TIMELESS • FRESH • FUN
Newborn photography
common questions
When is the best time to book my newborn photoshoot?
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Is better to book before or after your baby has arrived? It is never too early to get on our newborn photo shoot schedule! Your best bet is to book in your second or third trimester. Why? We only accept a limited amount of newborns each month. We do this to account for the extra wiggle room we need in our calendar to accommodate each baby's arrival, but I’m also very flexible on making time for clients who just didn’t get around to scheduling before baby arrived.
When is the best time to take newborn photos?
You might be wondering how old baby should be for their newborn photoshoot with us. We always aim to schedule our sessions when baby is around 8-15 days old. This is when baby is super sleepy, snuggly and still curly from the womb. They are more easily molded into those squishy newborn poses! On top of this, they are less likely to be disturbed when posing or moving to props. We also don't have to worry as much about jaundice or baby acne.
How do you plan a session date when due dates aren’t for certain?
I pencil in due dates on my calendar and plan on a range of a week before and after that time. That means that if your baby arrives a little early, I’m still available close to your due date. And if your baby arrives late (which I sure hope isn’t the case!) I can still adjust for that week or two after your due date. Once baby arrives, I have parents contact me via phone, text, or email with the happy news. Then we set our official session date and time to fit within that optimal newborn window for the photographs.
How long is a newborn photoshoot?
The length of the session depends on your package choice, but generally newborn photos can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. Our Mini session typically lasts 1-1.5 hours, and our Full session averages 2-3 hours. We always allow for plenty of time for soothing and feedings during our sessions! We only book one newborn a day, so we are able to take our time with each baby. sessions are never rushed and always we go at baby's pace.
Is two weeks too old for newborn photos?
Not at all! Most newborn photographers will tell you your baby has to be photographed within the first two weeks of birth. However, we always say this is just a guideline, not a hard rule. Newborn photos can absolutely be held at or past two weeks. And we often do! The key here is realistic expectations. After two weeks, newborns tend to be more alert, less sleepy and wake easier while be posed or wrapped. So we just have to make adjustments to the session. We can plan for more swaddled and wrapped set ups. Maybe we get less or no bare baby poses, or baby will be awake in more of the photos. Doesn't matter! Your baby will still be captured perfectly. Just as they are, in that moment of their lives.
When do I pay my session fee?
Your session fee is due at the time of your appointment.
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How to Prepare for your Newborn Photo Shoot:
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Try to keep Baby Awake for an Hour before the Session. If you want those priceless sleepy shots, it’s best to keep your newborn awake for at least an hour before your session so when they get here, they will be more likely to drift off to dreamland.​
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​Dress baby in Something that Zips or Snaps in the Front. This will make it easy for me to change your baby when you get to the studio, without rustling them too much.
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​Leave Baby in the Car Seat when you Arrive at the Studio. Usually babies fall asleep in the car because the seat keeps them calm and warm. Leave them in the car seat when you arrive so they don’t wake up.​​
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The Studio is Warm so Dress in Layers. I always keep the studio warm to ensure baby is comfortable, so make sure you dress accordingly so as to not get overheated.
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​Bring Snacks and a Book or iPad … or you can even take a Nap in Studio. It is so important to me that you feel welcome and comfortable in the studio, and I know how taxing life can be with a new baby. So feel free to make yourself at home while I do the work!
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​​Bring Extra Make-up, Hairbrush, etc. When we take those family photos, you’re going to want to look your best. So bring a touch-up kit with extra makeup, a hairbrush and hairspray for those flyaways, and anything else you feel you may need to look camera-ready.​
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Bring a Pacifier for use during the Session. The pacifier is an extremely important tool that I use to keep baby soothed and sleeping if they start to wake up or fuss in between set-ups and posing, so don’t leave home without that binky!
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​Bring Extra Formula or Pumped Breast Milk for Baby. While I do advise families to feed their newborns before the shoot, you should always bring extra formula or pumped breast milk for your baby to keep them from getting fussy.
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​It is Helpful to have Someone to take the Older Sibling out during Baby’s Portion of the Shoot. If you have another child, having either parent entertain them outside of the studio can be a big help. Not only does it keep them happy, it keeps baby calm and allows me to focus on my work so I know I’m doing my best to take the photos you will love for years to come.
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​Prepare to be at least 10 feet away from the baby. If you are close, your baby will smell you and wonder why you are not comforting them.. which will likely result in a bit of fussiness.​
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Moms, if you are breastfeeding, do not drink coffee the morning of the session & do not eat any spicy or gassy foods the day before as this can keep the little one up.
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​Be Prepared for Mess Babies are unpredictable, and accidents can happen during the photoshoot. Bring extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for both you and your baby to handle any unexpected messes.
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If you’re planning on being in any of the photos with your baby I recommend wearing neutral colors, muted tones, and pastels for my clients to create a light, airy romantic feel. Bright colors, logos and busy patterns can distract from the emotion. Consider your home decor and design color palette to ensure your images blend seamlessly into your home once displayed.
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Don’t neglect your nails! Make sure you get them manicured or have your nails trimmed short and cuticles clean. Your hands will be in the pictures and the details will show. Hair and make up are a major factor in you liking the final images of yourself (like you should!). If you prefer to have hair and make up professionally done (which I also recommend)
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Sit Back and Relax while I Work Life with a newborn can be hectic, but your newborn photo shoot doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips I’ve laid out to prepare for your newborn studio session and then let me take it from there! You can just relax while I capture what is sure to become some of your favorite memories on camera!