The Best Time To Schedule Your Newborn Session
AND OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a person’s life but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. So today I’m going to answer the most often asked questions that I get. Hopefully this will help you feel like you can relax and check one of your most exciting to-do’s off of your list by booking your newborn session!
1. WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?
The most often asked question I get is “how old should my baby be for our session?”. Because I specialize in timeless, baby-led, lifestyle based images, I’ll tell you that it doesn’t matter to me how old your newborn is! I can create a beautiful gallery for you as soon as you are able to come into the studio! I love when babies are as young as possible because they are still tiny, sleepy and curled up. Sessions tend to be a bit easier because this. But that timeframe isn’t always possible for every family and that is never a problem. Slightly older newborns are growing adorable bellies and chunky legs and might even be able to make a bit of eye contact. The truth is that the perfect age for a newborn session is however old your baby is when you are able to make it in for your session!
2. HOW DO WE SCHEDULE THE ACTUAL SESSION WHEN BABIES AREN’T ALWAYS BORN ON TIME?
I love how easy I am able to make it for my clients to schedule sessions! I only book around 8 clients a month and I reserve time for you on my calendar as soon as you complete your booking with me. After that, all you need to do is put me on your VIP list and let me know as soon as your baby is born so you can pick the exact day and time for your session based on how you are feeling at that time. If your baby is born early or late - that’s okay! If things change and you need to reschedule, that is okay too. While many other photographers are renting busy, publicly shared studios to meet you at for your session, I have my own private studio so I am able to offer as much flexibility for my clients as possible. No reason to stress - I got you!
3. WHO SHOULD BE A PART OF OUR SESSION?
Your entire family is not only welcome, but encouraged to be a part of every session with me. That includes grandparents, special family members in town for the new baby and even well-behaved fur-babies! Think of how much it will mean for your baby to grow up with these gorgeous images of themselves with all of the special people who love them so much while they were so little! We are documenting some amazing moments in your life and having the whole family be a part of your session not only gives you a gallery with more variety, but those images will be a true gift for your family for generations to come.
4. ARE SESSIONS STRESSFUL?
SO stressful. Just kidding - they certainly don’t need to be! I’m in my 15th year in business and I pride myself on making my clients feel relaxed, calm and comfortable. Sessions are usually even fun! Even if you have a stubborn toddler who wants nothing to do with their sibling (or maybe a spouse who would prefer to have nothing to do with having photos of themselves taken) you can relax knowing that you are in good hands. I have tons of tricks for getting all of the special images you are dreaming of and endless patience!
5. ARE YOUR NEWBORN SESSIONS CONSIDERED LIFESTYLE OR POSED?
My newborn sessions are lifestyle based with very light posing. I love creating emotive images of babies being snuggled and loved on by their family. When it comes time for portraits of just your baby, I practice what is considered “baby-led” posing. “Baby-led” posing is a way to position your little one that is both comfortable and natural to them. It results in beautiful images that are timeless, classic and organic. I don’t spend hours getting your baby to sleep or posing them in any way that is forced and I avoid using props that might make your images feel dated or cluttered. This means that your session will be relaxed and laid-back. My goal is to create beautiful, clean images that keep the focus on your precious newborn and will stand the test of time.
6. HOW LONG DOES A NEWBORN SESSION LAST?
Newborn sessions are scheduled for 2-3 hours in the studio to ensure that we are not rushed if baby needs extra time to feed or settle. It also gives us time for outfit changes while making sure I get images of your baby alone, with siblings, parents and also the family all together. I recommend scheduling your session for a day where you do not have other commitments or appointments so that you can relax and enjoy this special experience. And although it sounds like a long time, clients always tell me how much fun they had and how quickly the session went by!
7. WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
You’ll have access to my Client Wardrobe filled with designer pieces for moms and babies through their 1st birthday session. For newborns I have perfect neutral colored organic onesies, chunky knit sweaters, wraps and more. You are also welcome to bring outfits and items from your own wardrobe. Together, we’ll make sure that your final images are a unique representation of your entire family. Those looking for an even more luxurious experience can add-on the services of my preferred wardrobe stylists and personal shoppers.
8. DO YOU RECOMMEND PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKE UP?
Having professional hair and make-up done before your session is a fabulous way to make sure you look and feel your best before your session. A fresh blow out, a relaxed, natural style and professional make up will photograph beautifully and can give your images an even more polished, high-end feel. I work with an amazing team of preferred stylists for clients who’d like to be pampered before their session.
9. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR US TO RECEIVE OUR IMAGES AFTER OUR SESSION?
About 3 weeks after your session takes place, your art will be ready for viewing & ordering through your private online gallery. Instant digital downloads will be available for purchase at this time. You will be able to view all of your finished images along with custom curated artwork. Once you purchase the digital collection of your choice, your gallery will remain open so that you can download your images, spend your gift credit that comes with every digital collection and order any additional products and gifts that you’d like.
10. DO YOU OFFER A BABY PLAN?
Absolutely! I have a Milestones Membership program designed to make sure you are able to document all the important stages that you would like from maternity through baby’s first year - it’s truly one of my favorite things ever! Spots are limited based on my availability so please contact me for full information.