parent
• A bottle or cup of water
• Non-messy snacks
• A favorite small toy
• A pacifier, if used
• A towel or washcloth
• A bag for messy clothing
WARDROBE
We usually plan two outfits:
• One classic outfit for the timeless white-backdrop portraits
• One outfit for the cake smash celebration
The studio has a beautiful collection of classic outfits available for babies up to 18 months, including traditional Feltman Brothers–style pieces, rompers, dresses, bloomers, and birthday accessories.
Party hats and other simple accessories are also available at the studio.
You are welcome to bring your own outfits, but there is no need to purchase anything specifically for the session. We can select everything together when you arrive.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Please clean your baby’s face, hands, and nails before the session. Avoid applying heavy lotion or oil immediately beforehand, as it can make the skin appear shiny.
Remove tight socks, headbands, or clothing that may leave marks on the skin at least 30 minutes before the session.
FAVORITE TOYS AND SONGS
Think about the songs, sounds, or games that usually make your baby smile. You may be asked to stand close to the camera and help get their attention.
Please do not worry if your baby does not smile immediately. Serious expressions, curiosity, and quiet moments are all part of their personality at this age.
PARENTS
Even if the session is mainly focused on your baby, I recommend arriving prepared to be photographed.
Choose a simple, neutral outfit without logos or busy patterns. We can include a few natural portraits of you holding or interacting with your baby.
for siblings
Choose something simple, comfortable, and familiar. Dresses, rompers, overalls, sweaters, and neutral shirts photograph beautifully.
Avoid introducing a brand-new or uncomfortable outfit on the day of the session. A comfortable sibling is much more likely to participate happily.
Your outfit sets the tone for everyone else's, so choose yours first.
Rather than trying to coordinate the entire family at once, find something you feel beautiful, comfortable, and completely yourself in. From there, it's much easier to build everyone else's outfits around yours.
When choosing your dress, look for pieces with soft movement—flowing fabrics, gentle sleeves, skirts that catch the breeze, or beautiful textures like linen, cotton, or gauze. Most importantly, choose something that lets you move freely, cuddle your babies, and forget you're wearing it. When you feel comfortable, you're able to be fully present.
01. Start with Mom
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Instead of matching everyone exactly, choose a palette that naturally belongs together.
Soft creams, warm whites, oatmeal, sage, dusty blue, muted blush, terracotta, camel, olive, and soft greys all photograph beautifully together.
Aim for two or three complementary colors, then repeat them throughout your family's outfits rather than putting everyone in the same shade.
02. Think in Palettes, Not Matching
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Your photographs should feel just as beautiful twenty years from now as they do today.
Classic silhouettes, natural fabrics, and simple, well-loved pieces will always outlast fast-changing trends. Skip anything that feels overly trendy or likely to date your photographs.
When in doubt, choose the outfit you'll still love years from now. Your family's connection should be what stands out—not the fashion of the moment.
03. Timeless Will Always Win
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Beautiful photographs don't need busy patterns—they need depth.
Soft textures like linen, cotton gauze, knit sweaters, lace, eyelet, muslin, velvet, wool, and subtle embroidery create richness without distracting from the people wearing them. Patterns can be beautiful too, but use them thoughtfully. If one family member wears a delicate floral or subtle plaid, let everyone else wear solids or textured fabrics to create balance.
When in doubt, choose texture over pattern. It's timeless, effortless, and keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on your family.
04. Let Texture Tell the Story
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The most timeless photographs are the ones where your family is the first thing you notice.
Large logos, character graphics, athletic wear, neon colors, and busy prints can easily pull attention away from the moments you're trying to preserve. While they may feel fun today, they can quickly make your photographs feel dated years from now.
Instead, choose clothing that quietly complements the story you're telling. The goal is for people to notice your family's connection—not what everyone was wearing.
05. Keep it simple
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Beautiful photographs begin with feeling comfortable.
If you're constantly adjusting a dress, pulling at a neckline, or asking your toddler to stop scratching an itchy sweater, it will show.
Choose clothing you can move, cuddle, sit on the floor, lift little ones, and simply live in. If you're comfortable, you'll spend less time thinking about your outfit and more time enjoying your family.
And that's exactly where the magic happens.
06. Comfort Creates Confidence
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PETS
Pets are welcome to be included when it can be done safely.
If you would like photographs with your pet, please let me know before the session. Have treats available and, if possible, arrange for someone to help manage the pet during the photographs.
Please make sure your pet has had a walk or activity before the session. After their portion is finished, they should have a comfortable space away from the main photography area.
Your baby’s safety will always come first, and pet photographs will depend on your pet’s comfort and behavior.
our studio
wardrobe
What Happens Next
01. Your session
02. Hand editing
Enjoy the moment. I'll take care of everything else.
Over the next 2–3 weeks, every image is carefully selected and individually edited with my signature style.
03. Your proof gallery arrives
You'll receive an email with your proofing gallery, ready for you to fall in love with your images.
04. Viewing & ordering
Choose your favorites online, or join me for an in-person viewing at the studio. This is when you select the collection that's right for your family.
05. Enjoy them often
Your final gallery and heirloom artwork arrive according to the collection you've chosen — ready to print, frame, and revisit for years to come.
Leave Room for
the Unexpected.
No family session goes exactly as planned. Someone will probably get grass on their knees. Someone might need a snack five minutes after you arrive. A toddler may decide shoes are suddenly unacceptable. None of those things are problems.
They're childhood.
The less tightly we hold onto expectations, the more room there is for genuine moments to unfold.
