Hannah’s Smash Cake Photoshoot in Portland, Oregon
Hannah’s first birthday smash cake photoshoot in Portland was absolute adorable cuteness! Mama contacted me after being referred by another photographer for this smash cake photo session. She wanted something not overly pink that celebrated her pandemic baby’s first year and we nailed it! I wanted it to be classic, with her one year old as the focus! I found the cutest little high chair from Vintage High Chair Rentals that let us be out in the middle of a field for her digging into her smash cake photoshoot! The weather was perfect for golden hour before sunset, and Hannah didn’t mind the extra outdoors time so close to bedtime. The balloon garland in neutral colors and vegan smash cake for her egg allergy really sealed the deal on this session!
Hannah was not shy about her smash cake photoshoot. She dug right in and loved it! Her mom said she loves the sound of a camera shutter, and that was definitely true! I got so many smiles out of her, which was no work at all. She was such a happy baby and I couldn’t get over her thigh rolls, little baby toes, and cheeks!
After it all, mama left me the most amazing review! Here it is! I love making parents happy! These times in our kid’s lives are so fleeting and I think we should always stop to celebrate the milestones!
“Wow wow wow! Where do I begin? I was very interested in doing a milestone photoshoot as something special to celebrate 1 year with my pandemic baby. I reached out to another professional photographer I previously worked with for a referral because I was specifically looking for milestone photography. I was so lucky she recommended Ann! She is incredibly responsive, covid-concious, and really good at engaging my daughter when taking photos. She is so creative and even special rented a vintage high chair and made a balloon garland to achieve a specific look for our shoot! She knew exactly what I was looking for and advised me on how to dress my baby and offered items from her client closet as well. The photos are so dreamy and everyone who saw them immediately asked who our photographer was! Would recommend and would use again! Thank you, Ann Marshall Photography!!”
Here’s some answers to common questions I get about my
Portland smash cake photoshoots:
When should my baby’s Smash Cake Photoshoot take place?
I recommend we do it at least 2 weeks before your baby’s birthday. This gives you time to get the images in time to share on his or her birthday!
Will we be indoors or outdoors for the Smash Cake Photoshoot?
This depends on your vision for your baby’s smash cake photoshoot and the time of year. Is it summer and you want a field? Then yes of course, let’s head outside. We will soak up the gorgeous Portland scenery and golden light before sunset. Is it December and you want a more elaborate theme or balloon garland too large to be set up outdoors? Then we should stick to indoors in the studio! I have done outdoors sessions into November. We just need to make sure baby is dressed well enough for the weather, and that the rain is not going to rain on our parade.
What time will by my baby’s smash cake photoshoot happen?
This depends on when your baby is the happiest! Usually after their first nap is best for indoors in the studio. But I’ve had babies come before their first nap at 8am because mom knew he would be happiest then! Cake at 8am? Yes, please, hah! If you are doing an outdoors cake smash photoshoot, the hour before sunset has the prettiest light.
What should my baby wear to their Portland smash cake photoshoot?
I have a client closet of adorable neutral outfits for baby girls and boys that I like to start the session off with. This lets us get some cute pictures of them while they are clean. Then parents often have a outfit they want to incorporate for the smash cake portion. This way you can have an heirloom to remember this time by if you are keeping a memory box. You are more than welcome to choose more than one of my outfits too if you are not going to be bringing your own. Typically two outfits are worn for two different looks during your baby’s Portland smash cake photoshoot.
Do we have to use a smash cake?
No! The sky’s the limit on your vision. Some parents have done spaghetti smashes, taco smashes, pancakes, even thanksgiving dinner, haha! Some ideas of non-food ones are painting, or just classic baby portraits with some cute decorations!
Are you wanting to celebrate your baby’s milestone with a special photoshoot? Reach out to me, I’d love to make your Portland smash cake photoshoot dreams come true!
