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Cake Smash Photography in Houston, TX | First Birthday Photos Full of Personality
There is something so special about turning one. That very first birthday is not just a milestone for your baby, it is a milestone for you as a parent. You survived the first year, yay! And what better way to celebrate than with a fun cake smash session?
Cake smash sessions are my absolute favorite sessions to photograph. The giggles. The cries. The frosting-covered fingers & toes. The tiny personalities coming out in full force. It is chaos in the sweetest way possible.
Why Cake Smash Photo Sessions Are So Popular in Houston
Cake smash photography has become a must for first birthday photos, especially here in Houston, TX. Families want something fun, colorful, and completely different from traditional portraits. A cake smash session captures real reactions. Some babies dive right in. Some carefully poke the frosting. Some want nothing to do with it. Some run away from it. And honestly, that is the magic.
Every baby is different, and that is what makes your session unique.
Studio Cake Smash vs Outdoor Cake Smash
In a city like Houston, we are lucky to have options as weather is great most of the year. You can keep it clean and styled inside a studio with custom backdrops, balloons, and coordinated themes. Or we can take your first birthday photos outdoors for a softer, natural look. Or we can do both!
Outdoor cake smash photography in Houston is beautiful, especially in the spring and fall. Soft golden light, greenery, and space for baby to explore. Studio sessions, on the other hand, allow full control over the design (and the weather haha). Think princess themes, florals, vintage setups, or modern minimalist looks.
It all depends on your vision, and I’m here to bring it to life. No two sessions are the same, and everything is custom designed.
Themes and Styling for First Birthday Photos
This is where it gets really fun.
When planning your cake smash session, we can go all out with a theme or keep it simple and timeless. Popular themes include: floral garden, boho floral or neutral, princess or fairytale, pink and girly, classic white, and so many more. I usually recommend picking 2-3 different backgrounds to have variety.
Outfits matter too. A simple romper, a tulle dress, suspenders, or even just a diaper cover can photograph beautifully. I always suggest something that allows baby to move freely and get messy (we will get messy 99% of the time).
We have a wide variety of cake smash outfits for you to pick from, as well as very elaborate designer dresses for the portrait part of the session.
What to Expect During Your Houston Cake Smash Photography Session
First, we start with clean portraits. These are your classic first birthday photos before the cake comes out. Smiley, happy, polished, gorgeous designer dresses.
Then we bring in the cake.
I always tell parents not to stress about how your baby will react. Some smash. Some smear. Some cry. Some run away. Every reaction is real, and every reaction is worth capturing.
At the end, we LOVE including a bubble bath setup. It is adorable, practical, and babies usually love splashing around after the sugar rush. Many times the bath ends up being everyone’s favorite part of the session.
When to Book Your Cake Smash
If you are planning first birthday photos, book your session at least 1 to 2 months in advance. The session is usually scheduled about 3 to 4 weeks before baby’s actual birthday or birthday party. That way you have edited images ready for party invitations, decor, or just to share with family.
Book especially early for fall and holiday season dates.
Why These Photos Matter
A cake smash is more than cute pictures. It freezes a tiny moment in time. The chubby hands. The toothy (or toothless) grin. The frosting on eyelashes. One year goes by so fast. It is my favorite milestone of all.
When you look back at your 1st year photos years from now, you will not just see a messy baby with cake. You will remember exactly who they were at one year old.
Sweet. Curious. Growing way too fast.
If you are in Houston and thinking about a cake smash session for your baby’s first birthday, this is your sign to do it. Celebrate big. Let them make a mess. And let’s turn that milestone into something beautiful <3
Cozy, Comfortable, and Cherished: The Benefits of In-Home Newborn Photography Session
Thinking about a studio newborn photo session or keeping it cozy at home in spring 2026? Let’s chat about the magic of in-home newborn photo sessions!
There's something incredibly special about photographing newborns in their own environment. Your home is filled with familiar smells, warmth, love, and personal touches that create a safe environment for your baby’s first portraits. Here are just a few reasons why in-home sessions might be perfect for you:
Comfort and Convenience: No need to pack up all those baby essentials and travel to my Houston studio, which may be more than 30 minutes away if you live in the suburbs. You can relax and enjoy the experience right at home. This is especially beneficial for new parents who are still adjusting to their new routines.
Personal Touch: Your home tells your family's story. Including familiar surroundings in your newborn photos adds a layer of personalization that can’t be replicated in a studio setting. This is particularly important for the lifestyle part of your session, where we can utilize a nursery, living room, or any other room in your home that is significant for you and your family.
Natural Moments: Babies are often more relaxed in their own environment. I can usually get a greater variety of poses at home as the baby is more relaxed and sleepier. I love to capture those genuine, candid moments that reflect your family's true essence.
