NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ
COVID UPDATE:
I am FULLY VACCINATED against COVID-19!
Yay!
My studio is open again, so you have a choice of doing newborn session at my studio in Glenshire or in the convenience of your home. I also have all other vaccinations current, including TDAP, so I can safely hang around newborn people ;) Upon your request, I will wear a mask during the entire photo session.
Please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected]
WHY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?
The beginning of a baby's life is amazing and delightful. They stretch, wiggle, make silly faces, and they are a total miracle. It's wonderful to capture these first extraordinary moments to remember and share with your loved ones. Newborn photographs tell the story of a baby's introduction to family and the world. No doubt, you will cherish these images more over time. But, the newborn in them will grow and come to cherish them too.
One day they will look to these portraits to find the likeness in their own children.
IS IT SAFE?
Nothing is more important than the safety of your child during a newborn photo session.
You can have peace of mind while working with me knowing that I take all the following precautions to ensure your baby is safe:
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I am fully vaccinated and I receive a flu shot every year in the early fall; I also have received the Tdap vaccine booster (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) to be around newborns.
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I will thoroughly wash my hands prior to handling your baby and whenever we take a break during your session.
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If I have any cold or flu symptoms, I will notify you prior to your session. At your request, I will refund your session fee if I am unable to photograph your newborn within two weeks following your scheduled session.
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I never force a baby to do a pose that could be harmful or uncomfortable. In addition to that, I will not pose your infant in any glass, ceramic objects or suspend your baby above the ground in a hammock or any other prop.
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All props that may become unstable will be weighted down inside with 10-20lb weights and/or be held steady with your hands, later to be edited out.
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Anytime a baby is posed on a table, stool, or bench, an adult will be present within six inches from the baby and will later be edited out of the photo.
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I will not pose your baby on top of or against a pet. Animals are much too unpredictable. We can, however, get photos of your baby and your pet together in other ways!
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I thoroughly wash and sanitize all props and linens after each session.
Though I take every precaution to keep your baby safe, I encourage you to speak up if anything makes you uncomfortable during your session.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I believe in untrendy, clean, classic portraiture, a style that won't go out of style.
I don't use a lot of newborn props. Some of my favorite images have no props at all. Just baby. 100% beautiful on their own.
WHERE WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
You have two options for the newborn photo session: I can come to your home or you can come to my studio in Glenshire. Having the baby session in your home will allow you and your family to relax in the comfort of your own surroundings during the session. My studio is a good option if your house is small and/or does not have a lot of natural light.
HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST?
Newborn sessions are unpredictable, it can take a few hours to allow for all the moods and needs of your baby. It could last anywhere from an hour and a half to up to four hours. Please plan accordingly.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
I understand how tired you feel. How unsettled and crazy this time is. I am a parent too. You won't be rushed through your session and will have plenty of time to cuddle, change, feed, and relax with your little one. I have plenty of experience working with newborns and know that you should always expect the unexpected. Pee, poop, and spit-up will happen, and it is apt to be deposited on props, blankets, the parent, or the photographer. It's a normal part of newborn photography sessions.
WHAT SHOULD THE BABY WEAR?
Most photographs are taken without clothing but do prepare that special something for the baby. A special blanket, a family heirloom, the cute hat Grandma made, or a stuffed toy can all be easily incorporated into your baby's first photographs. Because accidents happen, it is also wise to have an extra change of clothing for yourself.
DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE PICTURE AS WELL?
I know you may not be feeling your most beautiful right now, but yes! you should be in the photos as well. I can work wonders with retouching dark circles from the sleepless nights and I know how to camouflage the problem areas that remain. You cannot get this time back, and later you will be thankful to have photos of yourself with your new baby. As your babies grow, they will love seeing themselves as a teeny baby in their parent s arms.
Can we get some images of the new baby with a big brother and big sister?
We will definitely try! Newborn and sibling portraits (especially with toddlers) can be some of the more challenging images to capture. Is it possible? Yes. Can I guarantee success? Unfortunately, no. Each newborn and each toddler is unique in their attitude towards each other. I do have several ideas for trying to capture siblings together that usually work well.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SESSION'S FEE?
The session fee covers the photographer's time and talent photographing your family and editing images that are presented to you during your reveal studio session. Unless otherwise specified, prints, digital files, wall art, albums, heirloom prints boxes are purchased after your session.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
Within a few days of your session, I will invite you to my studio or will come to your home to present the photographs I've captured. We'll plan the best ways to have them printed: whether it is on your walls or in a coffee table album or in a handmade heirloom print box.
I'll show you examples of albums, wall art collections, and print box materials and you'll decide what would be the best product to get. Printed albums take 2 weeks after you make a selection of images for the album and an additional 1-2 weeks to print & ship after you approve the final layout. Print boxes & digital images on USB are mailed to your home within 14 business days.
If you live more than 50 miles away from Truckee, we'll set up Zoom or Skype consultation to review your photographs. You'll select your favorites and let me know any particular editing requests.
Your final collection will consist of your favorite photographs that have been artfully edited, printed, and are ready to display in your home.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?
Contact me to reserve your newborn session date while you're still pregnant. The best time for a newborn session is within 6-10 days after the birth when the baby is sleepy and easy to pose. I will set aside a date in my calendar (usually Sunday following your due date) and will wait for the news of your baby's arrival to give you an exact date.
