Cake Smash
FAQs
How it works
Booking and appointments
Our studio is open Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays and public holidays. All cake smash sessions are in-studio. A date is confirmed only once a non-refundable deposit of Rs 10,000 plus GST is received; the balance is due on or before the day of the shoot.
How early should I book?
As early as you can. Dates in a preferred week go quickly, and milestones pass quickly. Message us with your child's age and we will find the right week.
Can I reschedule?
Once, with at least 7 days notice before your appointment. Last-minute rescheduling is not possible. If your child is unwell on the day, tell us and we will work something out.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please give at least 7 days notice, or 14 days if your booking falls on a Saturday. Your deposit is retained as a credit you can use within 6 months. Deposits are non-refundable.
What if I arrive late?
Our studio runs to a tight schedule. If you expect a delay of 10 to 15 minutes, message us. Delays over 30 minutes without notice may mean the session is cancelled and the deposit forfeited. Aim to arrive 20 minutes early with the baby bag packed the night before.
What payment methods do you accept?
UPI, bank transfer, Google Pay and Paytm online, or a payment link on request. Domestic debit and credit cards and cash at the studio. We cannot process international cards.
Will I get a GST invoice?
Yes. Our services carry 18% GST. Invoices for personal shoots are issued in an individual's name; business GST invoices are reserved for commercial shoots.
Do you photograph outside the studio?
Custom out-of-studio, at-home and outdoor cake smash shoots start at Rs 2 lakh plus GST. Message us to discuss.
Timing
Book 4 to 6 weeks before the first birthday, so the finished photos are ready in time for the party. The cake is included in every package.
Is the cake included?
Yes. Every cake smash package includes the cake, chosen to suit the theme and safe for your baby. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Is a cake smash only for the first birthday?
It is built around turning one, but we have photographed them at eighteen months and at two. Tell us the age and we will suggest the right set.
What if my baby does not like the cake?
It happens, and it still makes good pictures. We photograph clean portraits first, so the milestone is captured either way. Then we introduce the cake slowly and follow your baby's lead.
How long does a session take?
About an hour per setup including breaks and play. Two setups is about two hours; three is about three. The pace is guided entirely by your child's mood.
Setups, backdrops and props
A cake smash setup is a themed scene: backdrop, props, styling and the cake. A sitter setup added alongside gives clean milestone portraits before the mess. We are open to your themes and colour ideas.
How do I pick a backdrop?
We share our cake smash portfolio and current sets before the session and guide you through the options in the pre-session consultation, based on your style and what we have in stock.
Can you recreate something I saw on Pinterest or Instagram?
Send it over. It helps us understand what you have in mind, and if we have something similar we will happily offer it.
Can I bring my own props?
Yes. We will use them if they suit the setup and are safe for your child.
Are props and backdrops sanitised between sessions?
Always. Every prop, backdrop, outfit and blanket is cleaned and sanitised after each session with hypoallergenic products.
Wardrobe for your child
An outfit is provided for the cake smash, chosen to suit the theme, and it will get cake on it. For a sitter setup in the same visit, outfits are provided one per setup. Bring a change of clothes for afterwards.
Are the outfits clean?
Yes. All outfits and accessories are washed and sanitised before every session.
Can I bring my own outfits?
Yes. Toddlers in particular often look most like themselves in their own clothes. We will tell you honestly if something will not photograph well against the chosen backdrop.
What are the outfits made of?
Soft, natural fabrics such as cotton, chosen for your child's comfort.
Can I use more than one outfit per setup?
One outfit per setup.
Family, siblings and pets
Most families add a family setup. There are two ways: a styled Vogue Family setup with both parents and your child, or the quick Basic Family add-on on the white backdrop.
What is the difference between Vogue Family and Basic Family?
Vogue Family is a full setup: your choice of backdrop, one outfit each, about an hour, 5 retouched photos, with posing in combinations such as all together, mother and baby, father and baby. Basic Family is a 10 to 12 minute add-on on the white curtain backdrop, parents only, no dress changes, 2 retouched photos, all posed together. If the family photographs matter to you, choose Vogue.
Can I include an older sibling?
Of course. Siblings can be added to any setup at Rs 4,995 plus GST per setup, or to a Basic Family add-on for Rs 1,995.
Can grandparents or a pet join?
Grandparents or any couple can be added to a Vogue Family setup at Rs 9,995 plus GST per setup. Pets are Rs 4,995 per setup and need our approval in advance. Basic Family is parents only.
What should my husband and I wear?
It depends on the backdrop. Deep, rich tones like navy or charcoal for dark backdrops; soft neutrals like beige, ivory and light pastels for light ones. Keep the palette cohesive so the focus stays on the family, not on contrast.