What to Expect During an In-Home Session
You can expect the same high quality and professionalism that I bring to all my studio sessions. I will bring everything we need, including professional lighting and a selection of props and backdrops. Final images will look exactly the same as my studio work. Here’s a brief overview of what our session will look like:
Preparation: Before the session, we’ll discuss your preferences, any specific shots you’d like, and how to best prepare your home and your baby. This includes finding the best spots and setting up a cozy area for your baby.
Session Flow: We’ll take our time, allowing for feeding, changing, and cuddling breaks as needed. Patience is key with newborns, and we’ll work at a pace that keeps everyone happy and comfortable.
Quality and Safety: Your baby's safety is my top priority. I have extensive experience working with newborns and take great care to ensure they are always safe and comfortable during our session. I also have a newborn safety certificate.
The end result will be a stunning gallery of fine art quality images that showcase the beauty and tenderness of these early days. Whether it’s the pose or prop you’ve been eyeing in my portfolio, the soft yawn of your newborn, the delicate hold of a tiny hand, or the loving gaze of parents, these photos will be cherished memories for years to come.
I’m excited to bring this intimate and personalized experience to your family. If you’re interested in booking an in-home newborn session, please reach out to schedule a consultation. Let’s create beautiful memories together in the place that means the most to you - your home.
I am now booking babies due in April-November 2026. There is no travel fee within 20 miles from Houston, TX 77019.
Capturing Sweet Moments of Baby’s First Birthday: Cake Smash Photography Session in Houston, TX
Celebrating Milestones with a Sweet Touch
A child's first birthday is a significant milestone, and what better way to celebrate it than with a cake smash photo session? The concept is simple yet incredibly fun: a little one is presented with a cake and encouraged to explore it with their hands, feet, and sometimes even their face. As the baby dives into the cake, Mascha, your photographer, captures every moment, resulting in priceless and candid images of pure joy and excitement. Do not be surprised if baby doesn’t want to do anything with the cake. It’s quite common. It is more common than them enjoying the cake. So be prepared to have some crying photos of your baby with the cake. Those are also so, so cute and are great memories. You can show those pictures to her at the age of 7 and she’ll laugh at how she didn’t care for the cake.
Choosing the Perfect Location
On location? Or studio? Or both?
Houston offers a great variety of fantastic locations for cake smash photography sessions. Whether you prefer a picturesque park, a rustic outdoor setting, or a chic studio environment, Barberries Photography offers it all. Oyster Creek, Hermann Park, Memorial Park, and Buffalo Bayou Park are just a few examples of the many stunning outdoor locations that can serve as a backdrop for your cake smash session. If you are searching for a “cake smash photographer near me”, Barberries Photography is perfect as we travel to all parts of Houston and surrounding areas. Mascha’s studio is also conveniently located in central Houston, which is a less than 30 minutes drive from practically any location.
Connecting with a Talented Photographer
To ensure the success of your cake smash photoshoot, it's crucial to connect with an experienced photographer who specializes in baby & child photography. Houston boasts a thriving community of talented photographers, many of whom have great skills in capturing the unique moments of cake smash sessions. Researching and reaching out to photographers who align with your style and vision will help you find the perfect professional to bring your ideas to life. Mascha at Barberries Photography of Houston specializes in all-inclusive luxe cake smash sessions with a fine art touch to it. You read it right - you don’t have to bring a thing!
Personalization and Creativity
Looking for unique? We’ve got you!
One of the most exciting aspects of cake smash photography is the opportunity to personalize the session. From choosing the perfect cake to coordinating the theme and decorations, there are endless creative possibilities to make your child's photoshoot truly memorable. Incorporating favorite colors, beloved characters, or cherished family heirlooms into the session can add an extra layer of personal significance and create a unique visual story. We’ve done princess inspired session such as Moana, Alice in Wonderland, Barbie, and many more! We also love Cocomelon, Baby Shark, safari, flamingo, prince, onederland, strawberries, lemons, beach, tropical; from Boho to Classic to Fairy tale - we’ve done it all!
Beyond the Cake Smash
While the cake smash itself is the centerpiece of the session, we offer additional services to document your child's birthday milestones comprehensively. We provide pre-smash portraits, where your little one is dressed up in a cute outfit before diving into the cake. We also offer post-smash bubble bath, capturing the moments of cleanup and pure delight that follow the cake smash. You will fall in love with the little claw foot bath we have!
Cherishing the Memories
Cake smash photography sessions result in treasured memories and photographs that will be cherished for years to come. From displaying the images in a custom album or framing them as wall art, to sharing the joy with friends and family through digital galleries or social media, these photographs capture the essence of childhood in a unique and magical way. We know you are all different, that is why we offer many different package and a la carte options. And don’t forget about the grandparents too! Here is client’s favorites from the a la carte menu.
Ready to book? Click here to view the session fees and packages
Have more questions? Just fill out this form below and we will get back to you very soon!
