It's almost time for that
Welcome To The Baby Photog, where parents come to capture the first birthday celebration of their little one!
Cake Smash!!!!
We are so excited that you are here, because that means you're ready to plan for that amazing cake smash that you've been thinking of for months now!
We know that selecting a cake smash photographer can be a daunting experience, because bringing your vision to life - is very important. Not to worry, it’s our highest priority to get it right for you!
Then, there is all the other stuff you are probably worried about too, right? Like what will I need to bring for my little one, what will the theme/set up look like, what about the outfit, and what about the cake?!?
Most of our clients feel this way, but we've got you! Our team’s entire goal is all about taking the stress off of your plate. Designing and sourcing the items needed for a smash is very time intensive and that is where we shine. We know what will photograph well, where to source items from and we will even have the cake delivered ready and waiting at the studio for you! We take care of everything so you don't have to!!
That first birthday only happens once!
Our Mission and Purpose
Capturing their first birthday celebration and all the joy it brings, so that those details are never forgotten is SO important. And even though you may have more children, it’s THAT little one's first birthday photo session.
Our Mission & Purpose is to create memories in the form of wall art, albums or prints (matching digital is included) so that you will always have memories to look back on. We want parents to have physical reminders of that first birthday, because memories fly by and are, oftentimes, quite a blur. Only a photograph can stop time.
We want you to remember their silly smiles, icing in the hair, the joy of smashing that cake, the toes in the cake, pieces of cake flying thru the air and all the other adorable moments of your precious little one's first smash. Those details are forgotten with the fog of parenthood as time marches on, but memories put into print will never be forgotten and forever enjoyed by you and every visitor to your home.
we are hampton roads virginia luxury fine art photography studio
specializing in newborn, cake smash, maternity & baby photography
Who is The Baby Photog?
My Journey into baby Photography!
Photography was not on my radar as a profession, actually; but one day, while I was at work as a Teacher’s assistant, I witnessed the school’s hired photographer taking photos of my class. I was mortified. The photographer failed to make any connection with the kids and photos were being taken with no attention to detail: some weren’t even looking at the camera. As a mom and grandmother, it bothered me. Their true personalities were not being captured and those photos were not something any parent would want to share.
That week, I proceeded to ask the administrator if I could retake the photos and gift them to the parents as a surprise because I knew I needed to help. All the parents cried. These were parents of special needs children, and for the first time, they got to see photos of their child engaged with the camera and that was emotionally life-changing for, not only them, but for me as well.
You see…I suffered a Thyroid storm when my 1st born child was only four months old, which was a life-threatening medical crisis that has had long term effects. For me this presented with memory loss. Having gaps in memory became a daily event, but photographs have helped piece back those lost memories and gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of photographing all of life’s important moments. It was with my experience as a previous EMT and daycare owner/provider, paired with my heartfelt desire to help others, naturally led me to start down the path to newborn photography. And so, The Baby Photog was born.
we want you to leave the session feeling like you are part of the family!
So WHY I Photograph Cake Smashs
Being a parent can be hard, I know. When my four kids where growing up, photography and cake smashes where not a thing - it was a DIY from start to finish (including making the cake) and then waiting the 3+ weeks after you mailed off the film roll to to see what you captured!!! But now I have been blessed with grand-babies, and our cake smash journey began. That's our first grand baby in the tub pictured above.
Being a cake smash photographer brings me so much joy, because not only do I get to provide tangible memories for families to look back on, but I also get to help moms and develop a true connection of friendship with them. And sometimes… I even turn into that family’s stand-in grandma. Having a compassionate and experienced mom to ask questions to can make a world of difference. Moms need to hear ‘I get it’ and ‘I’ll be there to help you get through it’. I’m always just a call or text away.
We love to give our parents a COMPLETE EXPERIENCE, where we handle everything from start to finish so that you don't have to.
The Experience with The Baby Photog
From the moment you book your date on the calendar ‘til the moment you leave with your acrylic luxury album and wall art in hand, you get the VIP treatment with us!
With a MEGA-HUGE studio with multiple areas, it allows us to provide a comfortable space for parents to relax and entertain the sibling while providing a safe separate space for little one during their session.
kids play area
main studio lounge area
newborn room lounge area
for the parents
the largest Newborn & Cakes Smash Studio
The Baby Photog is
on the Peninsula in Hampton Roads, VA.
Did you know that we are actually a mother/daughter team?
They say that Teamwork makes the Dream work, and I am living my best dream working with my daughter. I am the photographer and Jenna is my assistant. I feel so blessed to have her working by my side! She is my assistant for every session, she also has an amazing eye for color and design. Together we custom design and tailor each setup for your session.
