What to Expect; FAQ
When should I schedule my newborn session?
Typically it is best to have your newborn setup for their session within the first two weeks of life. It is best to let us know your due date in advance so we can make a space for you in our busy schedule!
Why should I schedule within the first two weeks?
During the first two weeks of life, infants tend to be more sleepy or easily lulled to sleep. They are also more flexible and less alert making it easier for us to capture those angelic sleeping portraits. Past the age of two weeks isn't impossible but baby is usually more alert and restless at that age.
What should I expect during my newborn session?
You can expect us to do all possible to capture those precious sleepy poses. Your baby will most likely be photographed naked, wrapped in soft blankets or wraps, with siblings or in your arms if you choose to do so! The studio will be kept warmer than usual to accommodate baby and their need for warmth.
Where will my session take place?
Newborn sessions take place at my home studio in White Plains. My studio room is smaller as it is a spare room in my home. I am willing travel under special circumstances if needed, but it is easiest for newborns to be brought to my studio since I have all necessities on-site!
Where are you located?
The studio is located in White Plains. 203 Larkins Crunk Rd. White Plains, KY 42464
It can be pulled up on most phone GPS navigation systems but if you have trouble finding it I can give directions.
It can be pulled up on most phone GPS navigation systems but if you have trouble finding it I can give directions.
How long will a newborn session last?
I normally set aside 2-3 hours for each newborn session. I have to allow time for any feedings, accident cleanup and any time it takes to just cuddle baby and coax them to sleep for the sleepy pose shots. If baby is alert at the beginning of the session we will start with any family portraits, if any, to get all mother/father contact done at the beginning as baby is easier to coax to sleep for single portraits by me, as babies smelling their Mother sometimes triggers the need or want to feed when in fact they may not need one. There are instances where sessions may run over 2 hours depending on baby and their needs. If baby just isn't having it we are more than happy to reschedule another date in order to catch baby in a happier and hopefully sleepier mood!
How should we dress baby?
It is not necessary to bring any special outfits, as with newborns, the more skin showing, the better. Nude shots tend to be preferred. If parents have a particular outfit they would like a shot of baby in, I will be happy to get a shot for you. However, 9 times out of 10 after seeing the finished product most parents prefer the nude shots. Newborns are just perfect and angelic being photographed naturally. I have plenty of headbands, wraps and blankets to suit your needs, so let me do the styling! As far as dressing baby for travel to the studio, a button or zip up loose onesie/sleeper is preferred as it won't leave lines or red marks from clothing touching baby and is easier to take off when we are ready to start and trying not to disturb them.
How should parents and siblings dress?
Simple is the ideal scenario. A cream or white top for Mom/Dad, something that flows always looks nice for Mom. Also black looks good as well, just a simple solid color-as patterns or stripes are not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye, we want focus to be on baby and not drawn to the prints in the photo. The same applies to children, a simple white or dark/black solid top with jeans for boys. For girls a nice cream or white dress-textured dresses look nice too! We just want very simple because most newborn sessions are focused on the simplicity and angelic ora of baby!
How should parents and siblings dress?
Simple is the ideal scenario. A cream or white top for Mom/Dad, something that flows always looks nice for Mom. Also black looks good as well, just a simple solid color-as patterns or stripes are not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye, we want focus to be on baby and not drawn to the prints in the photo. The same applies to children, a simple white or dark/black solid top with jeans for boys. For girls a nice cream or white dress-textured dresses look nice too! We just want very simple because most newborn sessions are focused on the simplicity and angelic ora of baby!
What can we do to better prepare baby for their session?
This may very well be the most important thing you can do to ensure a smoother, quicker session with your newborn. Parent's normally don't realize how important their role is to the session but if you follow these helpful tips it'll help keep your baby comfortable throughout the duration of his/her session: First, as we've discussed previously, we want a sleepy baby. The best way to try and ensure baby's sleepiness is to play with baby and try to keep them awake for about 90 minutes (if possible) leading up to their session. Play and interact with them, keep them alert! Also, feeding baby right before session time is very helpful in ensuring a full tummy, which also leads to better and deeper sleeping. The feeding can be right before leaving your home-which is preferred-since removing them from their seat and feeding may wake them! But I will never let a baby go hungry so if we need to break to feed that is 100% okay. Another big factor in assuring a smooth session is that parents let me take control and do what I need to do in order to comfort baby. When held by their mother or father babies smell the scent of their loved ones and it tends to stress them out because a lot of times, parents will be stressed in an unfamiliar environment trying to get baby to cooperate. I understand the urge to hold or pick up baby if he/she cries during a session, but it is best for us as photographers to do our best to comfort baby and adjust them ourselves. I encourage parents to relax and let us get those beautiful portraits you came for!