How to Pick a Cake Smash Photographer in Houston | Baby’s 1st Year Photos |
Hello and a warm welcome to all our new visitors! If this is your first time here, I'm Mascha, and I have a deep passion for capturing baby milestones. The most significant milestone in a baby's life is their first birthday, and what could be better than celebrating it with a cake smash photography session? Although I refer to them as cake smash photo sessions, they truly transcend mere photography. In my eyes, they are more like capturing the essence of a baby's first birthday through beautiful portraits. The cake smash is just the icing on the cake.
Choosing the Perfect Cake Smash Photographer
If you're anything like me, you want to explore all your options before deciding, especially when it comes to one of the most important milestones in your baby's life. So, what do you do? You turn to your trusty friend, Google, and are instantly bombarded with a staggering 5 billion choices. How on earth do you pick the right one from this sea of options? Trust me; I've been there. If cost is truly a significant factor, I’d start from there; however, if you prioritize experience and convenience, I'd suggest considering those factors foremost.
Client Experience
There's something special about having a real conversation with someone over the phone. Suddenly, you're not just strangers anymore, and you feel more at ease entrusting that stranger with the task of photographing your precious baby. I've experienced that too, and it's what sets me apart. When you're on the phone with a potential photographer, your first question is usually, "Hi, what's your pricing?" However, it's essential to ask more than that. Here are some questions you should consider asking:
Experience: Are you experienced with baby photography?
Insurance: Do you have insurance to cover unexpected situations?
Legitimacy: Are you a legitimate business?
Equipment: Do you have the setup I'm looking for?
Props & Outfits: Do you provide props, cake, and outfits for the cake smash? Do you offer custom set ups?
Consultations: Do you offer consultations to discuss my preferences and ideas?
Unique: What sets you apart from other photographers? Do you offer anything unique?
So what are cake smash prices in Houston in 2026 (update)? The Spectrum of Cake Smash Photography
Cake smash photographers come in various flavors, each with its corresponding pricing:
Mini Session High Volume Photographers: Ideal for a quick, basic cake smash, usually ranging from $200 to $300.
Regular Session Photographers: Offering more options and personalized attention, prices typically fall between $400 and $1000.
Over-the-Top Session Photographers: These artists, like myself, invest extensive time with their clients, tailoring every detail to your needs. We create exclusive settings, and I'm a firm believer in including family members in the photos, which is also included in your session. I also like to give a lot of flexibility and ease to my clients from only having one session a day, to providing everything for the session, to helping in picking their favorite captures. Prices for luxury cake smash experiences range from $700 to $3000.
Still have questions? Feel free to give me a call at 832-670-3130, and I would be delighted to chat with you! We serve all Houston and surrounding areas and offer in studio and on location sessions.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to helping you capture those precious first birthday moments in a way that's just right for you and your little one.
Maternity photographer’s closet. What gowns are popular now?
Why book a photographer with a client closet
Of course, it is important to be in the trend and know what type of dresses and colors are popular in the maternity world nowadays, but wouldn’t it be ideal to hire a photographer that is in the loop of maternity fashion already and has their own client closet? Maternity photographers do their own research, know all about recent trends and can offer clients the best dress styles. You would also save the time and money not having to shop for your own dress for the maternity session. Imagine looking online everywhere to find that one perfect dress and purchase it and it doesn’t fit? Or it won’t come on time? Or it doesn’t look anything like the model photos? On top of that, that particular color you loved on the model may not look good on you. Your photographer already knows how each gown from their collection photographs and what each client needs based on their specific body type and skin tone.
We have the best and the most exquisite client closet in Houston - guaranteed!
Popular Maternity Gown Styles for 2026 (updated)
Dramatic
Oh boy! Dramatic maternity dresses are our absolute favorite! Aren’t they just over the top gorgeous? If you are looking to make a statement, these one of a kind gowns are what you need. Layers and layers of ruffles, lace, tulle, these gowns are unique and no other photographer in Houston has them but Barberries Photography. We guarantee you will be the best dresses mom there is.
Fluffy
Fluffy tulle gowns and robes have been clients’ favorite for several years now but they are still the most requested type of gowns we offer at the moment. They are loved by our modest clients that do not want to show any skin as well as moms that prefer to show off their belly and skin. They also work great for non-maternity photo sessions.
Fitted
Fitted gowns are classic. They allow your photographer to emphasize all those pretty pregnancy curves and pose you in a way that shows off the belly in the best way possible. They are becoming less popular now though.
Boho
Boho is still a popular trend not only in maternity fashion but fashion overall. Vintage laces, classic relaxed fit, long flowy skirts, no wonder moms still love those.
Fabrics
Another new trend in maternity photography is to not use dresses at all. Future moms are covered in light silk fabric or nothing at all to allow femininity and sensuality shine. These are also one of the sexiest poses and portraits usually. Dads always pick fabric and naked shots over the rest of the gallery.
Simple
Simple is not about Barberries Photography but we do accommodate any client’s desires. Sometimes the most simple photograph is the most favorite. We consider oversized shirts, jeans and everyday dresses simple.
