Thank you for scheduling your Cake Smash Session with us. We're busy planning and making props and can’t wait for the fun to begin!!

Last minute preparations will be made the morning right up to arrival. Please do not come early. However, if you find yourself running a little late, simply give me a call. We would much rather have you arrive a few minutes behind than be rushed and stressed. (Stressed mommy, equals stressed baby!) However, please be mindful of time. We like to start promptly.

Unless they are part of the session, please do not bring others to the smash. For one, the session itself can already be overwhelming for babies. Additionally, since they are easily distracted, it can be difficult to get them to look at the camera if too many distractions are present.

There are no cameras, cell phones or videos allowed in the studio. Your flash interferes with the studio flash. Shannon will be getting you the best angles and shots -- that's what you're paying her to do! If you must take a phone call please do so outside of the studio.

The following will be ready for your arrival:

Items you will need to bring:

In the second set with the cake, we will change into tutu or ruffled diaper covers (some people use the same bottom from the first set), a chunky bead necklace, diaper cover or jeans for the baby boys. Depending on the setup slight changes may be made for the cake smash.

Please bring your little's favorite treat/snack; we will use them for the back of the cake to encourage her to begin the smash. Once he tastes the frosting (sugar) on the snack, it's game on, let the fun begin!!

Please arrive in comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting messy. I will need you to be my wingman/girl. Sometimes babies will try to crawl/walk out of the set, and I will need your help with “escaping” baby. You will most likely need to change your clothes after the session :)

If you have chosen a bath session...

After the cake has been "destroyed", it is bubble bath time! We will also get images while baby gets cleaned (all baby bits are covered!). Natural baby shampoo and body wash is used. A towel to dry is also included (it's one of the hoodie ones). However, if you need special bathing products, bring it with you.

Please Note:

Although Shannon will do everything in her power to get the shots you've requested, Shannon Decole Photography is not responsible for babies who just will not cooperate or participate.

Feel free to voice any suggestions or changes you would like to see in the above scheduled plan! We are always open to new ideas.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to assure that everything goes smoothly, and to assure that you get the most out of your session:

Appointment time:

Please be on time for your session. The later you are, the less set ups you will have unfortunately, as I book more than one maternity session per day and these are often the same morning or afternoon.

Makeup:

Feel free to have your makeup done for your session (if you need recommendations for makeup artists, I can give you a few) however, makeup must be done prior to the session. If not, will cut into your shooting time, thus giving you less setups and less variety.

What to bring:

Bring a pair of black lace undies/boy shorts, a pair of white lace undies/boy shorts, and a strapless bra (if you don't have a strapless bra, no worries, we will just hide the straps), and a pair of heels (optional).

Inspirational shots:

Feel free to email me ideas that you have for your shoot that you have seen on my website or even Pinterest, this will help me visualize and create your perfect session. You can even email or text WhatsApp 0690 88 3410.

Location:

The session will take place at the Cole Bay studio.

Thank you for allowing Shannon Decole Photography to capture you

during this exciting time in your life

I look forward to working with you!

Please take a moment read these few tips and suggestions to prepare for the session:

If at all possible, try keeping baby stimulated and awake an hour or so before the session; a bath usually helps in keeping them awake. It’s very important baby is sleepy so the session goes smoothly and I’m able to capture lots of adorable images. :) It’s best to start on a full belly so feeding him/her right before you put them in the car seat to head my way is best; please make sure your baby has a good burp before placing them in their car seat so gas doesn’t settle on the drive here. Please dress baby in a button down outfit (pajamas are preferred, no onesies, please) so Shannon is not having to pull anything over their head while undressing them.

Please file the baby’s nails to ensure that they don’t scratch their little faces. The best files are the cheap emery boards. Because baby’s nails are so thin and fragile, we do not recommend you clip them with clippers.

For the comfort of your little one, the studio will be set between 80-85 degrees for baby. It will be warm, so please dress accordingly. She will also play a white noise machine to mimic the sound of the womb.

Please bring beverages and light snacks for you to munch on during the session. Sessions can take up to 3 hours even with a very sleepy baby. Shannon works very slowly with your baby to ensure they are always cozy and comfortable. Baby is boss!

If your baby has jaundice or is still yellow from jaundice it is best we wait until it is out of his/her system. Jaundice is very hard to edit out of skin due to the yellow/red blotchiness it causes as it is leaving their system. It is typically gone by week 2.

If you are breastfeeding and your baby has gas issues, please abstain from eating the following 72 hours before your session : dairy products — milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, or any food that has milk, milk products, casein, whey, or sodium casein in it. Other foods that may cause gas and fussiness include anything with caffeine, soy, fish, peanuts, chocolate, wheat, beef, nuts, eggs, corn, citrus fruits and prenatal vitamins containing iron. – Courtesy Babycenter & ModernMom Parenting

Please DO NOT drink caffeine 72 hours prior to your session if you are breastfeeding. Shannon has photographed many newborns and has seen a difference in those that are getting caffeine thru mother’s breast milk. Babies who are affected by caffeine tend to be very jumpy, tense and alert.