What if my baby has an accident?
It's life, accidents happen, they're babies! All of my material is washable and can be cleaned...and I've been peed and poo'ed on numerous times, so I am-I guess you could say-used to it! Don't make a fuss if it happens, as a stress free environment is essential to keep baby calm. I will clean up and move along.
Who can accompany me during the session?
Typically the less people there are, the better! I encourage Mom, Dad and siblings if they are to be in photos, but anymore just makes the environment more stressful for everyone as there is limited space in the studio and it is hot and sometimes impatience becomes and issue with everyone. If Dad cannot assist Mom to the studio and she needs help travelling it is ok to bring Grandma or a friend to help, but try to keep extra persons to a minimal please!
Do you offer birth announcements?
Yes, I do! Announcement design is priced and purchased separately from the session itself. I can design a few template options and if you choose one that suits your liking I can have them printed for you or add the announcement on your CD or digital download for an extra design fee!
What if my newborn has baby acne?
No worries! I have a variety of portrait enhancing tricks we can use to eliminate boo-boo's, blemishes or any other marks on baby's skin in order to achieve those lovely baby skin tones!
When can I expect to see previews from my session?
You can expect to view a preview from your session within 1-2 business days from the date of your session.
How many images should I expect from my session?
Number of images will range depending on how lengthy the session is and what I capture. If we capture numerous poses with different props or if other family members are involved you can expect more images. Also if you choose to put baby in an outfit (which is additional cost) there will be more images upon completion. There is no set number as to how many you will receive as it will vary depending on baby's cooperation or length of the session.
How will I receive my session and what is the turnaround time?
You will receive your session via digital online gallery link from PASS which is an online gallery website where your images are uploaded and stored for you for up to 10 years. Once your images go through the entire post-processing phase I upload them and send you the link via Facebook message or text. If you would like it to be password protected that is also an option. I prefer my clients take their galleries this way because they will be stored for 10 years (so if you were to make your own CD/USB flash drive and lose it or it get damaged you can easily recover it.) Plus, these are sessions that can NEVER be redone or recreated as we all know your baby is only a newborn once and it can't be duplicated later on. It also eliminates clients from having to travel back to my location to pick up the CD if that option is requested, as some of you live quite a distance away.
The turnaround time is normally anywhere form 4-6 weeks. I understand some parents may want an image or two for birth announcements for family so I do offer to go ahead and email you an original sized image to use for such needs, but newborn post processing is much more time consuming than most other sessions due to skin color corrections, blanket editing, blemish removal etc. It's just a timely process and I have to ensure I give you the best images possible. I'm also a Mother of two boys who will be starting school and a wife and a homemaker so I have motherly and wifely duties as well! But I ensure you that you will have your images as fast as I possibly can.
How will I receive my session and what is the turnaround time?
You will receive your session via digital online gallery link from PASS which is an online gallery website where your images are uploaded and stored for you for up to 10 years. Once your images go through the entire post-processing phase I upload them and send you the link via Facebook message or text. If you would like it to be password protected that is also an option. I prefer my clients take their galleries this way because they will be stored for 10 years (so if you were to make your own CD/USB flash drive and lose it or it get damaged you can easily recover it.) Plus, these are sessions that can NEVER be redone or recreated as we all know your baby is only a newborn once and it can't be duplicated later on. It also eliminates clients from having to travel back to my location to pick up the CD if that option is requested, as some of you live quite a distance away.
The turnaround time is normally anywhere form 4-6 weeks. I understand some parents may want an image or two for birth announcements for family so I do offer to go ahead and email you an original sized image to use for such needs, but newborn post processing is much more time consuming than most other sessions due to skin color corrections, blanket editing, blemish removal etc. It's just a timely process and I have to ensure I give you the best images possible. I'm also a Mother of two boys who will be starting school and a wife and a homemaker so I have motherly and wifely duties as well! But I ensure you that you will have your images as fast as I possibly can.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
I know things happen. Emergencies, inclement weather, illness or injury and I understand the need to reschedule at times. I ask you provide as much notice as possible so that I can fill your slot with another session if needed.
What should I expect to pay?
Session prices vary depending on what your needs are. Sessions for newborns only will be set manually via private message on Facebook where we can discuss your needs/wants with your session and personally tailor it to suit your style.