Specialty Gowns for Specific Session Types
Boudoir
Ah maternity boudoir! Our favorite genre out of everything else. We love intimate shots that are just about the mom and her future baby. Maternity boudoir can be different from absolutely to partially nude to discretely covered up. Barberries photography offers a wide variety of bodysuits, transparent dresses and fabrics for this type of maternity photo sessions.
Modest
For our modest moms we have a great selection of more covered dresses, boleros, jackets and long sleeves. Many of our clients do not love their arms during pregnancy, so we offer tulle cover ups too.
Sleeves
Covers
Bolero
Milk Bath
We can’t not mention maternity milk baths. They are a pretty big trend right now even though we don’t currently have any examples to show. We are able to provide clients’ with milk baths upon request.
Maternity Session Accessories
The most popular accessory for maternity sessions is angel wings. Angle wings are a luxury accessory made of real ostrich feathers.
What else do you need to bring (what is not included)
While I love that we can provide everything for your photo session, you might need to bring some items or accessories. Here are some items that come to mind:
Shoes
Casual / Sentimental
Hair & Makeup
Outfits for siblings/partner
If you have any questions or are ready to book your session, please submit this form and we will get back to you very soon!
Why Is Hermann Park the Best Place to Take Your Maternity Pictures at in Houston?
What is the best place in Houston for maternity photo shoots? Memorial Hermann park it is for us at Barberries Photography! Memorial Hermann park is our absolute favorite place to photograph in Houston (and maybe all the surrounding areas too). There are so many picture perfect opportunities for maternity, kids and family posing. Ponds, fountains, gorgeous flowers, Japanese gardens, century old oak trees, sculptures, I could go on and on. If you are ever close to Medical center or downtown or coming to the zoo with the kids, I highly recommend walking the park and taking some portraits.
Maternity gowns we offer at Barberries Photography studio just go so perfectly well with the lush green backgrounds and sunny days at the park! This gorgeous mama had her baby 3 days after our session and looked amazing in our exclusive showstopper dress.
These were all taken in different seasons and different locations at Hermann park. Natural setting with some sun rays, what can be prettier? Every maternity photo session clients book comes with an optional family add-on, you can include your significant other and children at no additional charge. Mascha LOVES photographing families and little ones!
Of course we offer other locations, including studio, but Hermann park is by far our most favorite and versatile one. When you book your session, maternity or any other, we give different options. We also understand driving distances can be substantial, so we work in other parts of Houston too. We have Cypress parks, Spring, Galveston, Katy, Sugar Land and so on.
Maternity Photographer Houston | To do or not to do a maternity session
This blog post is for you, an expecting mother, especially if you already have a toddler or two. I know you are busy and tired, but Get those maternity photos done! I will explain why photographing your pregnancy is so important and hopefully convince you to book a maternity session with me.
If you love to read and read all I had to say on my website (or at least some), you know that I am a mother of 2 boys with 2 bonus boys. You probably also know that my biggest regret in life (well, almost) was not photographing my pregnancies. I also missed on newborn photos but that’s another story.
I know when I had my children, maternity photography was not as popular as it is now, we also didn’t have access to the gorgeous couture maternity dresses we have now! I have more than 50 luxury maternity gowns at my Houston studio that you can use at no extra charge! One extra headache gone! You can also schedule a free design appointment and try on as many dresses as you wish.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention! As a full-service photography studio, we offer in studio hair and make up as well as an in home service.
And talking about premiere and unique, Barberries Photography offers the widest variety or printed art starting with amazing glass cover albums and heirloom museum quality memory boxes to wall art, to table top displays, to personalized post cards and other gifts to your family.
Barberries Photography studio is conveniently located in the River Oaks area of Houston, which is no more than 30 minutes drive, whether you are in Cypress, Tomball, Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, or Pearland.
No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, we will always have room for you! Give us a call so we can get you on the books today! 832-670-3130
Choosing a trendy newborn photographer in Houston
Well, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve written a blog post due to being extremely busy with work and personal life. I am very, very thankful for staying busy with amazing clients supporting my dream business. Anyway, today I wanted to write a quick post about newborn photography in Houston and how it has evolved over the years I’ve been photographing newborns.
But first of all, I need to answer one very crucial question. Clients often, very often, ask me when I first started taking newborn photos and how it all started. I started newborn photography when my second son was born as I did not want to practice on anybody else’s newborns knowing how fragile they are. Also, all my friends decided to have their babies right then, so I had lots of practice there too that year. Now, it has been 6+ years and over 100 newborns photographed!
So back to our topic, 6 years ago I feel that newborn photography in Houston and in general was not as popular as it is today, and we also did not have access to the amazing props and accessories we have now. There were less layers, less props, less outfits available back then. Clients also were not interested in printed art at that time as much as they are now. I think part of it is client education on the importance of having wall art and heirloom albums in their home. Moreover, clients wanted something similar to what their friends already had back when I was just starting. Now clients want to be more unique and are looking for that unicorn photographer that would make them feel special. At Barberries Photography we are all about unique and special and no session is like the other. Everything is custom for newborns as well as other types of sessions. I also see clients loving an organic feel in their images, all whites, simple set ups, true tones, no plastic overedited skin.
