Britt's Cake Smash Photoshoot Guide

Welcome!

If you're here your most likely planning your little one's first birthday photoshoot. Britt is located in St. Cloud Minnesota and I operate a home studio specializing in styled cake smash and first birthday photography. I'm been photographing babies for over 10 years so along the way I've learned a few tricks and tips that can help make your child's first birthday photoshoot a success!

When should I book?

Typically I recommend photoshoots happen around 11 months old. To ensure you get the best date for your session, it’s wise to book early. It's never too early to book! Especially if you are wanting a weekend session I only take 1 client per day.

The first year goes by in a flash, and before you know it, your baby will be turning one. Brittany Stanly Photography often schedules sessions weeks in advance, especially during peak months. By securing your spot early, you can relax and look forward to a wonderful experience capturing these new milestones.

What should I expect?

• Depending on the package that you book your session can last from 30minutes to an 1 hour. Babies don't keep so I try to be really efficient with my shots so that we don't exhuast all their energy by the end of the photoshoot.

• Portraits without the cake as always done no matter what package you choose. The luxe package includes a different set (and outfit) while the petite and keepsake are all on one set. Some babies love cake others hate it! After the cake smash I have a little bath tub that I do a few more pictures in for some cute splash photos. We can never erally

• Remember they are in a new environment with someone they've never met before. Babies usually take a little bit to warm up, that's to be expected. Please know that I do everything possible to get your little one to smile but ultimately babies do what they want and when they want. Growing up and turn 1 is alot of work!

• Babies can be fast little little things! I often use parents to place baby in a spot or prop so that I can be ready to snap a photo as soon as possible. Consider this your workout for the day and plan on leaving with some frosting on you as well.

How can I prepare?

• Practice, practice, practice! I can't say this enough but get some mini cupcake a couple of weeks before their session and allow them to play with them. This is crucial as the sticky texture of frosting and how sweet it is can take a few tries to warm up to. And even if you practice please remember that babies again have a mind of their own. One day they will love something and the next they may hate it. You'll want to bring their favorite snack/food for them just in case we need to hide something behind or inside the cake.

• Schedule around their nap time. The earliest I am available for sessions is 8 am. Please ensure your baby has a good nap directly before their session wherever possible or schedule the time so that it is shortly after when they wake up for breakfast. Ensuring your baby is well rested is the single most important thing you can do before your session, to ensure the best chance of success on the day.

• Feed them a snack right before you leave home. Yes, they’re going to be eating cake, but equally, if your baby is really hungry when they arrive, they are unlikely to want to cooperate. Remember to bring a drink for your little one too, as they may need a breather from their cake!

What should I bring?

• A favourite toy (not to go in the pictures but to get baby looking towards it if needed)

• Change bag supplies – diapers, wipes etc.

• A drink for baby.

• Their favorite snack or food. Sometimes we need a little break

• Towel and wash cloth

• Outfit for pictures if you don't plan on using mine.

• Payment. The final balance is due at the time of the session. Please plan to pay with either zelle, venmo, or cash (please note I typically do not keep change on me)

Where are you located?

My home address is 5859 Sandy Drive. Please park on the far left in from of our third stall garage. Thanks!