Simple Sophistication
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only
Let's plan a
newport beach ● QUEEN CREEK
Hi! I’m so happy you’re here and excited you’re considering a cake smash session for your little one. These sessions are one of my favorites because they’re joyful, playful, and mark such a big milestone.
Before we talk details, I wanted you to see exactly how cake smash sessions work at Gilmore Studios so you can decide if this feels like the right fit for your family.
Pre-session planning and guidance
Access to studio props and themed backdrops
Personality portraits before the cake on a white background
The cake smash itself (messy, fun, baby-led)
Optional splash images afterward
A private online gallery to view your images
We offer a variety of backdrop themes to choose from, or you’re welcome to upgrade to a custom set. Be sure to visit our Cake Smash page to see all of the available themes and inspiration.
We include a simple white cake complimentary. If you’d like a cake that’s custom or designed to match your backdrop, you’re welcome to bring your own or upgrade to a custom cake through our local bakery. If your child has any food allergies, we ask that you please bring your own cake.
Cake smash sessions are typically scheduled around 8:00am or 12:00pm, when most babies are happiest. We’ll connect to choose the best date and timing for your little one.
It’s completely normal for little ones to feel shy or experience a bit of stranger danger at first, so parents stay close the entire time. We’ll begin with classic portraits (and parent photos) on a white backdrop before bringing out the cake. I recommend bringing a change of clothes you don’t mind getting a little buttercream on, since you’ll likely be right next to your little one helping and encouraging them.
After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your images and choose the images for your collection. I’m always happy to help you decide if you’d like guidance.
Once you’ve downloaded your digital images and purchased any additional items, you get to enjoy! If you’d like help deciding what to print or how to use your images, I’m always happy to guide you so your images don’t just live on your phone.
After your session, you’ll view your images in a private online gallery and choose from a few collections that include digital images.
Most families invest between $995–$3500, depending on how many images they choose and how they plan to enjoy them. I’ll guide you through the process once your gallery is ready, so it never feels overwhelming.
Photographer's time, talent & editing
(products and digitals are sold separately)
$250 for a current theme: Cake Smash
$400 for a custom theme
$750
$1,395
Session Fee is separate
$2395
Session Fee is separate
Print credit is included as a complimentary part of some collections to make it easier to create something tangible from your images. It isn’t transferable or redeemable for cash, and unused credit expires when the gallery closes. Complimentary print credit is only available in the collections when you book or prior to viewing your gallery.
We suggest scheduling 4-6 weeks in advance so we will have time to gather the props for your theme, the backdrop, and get the custom cake ordered.
No, we work with a local bakery for your session. Each cake included is naked. You are welcome to upgrade to a custom cake for the baker's additional fee. We will even box it up for you to take home afterward if it doesn’t get completely smashed. If your child has allergies - please bring your own cake.
We recommend bringing two outfits for the cake smash that coordinate with your chosen backdrop and theme, plus something clean for the baby to wear home. We can supplement with our huge assortment of hats, headbands, and tutus if needed. We also recommend an outfit change for the parent. Sometimes you can get messy with little hands on you.
All cake smash sessions are done in our studio, typically in the early morning or lunchtime.
Your images will be available online 7-10 business days after your session. You will be able to download the digital images you purchased as well as order prints, albums, canvases and more. If you would like to do an online ordering session with Gilmore Studios, that works great too.
Don’t worry! This is very common at this age. We have a few tricks for these kids and we will still get plenty of great shots, even if they refuse to touch the cake. We do recommend practicing at home incase that is the situation.
Digital images are great but are often filed away and rarely looked at. Get the most out of your images with professional photo products made for family heirlooms and passed from generation to generation.
Albums turn your images into something tangible. Something your family can reach for, revisit, and grow with. Long after trends change, albums remain.
This is by far a customer favorite!
Made with 1/16" thick pages and over 40 cover options, each album is crafted to be enjoyed for a lifetime.
8x8 with 20 pages.....................................$995
10x10 with 20 pages.................................$1595
12x12 with 20 pages................................$1895
Additional pages.........................................$75
Press Books are a lightweight photo book option featuring your images in a clean, modern layout. They’re easy to enjoy, share, and display, and make a great keepsake or gift.
8x8 with 20 pages....................................$650
10x10 with 20 page................................$850
12x12 with 20 pages................................$950
Additional pages........................................$75
Custom designed 5×7 thank-you cards can be created using your favorite images from the session. Many clients love printing them before the party and sending guests home with a card and small favor as a sweet, personal touch.
(white envelopes included)
5x7 flat................................................$3 each
Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ
Session by appointment only