Here's a couple examples of my personal growth and also the industry standards change (first row is old, the rest are current work). I love staying on top of the trends but also providing my clients family heirloom they will cherish for generations to come.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are looking for a Houston newborn photographer, Barberries Photography is the right choice! We are located in the River Oaks neighborhood which is less than 30 minutes from literally any Houston and surrounding areas location.
If you live in the River Oaks, Montrose, Galleria, Upper Kirby, West U, Rice Village or Heights, type “newborn photographer near me” in Google maps, Barberries Photography should be showing in the search results and I promise is 15 minutes or less away.
Thank you for stopping by and have a blessed day!
Sincerely,
Your neighborhood photographer,
Mascha
Newborn Photographer Houston | Barberries Photography | Outdoors
Are you expecting a baby? Not sure if it is worth it to have a newborn photo session for her right now during pandemic? Here at Barberries Photography of Houston we hear you. We now offer outdoors newborn sessions. While Mascha is still very close to your precious newborn baby, being outdoors helps with social distancing and preventing any spread of germs. At this point we still do not offer lifestyle photography, only posed. Mascha wears a face mask 100% of the time. We also sanitize all areas before and after each session. Barberries Photography is a very low volume studio meaning that there will only be your family at the studio any given day.
Here are some behind the scenes photos and finished images from a couple recent sessions.
As always, we are here for you if you have any questions. Call, text or email the studio any time 8am to 8pm.
Houston Fine Art Newborn Photographer | Barberries Photography | Thor-Olav
This little guy found me on Google…or rather his parents did and it was love at first sight for me. Now it will be love at first sight for you! Meet Thor Olav, whose dad is Jan-Oliver from Germany & mom Nicole’s from here.
I was dying to play up his Germanic heritage at his first photo session so I asked his parents what they’d think about “going native”. I mean, with a name like Thor, Nordic gods came to mind & I had the most amazing costume to pull off the theme! They were all in & here are the results! The photos turned out to be fantastic—rustic, earthy, yet undeniably tender.
I’m also in love with my pose of this sweet family together. I suggested the dark clothing for mom & dad to play against the soft taupe of Thor’s swaddle. I couldn’t get enough of him & am looking forward to our next time together. Stay tuned!
Houston, Texas Newborn Baby Photographer – Meet Mackenzie
I recently got a pleasure of photographing little Miss Mackenzie recently in her own home in the Houston area. She slept like a champ for her very first set of professional photos. This little girl was a mere 10 days old for her session and she was just perfect.
Here are a few of my favorites from Mackenzie’s newborn photography session:
And yes, we are open! Call or email to set up an appointment soon.
How to photograph your own newborn during COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine.
This is for any and all moms that just had their babies and are not able to hire a professional photographer at this time.
Please don’t attempt any complicated poses you may see on Pinterest and other social media. This post is made to show some easy yet beautiful newborn poses that can be done at home without any special training, equipment and props.
1. Try to do her newborn pictures within the first two weeks after the baby is born.
2. Find a pretty scarf or a thin receiving blanket to wrap the baby in, a large blanket to pose baby on and a basket to put her in.
3. Have a couple receiving blankets handy as you’ll need them to prop the baby.
4. Pick the sleepiest time: right after the awake time and feeding.
5. Pick the most well-lit room in your house.
6. Keep the room temperature at 80-82F while photographing and posing your baby.
7. Have your camera or phone charged and ready.
Now that you’re ready to photograph her, make sure you have everything in place and feed her, so she is full and sleepy.
Video below will show how to wrap her with a scarf and a piece of stretchy fabric and pose on a blanket an in a basket. Even though you’ll soon find out this wrap keeps her super sleepy and easily posable, don’t keep her wrapped longer than needed to grab several shots.
Next, we’ll try doing naked photos of the baby. She should be super sleepy after being fed and wrapped.
Here are some examples of poses you can attempt at home.
Aaaaand you’re welcome! Now you have beautiful pictures of your newborn baby even though you are stuck at home 24/7.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email or text me and I’ll try to explain in more detail.
Stay safe!
Xoxo,
Mascha
832-670-3130
hello@barberriesphotography.com
Houston newborn and milestone photographer
Cake Smash Photography Houston | KISSIN’ COUSINS
These sweet little families came to me with a unique twist—would I be willing to photograph a set of one-year old cousins to celebrate their big 1st birthday? And of course I said yes! This would be especially fun since both sets of parents wanted to “pull out all the stops” & create a once-in-a lifetime event. We started the day with outdoor shots of the combined families. Since both babies were in such a good mood the opportunity to pose each of them outdoors was a natural next step. I especially love the luxurious texture of Aieesha’s dress as it plays softly with the morning light. And doesn’t little guy look so handsome on his carousel horse! We selected complimentary colors for their outfits which blended nicely in their poses together.