If you have chosen the family to be a part of the newborn images, please plan for the family to be captured first. This is done in order to get all little one's portions complete so that Dad or other designated family member/friend can take them home. Two+ hours is a quite a while for children to sit still and wait around for the session to be complete. They are often antsy, ready to go and can disturb the quiet process of capturing your newborn baby. Please plan accordingly.

Thank you for choosing Shannon Decole Photography to capture your memories!

SESSION/RETAINER FEE TERMS: Session/retainer fees are non-refundable. We will
do our best to work with you, however. Please note that a postponed session must be
rescheduled within 14 days of original scheduled session. No-SHOW of
scheduled date is fully void and must be repaid to book a new session.
One reschedule is permitted before the 14 day cut-off.

Balance due 48 hours prior to session.

Please add Florida's 7% sales tax to all sessions and printed products.

PRINT ORDER TERMS: Prints are ordered at a minimum every other week from our
professional print lab and returned to us within 2 weeks for prints; 2-3 weeks for
albums, canvas and metals. These times, however, are approximates and during
busy seasons may increase.

It's the most wonderful time of year -- our Christmas Mini Sessions!! Christmas is a holiday that brings such joy, gift-giving, sweet eats, scent of cinnamon wafting through the air, shopping 'til you drop, guavaberry punch, eggnog, and coquito, Mariyah Carey belting out "All I Want for Christmas is You" or Bing Crosby's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" strumming in the background along with other holiday tunes. And if you're lucky to live in the Caribbean, SUNSHINE!

Bring your littles or yourself donned in your Christmas apparel. You can keep it as simple as pajamas or a dress shirt and slacks. These mini sessions are designed for up to five people. Babies must be able to sit unsupported. Teens are totally welcome! Parents are too! Ideal for couples! These are the cutest festive sessions because everyone can just be themselves, no one has to "dress up" and moms are giddy. We cannot wait to see you!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to assure that everything goes smoothly and that you get the most out of your session. These sessions are "mini" at a fraction of a regular session. Although it's five people maximum, you may pay for up to a total of nine.

Please arrive promptly -- not early, not later. Because these sessions are back-to-back, there are clients right before you and immediately after you. If you are late we can only shoot for the time left of your session. If you're not familiar with the area, please leave an extra 15 minutes from your destination. NO REFUND FOR MISSED OR NO-SHOW APPOINTMENTS.

Once your session is booked, the exact address and directions will be emailed to you.

Please arrive with only those that are part of your session. Remain outside the studio until you are called inside for your session. We spray, clean, and straighten up between each session. If you or anyone in your group is sick please do not visit the studio.

Feel free to have your makeup for your session. However, it must be done prior to your session. There will be no time to do it at the studio.

Happy, napped and well-fed babies only! Cranky babies = cranky-looking pictures. No refunds.

For each friend that you refer who books any session you receive two extra digitals.

Edited digital images will be delivered one week after your session. Depending on when your session took place, printed products will arrive after Christmas.

We have several gift items for purchase that will be displayed. You are under no obligation to purchase. However, if you would like to order payment must be made the same day as the session. Seen here:

To avoid missing your session, please leave an extra 15-20 minutes earlier to arrive on time.

Please arrive promptly -- not early, not later. The island roads are riddled with heavy traffic - LEAVE EARLY PLEASE!!! Because these sessions are back-to-back, there are clients right before you and immediately after you. If you are late we can only shoot for the time left of your session. If you're not familiar with the area, please leave an extra 30 minutes from your destination. NO REFUND FOR MISSED OR NO-SHOW APPOINTMENTS.

Please arrive with only those that are part of your session. Remain to the side of the designated shoot spot until you are called for your session. If you or anyone in your group is sick please reschedule.

Feel free to have your makeup for your session. However, it must be done prior to your session. There will be no time to do it on location.

Happy, napped and well-fed babies only! Cranky babies = cranky-looking pictures. No refunds.

To avoid missing your session, please leave an extra 30 minutes earlier to arrive on time.

Shannon Decole Photography wishes all mothers a beautiful and happy Mother's Day!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to assure that everything goes smoothly and that you get the most out of your 2024 Father's Day Mini Session. These sessions are "mini" at a fraction of the time and price of a regular session. It's five people maximum (however, you may pay for up to a total of nine)

Feel free to have your makeup for your session. However, it must be done prior to your session. There will be no time to do it on location.

Happy, napped and well-fed babies only! Cranky babies = cranky-looking pictures. No refunds.

To avoid missing your session, please leave an extra 30 minutes earlier to arrive on time.

Shannon Decole Photography wishes all fathers a beautiful and happy Father's Day!

For our session to flow well, and for your experience to be great, adherence to the following friendly reminders is crucial. Please!

Feel free to have your makeup for your session. However, it must be done prior to your session. There will be no time to do it at the studio.

Happy, napped and well-fed babies only! Cranky babies = cranky-looking pictures. No refunds.

For each friend that you refer who books any session you receive an extra image.

The following will be ready for your arrival:

Items you will need to bring:

If you have chosen a bath session...

Please Note: