Houston-based Kat E Photography gifted this session to my family in exchange for a detailed and honest review on my blog. As always, all opinions are my own.
We used Houston-based Kat E Photography for Jacob’s one year photo shoot. The fun part was – it was centered around Jacob’s first ever bite of cake! We didn’t do a cake smash session with Adeline, so I was so excited for this shoot. I think almost any photo session is better when you are able to catch the subjects in action, and letting a little one try cake for the first time makes for some of the cutest photos!
I also felt like this was a great age to photograph. Because an almost one year old can sit up easily (without fear of falling and hitting their head), but are not necessarily walking yet. (At least Jacob wasn’t at the time of these photos). That helped keep him contained a little bit. They also don’t know how to do the dreadful toddler “cheese” face, so every smile and expression is 100% natural.
The Cake Smash Theme
What is really fun about cake smash photos is how creative you can get with the theme! Kate has done so many fun things with her clients in regards to these sessions. See some of her past work here.
For Jacob’s cake smash, I wanted something on the simpler side. Mostly neutrals and a little bit of greenery. I also knew I wanted him in jeans and no shirt for the photos. I love that look on baby boys!
Neutral Cake Smash Props
Working with Kate on the preparation was a piece of cake (pun intended). She asked me what I was going for, I sent over a couple inspiration photos from Pinterest and she pulled everything together for me. She checked in a couple times to make sure I liked the look, but I honestly didn’t have to lift a finger. Having two little ones at home, it was so nice to know she was taking care of all the details.
Another perk was the cake and decorations are all included in the cost of the session. All I brought on the day of was my favorite pair of Jacob’s jeans (she has some in studio, I just had a pair I wanted him to wear), and my baby boy!
Cake Smash Outfit Inspiration
Kate’s Cypress Studio
Kate has a cute, little studio built out in the garage of her home. In the space she has her actual shooting space, a couch, a table and a changing area. I brought my mother in law, and there was plenty of space for 3 adults and a baby to move around comfortably.
Kate has all sorts of props, blankets, headbands, etc. for photo shoots. She also has a nearby deep sink we were able to wash Jacob in after the cake smash. This came in clutch because he was a mess!
Investment
A cake smash session with Kate is $250, and that price includes pretty much everything (cake, outfits, decorations, props, etc.). If you have something very specific in mind, she welcomes you to bring that, but believe me when I say her studio is well stocked! She also does either bubble bath or milk bath add ons for a fun way to get clean after the smash!
In general (across all her different types of sessions), I think Kate has very fair prices, especially for the quality of her work.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I think photography is one of the best earthly things to invest in. I have never once regretted having photos taken!
Work with Kat E Photography
Kate does lots of different kinds of photography – everything from maternity to senior portraits. You can see her full portfolio here. We’ve now used her for Jacob’s studio newborns when he was just 7 days old and now his cake smash at 11 months. She did a phenomenal job both times. I really can’t recommend her enough.
I have one of my favorite photos from Jacob’s newborn session hanging in my gallery wall in my home and hope to put one of these cake smash photos up as well!
She recently expanded her newborn packages. There are five options and definitely something to fit everyone’s needs and budget. Kate wants all Houston families to have the opportunity to capture the special time when a baby joins a family and specifically redesigned these packages to make them more accessible.
Most importantly, as a mother of two young boys, Kate is very comfortable with kids. She won’t make you feel bad if your little one is being defiant. Kate 100% gets it. She is also welcoming, kind and honestly just fun to be around. We laughed so much during Jacob’s cake smash, and I think a big part of that was the positive energy Kate creates in her studio.
What’s Coming Up for Kat E Photography
Are you free on March 28, 2020? Kate is doing Spring Family Mini Sessions and Mama and Me Mini Sessions in studio on that day! Both are 20 minute, $125 and include 15 edited images. You can book those here.
Kate also has a “Camera 101” class coming up that I’m hoping to take! It is May 30, 2020 and is $150. This class is great for beginners with DSLR cameras. It will teach you all the ins and outs of using your camera on manual mode. This will give you the tools to use your camera to the fullest extent possible. This is a 2-hour class in the Kat E Photography studio with a max of 5 students per class. Therefore, there is plenty of time for 1 on 1 time. I have awesome camera, but have admittedly never taken the time to really understand all its functionality. You can sign up here.
You can keep up with Kat E Photography on Instagram and Facebook. She is constantly coming up with new creative sessions and backdrops. Even if you don’t have a photography need right now, she’s a great person to keep in mind in the future!