We continued with more shots of them until it was time for the real fun to begin…cake smash in my River Oaks studio! Their mom picked the royal cake smash theme, which was all about blues and golds for him and pinks and gold for her. Aieesha was aglow in gold & soft pinks before a backdrop festooned with gold & pink balloons. This little cherub was such a delight & couldn’t resist getting right into the cake! Boy did she smash that cake! It was a different story with baby man…which is why doing this together was such a terrific idea. His wasn’t having anything to do with that cake & let us know it right off! Don’t you know they’ll have great stories to tell about this!!
We finished the photo session with relaxing bubble baths for the prince & princess which they enjoyed so much. What a happy way to end such a memorable event! In addition, I want to thank the families for their unsurpassed trust & cooperation in making this a wonderful day for all. They were open to any suggestions from me, and together we created a lasting memory for both families to treasure forever.
Looking for a cake smash photographer in Houston? Don’t know where to start? Call me today to schedule your complimentary consultation at the studio.
Houston Cake Smash Photography | SHIVIE SMASHES ONE!
Let me introduce you to the sweetest family I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Jiya called me with exciting plans for her son Shivay’s birthday cake smash. Part of their extended family would be coming to Houston from India for the big day so mom wanted the first birthday photo session to be extra special.
Jiya had a Mickey Mouse theme in mind for “Shivie” (as they like to call him) & wanted photos both in studio & outdoors. We started the day with some amazing shots of the parents, grandparents & baby in a wooded park nearby. As Shivie was super cooperative we were able to execute numerous style changes while we were there. My fave is the one of Jiya & Shivie in the garland swing—so beautiful with the red flowers & their dark navy colors! This little guy loved wearing hats & was easily persuaded to do so!
After our park time we headed to the studio for the cake smash session. The red, yellow & navy theme was the perfect choice to complement Mickey & Shivie. And he had no problem smashing the cake either! These sessions are called baby smash cake for a reason.
We ended the celebration with a soothing bubble bath with his favorite bath time toys. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed working with these lovely people & I hope to watch Shivie grow in the years to come.
If you are looking for a 1st birthday photographer in Houston, TX, look no further and book your complimentary design appointment now. Interested in knowing how much for a cake smash photo session? Call or email Mascha to find out the answer or fill out the form below.
Why I Love Working With Newborns
Out of all my sessions I look forward to newborns the most! To the not-so-creative eye it looks like all they do is eat, sleep & poop…so not true! Their little personalities are already at work to create the most amazing (and enjoyable) photos that you’ll cherish forever.
As your baby photographer I like to become intimate with your newborn’s mannerisms…does she smile a lot…is he laid back or do I detect a frown on that little face? Once I begin to read the character then it’s time to select the props. And that’s when the fun begins!
In-home posed newborn photo session in Houston (Sugar Land, TX)
My angel baby here was just that the entire session—a perfect little angel so who could resist the wings & halo! I fell in love with my kitten as she liked to wrinkle her nose & meow (yawn) in front of the lens. And my sweet pea babe—how much fun we had posing him! Do you see those little toes hanging from the pod!
I could go on & on but I think the images tell the story of the love I have for my work. As your Houston newborn photographer I will design your session to fit your little one’s unique personality. The sky’s the limit! Let me handle every detail - from props to costumes - and you sit back to enjoy the fruit of your labor!
“If you’re looking for unique newborn pictures, Mascha is definitely your girl! We just did our newborn photo session with her and OMG the photos were out of this world. It is an investment, but so worth it! We can’t recommend Mascha enough”.
Amanda G.
Call 832-670-3130 to schedule your complimentary consultation today! Barberries Photography is located in the River Oaks neighborhood in Houston, TX and serves Houston and all surrounding areas.
How much does a smash cake session for baby cost in Houston, TX?
Hello & nice to meet you if it’s your first time here! I’m Mascha and I’m obsessed with cake smashes. I call them cake smash photography sessions but really they are so much more. I think I rather call them Baby’s 1st birthday portraits. So anyway, that’s not what you came here for. Let’s talk about cake smash cost.
If you are like me you like to explore all your choices before making a decision, especially when it’s about one of the most important milestones in your baby’s life. So, I ask my buddy Google & he gives me 5 billion choices. How do I pick one? I start calling people. Some don’t pick up their phone, never call you back, have their voice mail box full… Been there?
There is something about talking to a real person on the phone. All of a sudden you are not strangers anymore & you feel less stressed about letting that stranger photograph your precious baby. Same here! So, you get that person on the other side, your 1st question is always “Hi, I just want to know your pricing.” When your questions should be: “Are you experienced with baby photography, do you have insurance, are you a legitimate business, do you have the set up I’m looking for, do you provide props, cake, outfits for the cake smash, do you offer consultations?”