Do you provide outfits for parents?
A curated wardrobe for mothers is available to try during the consultation, at Rs 1,995 plus GST per outfit. Fathers and siblings bring their own, chosen to complement the look.
What should my older child wear?
Comfortable clothes in neutral or pastel tones that sit well with your child's outfit. Avoid bright colours, busy patterns and large logos.
Do you help us coordinate?
Yes. Styling advice is part of the consultation, so everyone's outfits work together.
Hair and makeup
If you are adding a family setup, please arrive with hair and makeup done. Hair and makeup are not included and cannot be done at the studio, as a business and insurance policy. Outside artists are not permitted without the paid studio access add-on.
Do I have to get my hair and makeup done?
Not at all. A natural look photographs beautifully. Do whatever helps you feel comfortable and confident.
Can my artist come to the studio?
Only with the studio access add-on at Rs 9,995 plus GST for two hours, arranged in advance. Otherwise please arrive ready.
What look do you recommend?
Soft and natural. Simple makeup and a low-maintenance hairstyle keep the focus on your connection with your child.
Will there be time for touch-ups?
Yes. We usually photograph the family setup first, and there is time for quick adjustments.
Photos and delivery
Within 10 days you receive a selection gallery of 30 or more watermarked preview images per setup. Send us your choices, and your final retouched photos arrive in high resolution within 4 weeks.
How do I select my photos?
Share screenshots with file numbers on WhatsApp with your account manager, or mark favourites in the online gallery. Please send your list within 24 hours; after 30 days we are no longer able to provide edited photos.
What resolution are the final photos?
Longest side 3000 pixels at 300 dpi, high enough for large prints. The selection previews are 1000 pixels and watermarked, for browsing only.
Are unedited photos included?
No. Packages include retouched photos only. Unedited photos are available as an add-on, five for Rs 2,495 plus GST. We do not provide raw files or full card dumps.
How are photos delivered?
Digitally, through an online gallery, available for one year. Please download and back up your photos within that time.
Is there a watermark?
Final photos carry a small artist signature, placed away from the subject. Watermark-free versions are available free of charge 12 weeks after delivery, on request by email.
Can I get more photos than my package includes?
Yes. Extra edited photos are Rs 2,495 each, and unedited photos are available in sets of five. Both are listed under add-ons on the packages page.
Editing
Basic editing is included in every package: colour correction, hair flyaways, skin smoothing, light background clean-up and gentle body shaping for family frames.
How do you edit the photos?
With a light touch. We correct colour, tidy the background and straighten, and remove small marks such as scratches or food. We do not change how your child looks. The aim is your child as they were, at their best.
What is not included in editing?
Changing the colour of clothes or nails, head swaps, background swaps, tattoo removal, intricate skin work, fixing chipped nails, hair or lash fill-ins, composites, and major reshaping.
Can I request revisions or a specific style?
We do not offer revisions after delivery, and we do not take custom editing instructions or filter requests. Anega follows one consistent process to keep the quality and style of the work.
Do you provide black and white versions?
Yes. Every edited photo is delivered in both colour and black and white.
How long does editing take?
About 4 weeks from the day we receive your selection.
Privacy and copyright
We share our work, and it is how families find us. If you would rather keep your photos private, the privacy add-on is Rs 19,995 plus GST, arranged at the time of booking.
Will my photos be used in your portfolio?
Usually, yes. It is how future clients see our style. If you prefer not, choose the privacy add-on when booking.
Can you wait before sharing?
Yes. We are happy to hold your photos for one to two months if you would like some time first.
Can I keep my identity private?
Yes. If you ask, we will not tag you or mention your name anywhere the photos appear.
Can I use the photos commercially, or can my makeup artist share them?
The photos are for personal use. Commercial use is not permitted. A makeup artist, designer or wardrobe maker may share them on social media with our permission, with credit to us placed prominently at the start of the caption.
Who owns the copyright?
Under the Indian Copyright Act of 1957, the photographer holds copyright. You receive the right to use the images for personal, non-commercial purposes. If you have a specific need for full ownership, talk to us.
Studio hygiene
The studio is kept clean for children and parents, and a cake smash set is fully cleaned between sessions. Surfaces, props and equipment are disinfected regularly with gentle products, without harsh chemicals or strong odours.
What are your hygiene practices?
Hand sanitiser at the entrance and throughout the studio. Staff follow strict personal hygiene and stay home if unwell. Fabrics, blankets and outfits are washed with hypoallergenic detergent before and after every use. Proper waste disposal for nappies. Regular ventilation checks, plus air purifiers to keep the air quality healthy.