Submission through the contact form is the best way. Alternatively, emailing me directly at ashleyhughesphotography@outlook.com works as well. Breastfeeding and fresh 48 sessions are considered booked once you have paid your non-refundable $75 session retainer. For birth collection to be booked, a non-refundable session retainer of $300 is due at the time of booking.
I currently accept cash and e-transfer.
The cake is supplied by the client. This allows you to choose a design, flavour, and bakery that suit your child, as well as accommodate any allergies or dietary needs.
A small, soft cake with light icing usually works best. Avoid hard fondant, wooden decorations, toothpicks, and anything that may be difficult or unsafe for your child to grab. Strong red or dark icing can also stain skin and clothing.
A basic backdrop, balloons, and a few simple accessories are included (banner, pouffs, stool, chair, tub). Setups are kept sweet and simple rather than heavily themed. You are welcome to discuss preferred colours before the session. If you have a specific theme please feel free to bring your own decor!
You may provide your own outfit, or optional cake smash outfits are available for an additional $25. Any purchased outfit is yours to keep after the session! Most include a hat, tie / bow-tie and a hat, there are also a few rompers and headbands availavble. Custom set's can sometimes be accommodated with enough notice. Custom smash sets are $35.
We’ll begin with a few clean birthday portraits before introducing the cake. Your little one will then have time to explore, taste, play, and make a mess at their own pace. If you have chosen a Smash & Splash we finish the session with 10 minutes of tub time.
That is completely normal. My daughter had almost no interest in her cake so we just got photos of her in front of the set up and with her older brother. Some children dive right in, while others touch the icing cautiously or show very little interest in eating it. The session is child-led, and we’ll focus on capturing their genuine reactions rather than forcing the moment.
I include a metal tub that I use for my sessions, if you have another bucket or tub you would like to use, please let me know ahead of time.
A clear 10x10 area near a window with good natural light is ideal. Moving small furniture or clearing the space before I arrive will help the setup go smoothly. I do also bring off camera lighting if there is not enough adequate light.
Please have the cake, your child’s portrait outfit, any personal decorations you would like included, wipes, a towel, and a clean outfit ready for afterward.
The session is primarily focused on the birthday child. A quick sibling or parent image may be possible if time allows, but full family portraits should be booked as a separate family session.
