Newborn Sessions

When to schedule:  Ideally, no later than your 3rd trimester of pregnancy, but if you have missed this window, it's not too late.  Newborn sessions are "penciled in" due to the uncertain date of their birth.  Once the baby is here, call me and we will solidify the appointment! 

When to bring the baby: Newborns are easier to photograph within the first 7-10 days of life.  They are sleepier and more flexible.  However, newborns older than 10 days usually have better skin conditions and they are generally more alert.  There is no wrong time to photograph a newborn, so don't worry if the baby is already few weeks old.  I've photographed newborns as old as 6 weeks.  It just takes a little longer and requires some extra patience! 

Session times:  My preference is to begin by 10 am at the latest.  Sessions can last 2-4 hours.  

Session Location:  For traditional newborn sessions, I have a studio in my Mount Pleasant home, complete with backdrops, lights, props, and baby wardrobe.  For the parents I provide snacks, free WiFi, and in the studio there is a comfy sofa, and a large screen TV with multiple streaming apps.  I usually ask one parent/adult to be my assistant throughout the session, so if you are bringing a toddler for sibling pictures, its a good idea to bring another adult to help care for them during the session.   

Lifestyle sessions take place in your home and have a very different style.  These sessions take up to 2 hours.  I bring a few wraps and props, but mostly we use what you have on hand and use natural light whenever possible.   

Included in every session: In addition to portraits of the baby, I include a new family portrait with mom, dad, siblings and baby.  Mommy & me portraits, daddy & me portraits, and sibling portraits.  Grandparents are welcome to join as well!  

 During the session: Once the baby is alseep, try not to talk to them.  This may wake them up and slow things down. If possible, fathers, aunties/uncles or grandparents make the best photographer assistant.  Babies can smell their mothers milk and will wake when they are near. Come prepared for a warm environment.  I keep the studio warm for baby. 

The number of delivered images: My goal is to deliver dozens of images, but this is contingent upon the baby and how well he/she cooperates during the session.  The average client gets 30-50 images to choose from.