Newborn Session FAQ
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION?
I graduated in 2010 from the Centre for Arts and Technology with a diploma in digital photography and graphic design. I also continue to further my education through various learning avenues such as workshops, industry seminars, PPOC and online courses.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE WITH NEWBORNS?
I have been photographing newborns and babies since 2010. Over this time I have photographed hundreds of newborns. I'm very passionate about my job and newborn safety. Because of this I've invested in several newborn workshops taught by some of the most well known and respected newborn photographers in the industry.
DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO SPACE?
I had a commercial studio space for almost 10 years. After having my own children, I decided to scale back and move my studio space home. I have a studio space located in my home in Lloydminster. Once you book your session I will send a PDF of session instructions, which also includes my studio address.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY NEWBORN PHOTOS?
The best time to book is before baby arrives! I typically book between 4-6 due dates per month along with other sessions, so I suggest contacting me while still pregnant to ensure there is availability. I book tentative with your due date. Then once baby arrives, clients contact me within the recommended timeframe to set up a session date. With babies arriving early or late, I sometimes do have the availability to take on late or last minute bookings. However, this is something I can never guarantee.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO PHOTOGRAPH MY NEWBORN?
For posed studio style newborn sessions I personally fine the best age to photograph a is between 6-16 days following birth. During this time frame babies are more likely to sleep soundly when being re positioned, and they still have that beautiful baby “curl” we all love to see in photos! Typically this timeframe is prior to baby acne flaring up as well.
WHAT IF MY BABY IS OLDER THAN 16 DAYS AND I WANT TO BOOK A SESSION?
If your little one was born premature, we can often stretch this window of time later than if your baby was born at full gestation. If your baby was not born premature, but is over 16 days old please contact me and we can discuss if newborn portrait photography is a good fit for you and your baby. Babies over the age of two weeks have more awake time, wake much easier when being repositioned, and generally don’t sleep as soundly as their “younger” counterparts. Sessions are possible at any age, but it is important for clients to understand that often, older babies may not be able to achieve certain or as many poses in their session.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I DECIDE I WANT TO BOOK A NEWBORN SESSION?
Once you have decided to book a newborn session, a $200 retainer is required to secure your booking. This retainer payment is a non-refundable payment, that confirms your booking. At that time, I will add your due date to my schedule. Once baby arrives, I ask that you contact me as soon as you are able so we can find a day that works for you between that 5-16 day window.
***Please note: in extreme situations where there is a medical reason that your newborn cannot be photographed the session fee can be used towards a session at a later date. In the unfortunate event of a loss of pregnancy a full refund would be given.
DO YOU OFFER SESSIONS ON WEEKENDS?
At this time, I currently book majority of my sessions during the week and reserve weekends for my family.
HOW LONG IS A NEWBORN SESSION?
I prefer to start newborn session for mornings. Typically 9-10AM start time.
A typical full newborn session can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. The average session is approx. 2.5 hours. This allows for time to nurse and soothe baby if needed. I provide a warm sleepy environment for session and following preparation instructions well can greatly reduce session time. If you are booking a newborn mini session we do less set ups and session is max 1 hour. I expect newborn mini clients will have baby fed upon arrival so that we can make the most of our 1 hour session.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY PROPS OR DO YOU SUPPLY THEM? I SAW THIS REALLY COOL PHOTO ON PINTEREST!
I consider myself a full service newborn photographer. I take great pride in being able to provide my clients with everything needed for session in my studio at no additional cost. When I say to you only need to remember to bring your baby the day of session, I mean it.
I have a large amount props for use during sessions. These props are designed specifically for newborn photography and I know how to correctly and safely pose your newborn with them. I have tons of headbands, hats, props, wraps, blankets etc. available for use during session. The props I provide/use are also keeping with my personal style as a photographer. Please be sure to view my body of work to make sure I am the right fit as your photographer.
Newborns are perfect – just as they are, and I choose to highlight their natural beauty in the images I capture. I don’t use a lot of over the top props, as I feel that this distracts from the perfectness that is your new little one!
***For safety reasons, I do not incorporating props brought by clients not mentioned and discussed prior to the session. If you have something sentimental you are wanting to incorporate into your session that you would like to see used please ask prior to booking your session.
I HAVE OLDER CHILDREN WHO I WOULD LIKE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH MY NEWBORN. CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE THIS?
Yes! I ask that if you wish to have siblings photographed with your newborn, that you let me know prior to the session. These photos are done at the beginning of the session, and someone must be available to take your child/children home following these photos. Children do not tolerate the heat and length of a newborn session, and often become a distraction in the studio. Please keep in mind that although I will attempt sibling poses, this is not the focus of a newborn session. Please do not set expectations high for young children, as they often have difficulty following direction and can become uncomfortable holding their new sibling.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH MY NEWBORN IS THIS POSSIBLE?
Yes! With the full newborn session package, I am always happy to do posing with mom/baby, dad/baby, as well as mom/dad/baby. Please let me know prior to the session and see your newborn information package for information on how to prepare for session.
HOW SOON WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY PHOTOS?
I send out a proofing gallery within 1 week post session for clients to choose their final images. Once selections have been made and digital files have been purchased, final images are delivered within 3 weeks.
WHAT IS A PROOFING GALLERY?
A proofing gallery is the unedited photos I select from your session for you to choose your final images. The client then chooses which images they would like with their package. Once selected, I then complete the editing on those files. Final images are delivered in both colour and black and white.
DO I RECEIVE DIGITAL FILES OR PRINTS WITH SESSIONS?
All sessions are delivered via online gallery with download link. USB are available for purchase as well as print and product options.
CAN I HAVE ALL THE PHOTOS IN MY PROOFING GALLERY UNEDITED?
No, I do not release unedited or RAW files.