Having an assistant for cake smash is paramount for safety & containment - see the image below. Not only is it important, but it makes things fast and efficient, which parents appreciate. Sometimes the littles are so into the cake, they don't mind if the parents go off and sit in the lounge area for a little break with. However, others prefer their parents to stay close by during the shoot. And others will demand the parents join the cake smashing goodness to get in their comfort zone.
Remember, a cake smash is a team event so be ready to jump in because your little one calls the shots!
Lyn Mizell
Meet the Team
Photographer & Baby Whisperer
Being a mom of four and a grandma of two, I know a thing or two about babies. Dang, I know… I’m already a grandma! I can’t believe it myself! I’ve been given the title of Baby Whisperer on more than one occasion. Maybe it's because I’m patient, or maybe it’s because I talk and sing during the session, which puts baby to sleep… apologies in advance, but I gotta get in my groove when I shoot.
I’m also the type of person who genuinely wants to know my clients’ stories and share in their memories so that when the session ends, they leave feeling like family.
Jenna
Set Designer & Baby Wrangler
My daughter Jenna is the creative mind behind all of the set designs. She has a knack for pairing lush textures and rich tones to create sets that are both elegant and timeless for newborn sessions.
Her job on the newborn set is to soothe baby and help keep them sleepy and safe.
And then… when you come back for those milestones and the cake smash session, not only will she convert that set up into a ‘blow your mind’ cake smash set up, but her job now becomes the baby wrangler, since your little person is on the move!
Rebekah
Virtual Assistant & Studio Manager
Rebekah runs the backend of the business - she keeps everything organized and running smoothly so that we can focus and take care of all the families that we photograph every year.
She is legit the gorilla glue that keeps it all together - I couldn't do it without her!
The Newborn
Package options
- Up to 1 Hr 15 Min of Studio Time
- Pre-Smash Portraits for Baby with Parents & Siblings, Smash & Splash
- Styled Cake Smash with Banner, Bunting or Balloons
- Semi-Naked 3 Layer Cake Included
- Access to the Milestone Client Closet
- Download of 20 Digital Files of Your Choice,
- Print Release Included
- (1) Luxe Acrylic 10x10 Album Set, 20 Images Included (Corresponds with Selected Digital Files)
- (1) Set of Three Brag Books to Match Album Design
- (2) 16x20 Mounted Wall Prints
cake smash package #1 | $2560
- Up to 1 Hr 15 Min of Studio Time
- Pre-Smash Portraits for Baby with Parents & Siblings, Smash & Splash
- Styled Cake Smash with Banner, Bunting or Balloons
- Semi-Naked 3 Layer Cake Included
- Access to the Milestone Client Closet
- Download of 20 Digital Files of Your Choice,
- Print Release Included
- (1) Classic 10x10 Album with up to 20 Images Included (Corresponds with Selected Digital Files)
- (1) 16x20 Mounted Wall Print
cake smash package #2 | $1550
- Up to 1 Hr 15 Min of Studio Time
- Pre-Smash Portraits for Baby with Parents & Siblings, Smash & Splash
- Styled Cake Smash with Banner, Bunting or Balloons
- Semi-Naked 2 Layer Cake Included
- Access to the Milestone Client Closet
- Download of 15 Digital Files of Your Choice,
- Print Release Included
- (1) Set of Three Brag Books
cake smash package #3 | $950
- Up to 1 Hour of Studio Time
- Pre-Smash Portraits (Baby Only), Smash & Splash
- Styled Cake Smash with Banner, Bunting or Balloons
- Semi-Naked 2 Layer Cake Included
- Access to the Milestone Client Closet
- Download of 10 Digital Files of Your Choice,
- Print Release Included
cake smash package #4 | $650
Prior to the session
How it Works
Shortly after you book, you’ll receive a Questionnaire. This is a foundational building block that will help us understand your vision for the shoot so that on our Design Call, we can hone in on those details. From there, we will come up with a detailed plan to customize your smash unique to you prior to your arrival complete with cake.
A detailed Prep Guide will also be sent to you prior to the session so that you will be well prepared. It will tell you what to bring, how to prepare little one and things you can do to help the session go as smoothly as possible.
Every cake smash session is unique and yours will be tailored to tell the story of your little one's first birthday. Your vision will be brought to life with a custom set and separate backdrop for pre-smash portraits, waiting on the big day for you and your little one.
The benefits of having a large studio (just under 3000 sq ft!) means that we have plenty of room to carry a wide variety of high end props specifically designed for little ones for you to choose from. Parents love to be able to get in and out quickly so that they can get back to their daily routine.