There are several types of cake smash photographers: 1) mini session photographers, 2) regular session photographers 3) over the top session photographers. Pricing will also be corresponding. If you are looking for a basic quick cake smash I’d say you will probably find them for good $200-300. Regular session with more options & attention will cost you $400-700. Over the top photographers as myself spend way more time with their clients, hold their hand, listen to their needs, design the setting exclusively just for you, make sure the set is perfect. I personally also like to do baby’s portraits outdoors and also include family in them. I am a strong believer in that parents have to be included in the photos. If we get to meet you will hear me say that a lot. Anyway, luxury cake smash photographers charge from $700-3000.
We will be offering simple studio cake smash photos starting in December. Contact us for more details. Cost will be $350-750.
1st Birthday Photography Houston | Planning a Cake Smash Is Easy As Pie!
The whole reason for a cake smash party is to celebrate baby’s first year milestone. Who couldn’t be excited & pumped on such an occasion! Let me be your guide & let’s follow 5 easy steps to a successful, happy event.
First, we need a theme—an idea that could be tied to the season (pool party!), baby’s nursery (Western, princess, etc.) or perhaps baby’s favorite book or toy. Once you know your theme then the fun begins. Be creative or enlist the help of someone who is. You can make an inexpensive backdrop incorporating your theme that will be yours alone! And if you don’t have a creative bone in your body—no worries. The backdrop doesn’t have to be elaborate—some of the best shots I’ve done have been all white backdrops with colorful balloons.
Second, plan your color scheme. For really great cake smash shots I like frostings in white, yellow, light green or pinks that aren’t too subtle. The cake itself should be white inside (chocolate is hard to clean & looks funny on camera). Top the cake with the most visible “1” or any decoration that shouts first birthday! FYI: Most of my parents assume that “bigger is better” when it comes to cake size, but that’s actually not so. I like a 6” round (2 or 3 layers) which doesn’t overwhelm the shot. You can make the cake yourself to control what goes in it (i.e. helpful if your baby has any food allergies).
Third, how do you get that baby to smash the cake? Easy enough, right? Not always. Some babies clam up in front of the camera or a roomful of adoring family. And then to push this pink or yellow thing in front of them—well, what would you do—cry probably! The answer is usually to ease into it. If baby is more comfortable with a spoon then provide one. Keep anxious family out of the way & let baby explore at his own pace. Most of all, have fun! You will be surprised at the results if everyone just chills & enjoys the experience. Be camera ready—I can’t stress this enough. I’ll repeat—have your camera ready at all times! Be prepared to photograph anything & everything. You can never have too many images.
Fourth, it’s clean up time. I keep a handy supply of wipes, paper towels, towels, baby soap & a baby bath in my studio for just this. Also, you never know what kind of photos may result in the post cake smash bath! There’s something about babies & water—they seem to love it so take advantage of the opportunity. Try adding rose petals or favorite toys to baby’s tub for added pizzaz!
Last but most importantly, take time when picking & editing your photos. There’s no need to push the anxiety button just because you don’t have years of experience. You can Google search for Photoshop editing cake smash photos. You are creating memories to last a lifetime.
Tip. Call me when you realize those are not the photos you dreamed of for your baby's most memorable 1st birthday photography session.
Houston Newborn Photographer | Little Miss Lillie
I was referred to this sweet little miss & her family by a fellow photographer (how I love referrals ). As first time parents they were totally open to any ideas I threw at them so we all brainstormed madly at the consultation. They loved the thought of playing up Lillie’s name with a flower theme to capture her beauty. The results were just amazing…my favorite being the wreath of lilies with our little princess slumbering sweetly. I also loved the color palette we chose for the shoot—Lillie’s mauve swaddle was the perfect complement to the mauve & crème lilies. Lillie’s parents wanted natural posing, colors and backgrounds. I think we were able to achieve all that.
This precious baby was so much fun to photograph. She slept soundly throughout the session so I was able to “change gears” several times to create different poses which I just love! We were able to play with angel wings, ruffles & roses & so much more! In addition, I truly appreciate the confidence & trust that her parents gave me. My first priority always is their baby’s safety, so all poses are never done without “hands on” baby at all times. Hands can be removed during editing--that’s why we have Photoshop! I hope you enjoy Little Miss Lillie as much as I did!
Bluebonnet Mini Session in Brenham, TX
Have you been wondering what to do in Brenham, Chappell Hill or Washington County (is where our gorgeous location is this year) when you come for your photo session? I’m sure you have! Especially the dad.
I decided to put together this guide knowing you all are coming with small children.
So the drive is about 90 minutes, a little bit more or less depending on where you are coming from. If you decide to take a break and stop in Brenham, that’s where I think the most fun is. However, from Brenham it’s another 21 minutes so you may want to find a location to visit closer to our spot.
1) If you are into historical sites, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is for you. IT is also very very close to the location. Here’s a link from the official website.
https://www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/places/washington-on-the-brazos-state-historic-site/
2) Another historic mark but I think more interesting for the kids is Old Baylor Park at Windmill Hill
https://www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/places/old-baylor-park-at-windmill-hill/
3) Downtown Brenham “Main Street” District has tons of antique shops and historic buildings. However, this is more for us, moms, and I can only explore those without kids.
