It's best to schedule the session to take place about a month before the actual birthday. You'll want to reach out 6-8 weeks in advance at least to make sure I have availability.
Scheduling the session a month before the birthday gives us a little extra time to reschedule in case someone gets sick, and you'll still have the pictures back in time for the party. 
The sitting fee, which covers the time of the session, is $200, with $50 being due at booking to save a date on the calendar. The remainder is due on or before the day of the session.
Email me at katie@katielouisephotography.com or use the contact form through the website to let me know. 
 I always respond within 24-48 hours. Remember to check your spam if you don't receive a response by then.

Most client choose the studio for the first birthday session. Kids this age do much better without many distractions,
plus it works great if you're wanting to have them smash a cake at the end!
If you do choose outdoors, just keep in mind that the session will take place 1.5-2 hours before sunset. 

A full session typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour, especially if we're starting with family and/or sibling photos.
If you're just doing a cake smash mini, this will last 20 minutes or less.

For allergy and safety reasons, cakes (or whatever food item you choose to have them smash) are provided by parents. I’m happy to recommend local bakers or suggest ideas that photograph beautifully.
I do provide props like various chairs, stools, a large number 1 and "o-n-e" letters, as well as a coordinating balloon garland for the cake smash portion. If you would like any balloons with helium, you'll want to bring those with you.

Absolutely. It doesn't cost anything extra to add in these pictures. If you choose this, then we'll start with about 10-15 minutes of family and sibling poses and then focus on your little one for the remainder of the session. Pets are also welcome are Wednesdays or Sundays.

I recommend bringing 3-4 outfits for your baby if we're doing family/sibling poses. We'll start with that outfit first. Most of the time, we can get a second outfit in before the cake smash outfit, and then it's great to have that last one as a backup.
If you're just coming for a mini cake smash, it's one outfit only; however, it's still a good idea to bring a backup.
If you need any recommendations or ideas, just let me know know and I'm happy to help send some inspo!

Every baby is different!
Some dive right in, while others need a little encouragement. We’ll start with them sitting next to the cake first and follow your baby’s lead. Smiling, serious, or messy—it all makes for great memories.
And sometimes all it takes is mom or dad digging into the back so they can see what to do!

While this is rare, sometimes they are just having a bad day, especially if they are teething, and there's not much you can do.
I usually try for 20 minutes, and if we can't get them settled or not crying then I call it, and we choose a different day and possibly a different time. 
Keep in mind that some babies are more serious than others, or they may be more shy in front of strangers. I always take some time at the beginning to just play with them if needed so they can warm up. The serious ones are usually some of my favorites!
It's also important to choose a time either right after a nap or at least two hours before they are due to go down for one.
I'm super flexible about this. If you book early, sometimes we need to change the time of the session if their nap schedule changes. I'll ask about this when I reach out to confirm about a week before the scheduled date.

Both parents, a relative or friend is always nice. With twins, it's a necessity!
The cake + extra snacks. This also helps if they are teething or get hungry before the cake portion.
Sometimes we even hide something like puffs behind the cake, so even if they don't want to eat the cake, it will still look like they are!
An extra outfit as mention, plus diapers and wipes, and a bottle and formula if needed.
A pacifier can help, as well as some of their toys (but don't bring their favorites because that will make it harder to take them away).
Have some videos queued up on your phone or a playlist of just music that they like. I won't start with this, but it can sometimes help to play in the background if they need help warming up.

1-2 days after the session, I will send the proofing gallery. These will be watermarked and cannot be downloaded yet. You will have one week to choose and pay for a collection (separate from the sitting fee). Once you've chosen and paid for your favorites, I'll do final edits which will include blemish removal, fixing distracting fly-aways, and filling in the backdrop if needed. This usually takes 7-10 business days, excluding Mondays and holidays. Then you'll be able to download the high-resolution images, as well as have access to the online store for ordering high-quality prints.

When should I book a first birthday or cake smash session?

Are family and siblings allowed?

How long does the session last?

Location

Do you provide the cake?

What should my baby wear?

What if my baby doesn’t like the cake or doesn’t want to smash it?

What if my baby doesn’t cooperate at all?

What else should I bring?

When will i receive my gallery?