Dream Portraits
by olaya
cake smash client guide
studio session tips, outfit and planning guidance, recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Hello and Welcome
I'm so excited and honored that you are considering us for your photography needs and can’t wait to get to know you better! I honestly believe that photography is one of the most rewarding investments you'll make over the course of your life because it allows us to relive those precious moments over and over again. Regardless if you are planning a session, or a package that will encompass the growth of your family, there are a lot of things to consider and prepare for.
Having photographed a substantial number of families over the past years, I tend to get asked the same things frequently. So, I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that could walk you through everything from preparing for your maternity, newborn session to milestone, family sessions and all of the things you need to know along the way.
- Olaya
Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the session planning process!
Babies are cute and icing-covered, messy babies are even cuter when you book a cake smash session with me. Cake smashes are a long-standing tradition for first birthday parties, but have recently become an occasion to photograph professionally. You have probably already started planning your baby’s first birthday party with cute themes, toddler games, and a spread of snacks or food. When we photograph your baby’s first birthday at the studio, we’ll create the same theme within our own style and baby-focused mission. By keeping the colors and themes.
Your cake smash session includes both family and baby poses. We’ll update your family portraits, photograph baby individually, and then set up for baby to enjoy some cake. Quite often, parents have their baby wear one outfit for family and individual photos and then dress baby in a different outfit for the cake smash. I will be available prior to your session, to discuss parent and baby outfit coordination and support you in planning for this occasion. All of this is to ensure that you love the outcome of these celebration portraits.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Planning for your cake smash session
invest today
The last thing you want to think about after having a baby is taking pictures. Life is unpredictable, but there a wonderful beauty in this. When planning a studio newborn session - timing is everything!
The best time for the happy sleepy baby images you have seen all over Pinterest, is within the first 14 days. The sessions as best then because baby is still mostly sleeping and nursing all day. I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos, so if you can't get in during that time frame - we can work with older more alter babies too. As far as a what goes on during the session goes, I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” the parents has in mind - I have a huge collection of outfits, wraps, backdrops and props to accommodate all you baby requests. We can sit down together and chat about your 'vision' for the images and poses before baby is born and your time is taken up with the hustle and bustle of caring for that precious little one. Additionally, if you wish to do a family inclusive session, I have can give advice about clothing that will work with the newborn theme without matching too much as well as the option to pamper the new momma with hair and make-up.
Sessions typically are shot during the week in the morning hours, when baby has their first big feeding for the day and will sleep for a long amount of time. Times can vary depending on the session you select and how willing baby is for posing and outfit changes. I have been doing this for years and can always work around your little one's schedule.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Planning for your newborn session
maternity session
milestone session
on to the next
Family portraits should capture the beauty and essence of your family at whatever phase you’re in. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, a parent’s love is like no other. Family Sessions helps to give you peace of mind, ensuring that you are able to document & capture their most precious moments.
When I set out for a family portrait session, I hope to capture connections and authentic expressions. I will still provide posing guidance, wardrobe planning, and either a pretty location or classic studio environment, but your family is the focus and you bring your true selves to each session.
The backdrop is your choice. We can head out into Tampa Bay Area outdoors to find you a scenic backdrop. Sunshine beaches, forest, field or urban , this state has so much beauty to add to family portrait sessions. Some families prefer the consistency and timeless look of studio portrait lighting and backdrops. I am pleased to be able to offer you a professional studio portrait experience as well. Whichever environment you choose for your family portrait, you and your loved ones will be the focus.
I schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, I could run out of light before I’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
Planning for your milestone session
newborn session
maternity session
on to the next
make an investment
1 Hour / 2 Outfit
10 Digital Images
Theme
Only Baby
1 to 1/2 Hours
3 Outfits
Theme
20 Digital Images
Baby & Family
2 Hours
4 Outfits
Theme
30 Digital Images
Baby & Family
$750
$1100
$1500
* Cakes and Outfits not included
*Saturday Sessions have a $100 Additional Fee
*Sessions are up to 5 family members any additional have an additional fee of $25 each.
*A non-refundable retainer fee of $300 is due at time of booking to secure your session date and is applied towards your session balance. Remaining balance due the day of your session.
Additional images are $40 each
*Prices subject to change without notice. Pricing will be honored at time of booking.
**A 7.5 % FL sales tax will be added to all packages
We can't wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! If you haven't scheduled your studio session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at dreamportraits@hotmail.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your photography session details much easier and less stressful. I can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my guide!