Gallery Reveal/Ordering appointments are done in-studio. Jenna and I LIVE for the Reveal appointment; we LOVE seeing parents light up when they see their gallery. Cue the tears and Kleenex!
We know that most people want the digitals as well and that is why all products purchased at The Baby Photog, the DIGITAL COPY is automatically INCLUDED! Yes you read that right!!
We accept cash, credit cards and offer no interest in house payment plans.
The hardest part for parents is waiting for the Big Reveal!
Once you have selected your images and products, the final editing and design process begins. Every image is individually hand-edited to highlight all of the details that they outgrow so quickly and that we often forget.
Roughly 4 to 6 weeks after your reveal session, your custom products will arrive and can be picked up in-studio.
As a photographer, we live for the reveal, but the BEST part is when we hand over your beautifully wrapped product at the pick up appointment! And yes!!! You HAVE to unwrap it at the studio.
There is a moment when my clients remove the paper so slowly, they see their baby in print and time just stops. They freeze, they gasp, they are just in awe! THIS is the moment!
Clients always tell me …..
The guided process from start to finish was SO worth it!!!
01
the photo session
02
REVEAL & ORDERING APPOINTMENT IN STUDIO
03
Product Delivery
04
Which Products are you excited about to Purchase at the Image Reveal?
Wall art? Albums? Prints?
At the reveal, we will have so much fun customizing your order. You will decide which images you want, which heirloom keepsakes you are drawn to, and we will take care of the design process. Our most popular items are the Acrylic Album Set and Metal Wall Art. Both are breathtaking and can be beautifully displayed in the baby’s room or anywhere in your home so that everyone can gush over your baby’s cuteness.
04. Product Delivery
TO SECURE YOUR SESSION, A BOOKING FEE OF $250 AND A SIGNED CONTRACT ARE REQUIRED.
How to Book a Shoot?
There are two options for booking a cake smash; right around their first birthday or roughly two months before the actual birthday to allow for the selected images and products to be ordered so that they can arrive in time for the big day for friends and family to see.
Most of our Clients book 2 to 3 months in advance to lock in their spot as we only take on a limited number of clients per month.
If you are ready to book, let’s go momma! Let’s get on the phone! Text me or call me at 757-945-9401.
I’ll be happy to answer your Questions, and we can get you scheduled on the calendar. After you book, you will receive a questionnaire and the design process will get started. Booking in advance gets you on the studio schedule and allows us to source what may be needed unique to your shoot.
your beautiful baby
All you will need to bring to the session is
or schedule a call here!
Most Common Questions!
how do i choose setup/theme?
Our detailed questionnaire will help us to design the set up/theme complete with outfit ideas and a custom cake design to coordinate. We will hone in the details on the consultation call following the questionnaire.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK MY cake smash session?
There are two options on the timing of your session; (1)near your baby's actual birthday. Our typical editing turn around time is 2 weeks so please factor that into your booking date request or (2)roughly 6-8 weeks before the actual birthday to allow for the selected images and products to be ordered so that they can arrive and be displayed in time for the big day for friends and family to see.
Our cakes smashes are very popular so it is best to book in advance.
how do I book a session?
1. Text my cell at 757-945-9401 and request a quick call.
2. I'll contact you back asap so log my number in your contacts!
3. We will get you on the studio schedule!
are outfits available for the cake smash?
Yes! We offer a selection of outfits in our Client Closet. During the planning process you will be able to view outfits.
what is included in the session?
All props for the set, a custom cake, a cake topper and a cake stand are included in our cake smash packages. All Packages include Pre-Smash Portraits and a Splash following the smash. We design and custom tailor all sets prior to your session. What do you have to do you ask??....You just bring your baby!
HOW SOON WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY PHOTOS?
Clients will be invited to schedule their Gallery Reveal/Ordering appointment within 2 weeks of the session.
At the Reveal/Ordering appointment, you will be able to view a slideshow presentation of the images on the big screen to make your selections.
are parent shots included in my session?
Most of our package include parents and siblings in the pre-smash portraits!
where is the studio located?
We are located right in City Center in Newport News.
Our address is: 755 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite E
Our Studio is the ENTIRE second floor of this building, featuring an expansive studio space with endless possibilities for your session. It is just under 3000 sq ft! Our clients at not only local but also come from hours away (even crossing state lines!) and tell us the experience is well worth the drive!
or schedule a call here!
Hugs, Lyn & Jenna
We can’t wait to chat with you and start planning for your amazing cake smash session!!!
Newborn & Cake Smash
WE ARe Hampton roads' premier full service
Photography Studio!!
schedule a call here!
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