4) Great photo opportunities at Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. Even though I’ve never been there, it has been on my to do list for quite some time now. Lavender will not be in full bloom at the time of our photo session, they are in full bloom in late April.
https://www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/places/chappell-hill-lavender-farm/
5) Alpaca farms. There are at least 3 farms nearby. Oh my goodness, who doesn’t love them? I wanted to do my minis at an alpaca farm this season, but unfortunately they didn’t get any bluebonnets. Hopefully, next year.
6) Flying Horses Carousel. May help the kiddos relax and have fun after a long drive https://www.cityofbrenham.org/flying_horses_carousel.php
7) And my absolute favorite spot is…. Anywhere the kids can sit down and EAT haha.
Having said all that, I’m sure your kids will be ok at is it not 24 hour drive. But if you decide to not make any stops, come very early. That way kids can have some rest, run around, get to know the place a little bit.
These are mini sessions, meaning you only get 15 minutes with me and if the kids are not feeling it, we can’t reschedule or wait for them to ease up.
Here’s a full list of fun activities you’ll have in your disposal:
(This list is taken from the official Brenham, TX website. I did not put it together)
In Brenham:
Blue Bell Creamery Mon – Fri 8-5
Antique Carousel Rides Mon – Fri 11-2, Sat & Sun 10-4
Horseshoe Junction Family Fun Park Mon – Thurs 10-10, Fri & Sat 10-11, Sun noon-9
Skating at Silver Wings Ballroom Mon – Fri noon-5, Fri 7-10pm, Sat 11-1:30 & 2-5, Sun 2-5
Historic Movie at Simon Theatre Mon-Fri showings at 11:30 and 2
Swim Inflatables at Aquatic Center Mon – Fri 1-4
#BrenhamArtWalk FREE all day, every day
Around the County:
Brenham Miniature Horses/Ceramic Painting Mon-Sat 9-12 and 1-4
Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton Tues-Sat 10-4; Tours at 10 and 2
Peeka Ranch Alpaca Farm Daily 10-5; Call Ahead 713-857-1461
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm Mon-Fri 10-2, Sat 9-5, Sun 11-4
Chappell Hill Historical Museum Wed-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4
Texas Baptist Museum in Independence Tues-Sat 10-4
Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site
Museum & Visitor Center 10-5
Living History Farm 10-4:30
Wine Tastings
Texas Star Winery Fri-Sun 11-6
Saddlehorn Winery Open Daily 11-6
Windy Winery Mon-Fri & Sun noon-5, Sat noon-6
Pleasant Hill Winery Fri 3-Sunset, Sat 11-6, Sun noon-5
#Adventure290 FREE all day, every day
Hiring a professional photographer for your child’s cake smash photos in Houston.
Yay or nay?
First of all, congratulations on the most exciting first birthday of your little love! Now let’s move on to why you need to hire a professional photographer to take your child’s first year portraits. Let me just say you must for the sake of your child get pictures of his or her first birthday including you, yes you, in them. I know, I know, you still have that baby weight to lose and those sleepless nights don’t look good on your face. I assure you not having pictures of your little family is what you will regret the most in the future. Plus, I’m a Photoshop guru and can make you look 15 years younger and 50 pounds skinnier all jokes aside.
First birthday photos shouldn’t be stressful on anyone especially you, the already exhausted young mom. That’s why we at Barberries Photography studio provide everything you need for the cake smash of your little one including props, outfits, cake and décor and even a fun bubble bath. You just need to show up with a happy baby and have fun.
We have done many themes in the past and are open to your ideas and Pinterest boards. Our most popular theme is baby’s name custom set up. We’ve done lilies for Lillie, irises for Iris, trains for Thomas, summer blooms for Summer, and many more.
Every little cake smasher gets a tangible memory from our studio, no one leaves with just a USB drive. Our most popular keepsake is an heirloom acrylic album with a custom keepsake box for some of the 1st year treasures. We also offer some unique wall art pieces such as wood canvas & barn wood frames and metals and acrylics.
Let’s create memories together!
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Barberries Photography
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Welcome to my little blog! I'm thrilled that you're here, taking a moment to explore my work. As a photographer, there's nothing more fulfilling than capturing my clients' stories from beginning to end and I hope this post, along with others on my blog, will give you a glimpse of what you can expect when you invest in Barberries Photography for your Maternity, Baby, or Family Portrait Photography needs in Houston.
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Capturing a family's story, from pregnancy to sending the children off to college, brings me immense joy, and it would be my honor to serve as your photographer. Specializing in pregnancy portraits, newborn & baby studio & on location sessions, and outdoor family photography, Barberries Photography serves the Houston area, including but not limited to River Oaks, Galleria, Heights, West University Place, Rice Village, Bellaire, Friendswood, Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress, Spring, The Woodlands, Baytown, Clear Lake and others.