Cake Smash Photography Session FAQs
June 6th, 2025 by Megan
When is the best time to book a cake smash?
Clients are welcome to book as early as they'd like. Ideally at least 4 weeks is preferred. This allows time to order any necessary items. Some clients prefer the session close to baby’s birthday, while others want images ready for invitations or the party. In that case, schedule the session approximately 3 weeks before you need the images back.
How long does it take to get the images back?
About 1 week after your session, you’ll receive an email with a link to your online selection gallery. This gallery contains all well-captured images from your session. Package 1 includes 12 images and Package 2 includes 25 images. Additional images may be purchased:
- $25 per image
- 5 images for $100
- 10 images for $175
Once selections are final, you'll be added to the final edit list. Turnaround is approximately 1 week (may be longer during holidays). Payment can be made via Venmo or email invoice. When edits are complete, you’ll receive a download link with instructions.
What to bring for the session?
- A familiar snack (cheerios, puffs, fruit, etc.) to encourage eating the cake
- A clean outfit for baby to wear home
- If adding a splash bath: bring a towel (disposable towels are available if forgotten)
Will mom/dad get messy?
Most likely, yes! Babies at this age are active. Someone will need to help guide baby back to the set. Icing spreads easily—be prepared and dress comfortably.
May I invite family members?
Please limit guests to immediate family. Too many people can distract baby during the session.
What theme can I choose?
You may choose any theme you like! Each set is custom and unique. I encourage selecting something personal or meaningful. Here are some ideas:
- Just colors – no theme
- Favorite song or book (e.g. Baby Shark, Peter Rabbit)
- Holiday or seasonal (e.g. Christmas, Halloween, Spring)
- Florals and/or boho
- Favorite toys (e.g. blocks, teddy bears)
- Family activity or vacation (e.g. camping, baking)
- A career (e.g. fireman, nurse, mechanic)
- The baby’s nursery theme
- A sentimental moment or memory
- A favorite show or character (e.g. Disney, Cocomelon)
- The birthday party theme
- A favorite food (e.g. watermelon, pizza, lemons)
What cake design can I choose?
Professional cakes are made by Deanna’s Cakery in Temecula. You can add:
- Simple Design Cake – $40
- Custom Design Cake – $60
Examples of Simple Design Cakes ($40):
- Ruffle Cake
- Solid or Texture Cake
- Drip Cake
- Rosette Cake
- Ombre Color Cake
- Naked Cake
Examples of Custom Design Cakes ($60):
- Fondant designs
- Complex or themed designs
Can I bring my own cake?
Absolutely! You may bring a cake from a bakery or homemade. I typically order 6" 2-layer cakes. You can bring a different size, but keep the following in mind:
- 4" cakes should be 3 layers for height
- 8" cakes often come with 10–12" boards and may need to be placed on the floor
I recommend vanilla frosting for best photos. Please avoid:
- Red – can look like blood
- Black – stains and can resemble tar
- Dark brown – can resemble poop
Writing on top of the cake is usually not legible from the front. For text, opt to have it written on the side/front of the cake instead.
Posted in: Cake Smash