Family & Cake smash Photo Session
I’m so excited to finally be part of your journey in creating your family’s story. This is definitely a special time, and always calls for a celebration. I’ll bring my camera, you bring the cake. Your family/cake smash session is the perfect time to document this amazing time in your life. But to make our session perfect as it can be, we’ll definitely need to plan ahead. Below are the details for our session.
Arizona Cactus Garden - Stanford, Ca.
Location info
This is one of my favorite spots to shoot in the bay area, it’s a little gem in the city. Not a lot of people know about this spot, but you will find a few people wandering around the garden admiring the different plants. This location is called Arizona Garden, it’s located in a remote enclave of Stanford University campus on the south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road.The garden houses over 500 species of succulents and cacti from all over the globe and is divided according to region. Directions to the garden is below.
Date & Time
Session Date: Saturday May 2, 2020
Session Time: 2 pm - 4 pm
In order for us the get the best lighting possible, we can also shoot around these times below:
Morning:
Blue hour 5:44 am - 5:55 am
Sunrise 6:12 am
Golden Hour 5:55 am - 6:49 am
Evening
Golden Hour 7:24 pm - 8:17 pm
Sunset 8:00 pm
Blue Hour 8:17 pm - 8:28 pm
How to get here
Cactus Garden Path
Palo Alto, California, 94304
United States
Hours
open daily
Phone
n/a
My mobile number:
408.375.4844
What to wear
What should I wear?
Generally, I suggest wearing something you all feel comfortable in and makes you happy, but take into consideration that this is a photo session, and will probably be shared and printed to hang on your walls. Sticking to neutral colors and earth tones work well with any landscape. Nothing to bright and loud. Also, consider wearing something classic that will remain timeless in your photos.
Can I bring props?
My approach to photography leans more on the natural side, meaning I like using whats around us to make our photos stand out. But I don’t mind you bringing a blanket. Since it is a cake smash session, you can definitely bring a cake. Also make sure to bring extra clothes for the birthday boy to change into during the cake smash session. You can also bring a neutral color blanket that you don’t mind getting a little dirty, along with baby wipes and bottled water to help wipe off the cake after our session.
Are you going to take detailed shots?
Yes, absolutely! I love taking detailed shoots, so make sure your nails are trimmed, hair combed and looking nice.
What shoes should I wear?
The terrain at the garden is a dirt path, wear something comfortable, that will match your outfit, like some brown sandals, or some boots. I wouldn’t suggest wearing heels or tall shoes at this location.
If you have any more question about what to wear, feel free to reach out to me!!
What to expect at our session
Once we get to the location, we can walk around the area and chat a little bit just to get each other comfortable. Hopefully your son has had his nap, some food in his belly, and feeling happy. At this point, if everyone is feeling comfortable, we’ll then start taking photos. What I ask for you and your family is to just engage with each other, that can be lots of hugging, talking, playing around, tickling, making each other laugh, whispering silly joke in each other’s ear. I don’t tend to pose my couples or clients a lot, I like natural interactions and authenticity. However, I will direct you through the entire session, giving you prompts and cues, and telling you to face or look away from the camera. I’ll make sure I take flattering angles and place you in good lighting.
If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, just let me know. Or if you want some specific poses that you like, also let me know. Communication is key here. I want to make sure that I give you what you want and you get what you need. Please don’t hesitate to throw in ideas, after all this is a two way relationship, and we’re creating together.
After our session
I know you cannot wait to get a glimpse of your photos and I promise I will send a sneak peek your way as soon as I possibly can. You will receive your gallery no later than 4 weeks after your session date.
I am so happy when you share your images with friends and family. Make sure to credit and tag me when you post them online. It’s highly appreciated, because I’m always excited to see your favorites and others that like the images can easily find their way to my page.
Also I kindly ask you to not add any filters when posting on Instagram (or similar apps).
Albums + Prints
Have you ever experienced that you get photos printed and the colors look nothing like they did on you computer? That sucks, as does letting your photos waste away on hard drives and USB sticks. You have invested a lot of heart, thought and effort into your family session and the photographs tell this story. Celebrate them by putting them in an album that is always at hand when you want to flip through these memories. Personally, I make a huge effort to print both my professional and personal work as often as possible. The feelings of holding these memories in your hands is just so special.
Albums
I offer a handful of beautiful albums that I have picked carefully after comparing a ton of options out on the market. My standards are high and I would never compromise quality, considering how important these photographs are for you and how long this album will keep you company; a lifetime.
Prints
I’ve made it especially easy for you to print quality photos straight from the gallery you’ll receive from me. Your photos will be printed in quality paper true to color.
Still have question?
Let’s connect
I’m all ears! Let me know if there’s something I missed that you’re still wondering about! Other than that, I can’t wait to create some beautiful memories with you and your family.