FAQ
FAQ
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY NEWBORN SESSION?
It is never too early to book, but during your 2nd trimester is preferred. I book a limited number of sessions each month so that each client receives my personal attention. To ensure your desired session time, please contact me as soon as you know you would like to book a newborn session. I will pencil your due date onto my calendar upon booking. You will then contact me when your baby arrives to schedule your session.
HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WHEN I’M NOT SURE WHEN BABY WILL BE BORN?
That’s easy… let me know your due date and we will make tentative plans around that time. Once the baby is born, let me know as soon as possible (ideally within the first couple of days and absolutely before the baby is 5 days) and we will select an actual date. So please contact me sooner. I always try to leave availability for my newborns, but I do have other session scheduled in advance.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO PHOTOGRAPH MY NEW BABY?
I prefer to photograph newborns when they are less than two weeks old, with the ideal range between 5-10 days. This is done for many reasons. Newborns this young are more likely to “curl up” and remain sleepy for the duration of the session. They are much more tolerant of being posed and moved around than a 3 or 4 weeks old. Almost all of the “sleepy newborn” shots you see here on the website were done with newborns 14 days old or younger. It's also best to do the session before the baby acne sets in.
If your baby is older than 2 weeks, don’t worry, we can still capture beautiful photos-it may just take more effort on both ends and we will need to skip some of the poses you see.
MY BABY IS ALREADY BORN. IS IT TOO LATE TO SCHEDULE A NEWBORN SESSION?
No! While I generally book newborn sessions many months in advance, given the necessarily fluid nature of scheduling newborn sessions, I sometimes have last-minute openings. Moreover, while I recommend that newborn sessions take place during the first two weeks of life, I am always happy to photograph older newborns with the understanding that it may not be possible to achieve the type of images that work with a very young newborn.
WHERE WILL MY NEWBORN SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Sessions take place at my studio 8431 Katy Freeway, Suite # 222, Houston, Texas 77024. This is not a home or garage conversion studio.
Studio vs. In-Home Sessions – In order to achieve the consistent image results you see on this website and in my portfolio, newborn and baby sessions are held in my studio. Everything is fully prepared prior to your arrival (multiple sets will be in place). You can relax and enjoy some much-needed rest while I photograph your baby, just feet away.
WHAT IF MY BABY COMES EARLY OR AFTER MY DUE DATE? HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT DATE TO BOOK?
By booking your session with me, (paying the deposit) your new baby has priority on my schedule. That means if the baby comes early or late your baby is guaranteed a spot on my calendar. My newborn sessions are limited per month to accommodate the various arrival dates.
DO YOU HAVE ALL THE PROPS?
Yes! I have everything you see on my website and loads more. My studio has a huge, ginormous collection of high end, handmade headbands, bonnets, outfits, rompers and wraps to name a few. I am constantly updating and purchasing new goodies, only the very best for your child. Your baby’s session will be fully styled based on your color preferences. All you have to do is bring me the baby!
HOW LONG WILL MY NEWBORN SESSION LAST?
Newborn sessions often run long due to the nature and frequent nurturing of the infant. Full newborn sessions take about 2 – 3 hours. I do not rush the session, I let baby take as many breaks as needed. Baby’s comfort and safety is my number one priority.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY SESSION GO SMOOTHLY?
The most important thing you can do is relax. Beyond that, I recommend that you try to keep your newborn awake for an hour prior to the session and that you feed your baby before you leave home. If you are breastfeeding, it is best to keep a bottle of expressed milk on hand for use during the session. Pacifiers are also extremely helpful for allowing me to calm your baby during the session.
CAN I REQUEST CERTAIN POSES OR SHOTS I HAVE SEEN ON OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY SITES?
Yes, you can. I will make every attempt to get you what you want in terms of poses; however, there are certain poses, that in my own opinion, are unsafe and pose harm to the baby. These poses, I will not do. Again, the baby is my number one priority.
CAN I BRING SOMETHING SPECIAL LIKE AN HEIRLOOM OR PROP TO INCLUDE IN THE SESSION?
Yes! I encourage my clients to bring a little something to incorporate in the session to make it more “them”. Whether you’re a huge sports buff or a military member, I will do my best to include this in the photos.
CAN SIBLINGS AND PARENTS BE IN A FEW SHOTS?
Yes, unless you request otherwise, I always aim to capture images of newborns with their parents and siblings. However, please keep in mind that young siblings (under 4) may not want to be photographed with their new brother or sister. I will do my best to capture images of your newborn with their toddler or pre-school aged sibling.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Simple is best. I photograph newborns wearing nothing at all or with minimal clothing. If you have special outfits you would like your newborn to wear, I am happy to accommodate, but keep in mind that numerous clothing changes can be disruptive to newborns. I recommend that the rest of the family wear clothing that coordinates without matching exactly. Children should wear clothes that they like and in which they are comfortable, although it is generally best to avoid busy patterns and logos. I’m happy to work with you to select clothing for your session, and will also accommodate clothing changes if you’d like a variety of looks.
HOW MANY PROOFS CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE, AND WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PROOFS?
You will receive a proofing gallery at least 25 images, often more for you to choose from. Client galleries are available for review approximately two weeks after a session and your completed fully edited digital files take about two weeks. Prints, albums, wall art and announcements can take up to 3 weeks from order date.
DO YOU SELL DIGITAL FILES?
Yes, I currently offer several digital packages, which may be purchased alone or in addition to prints.
HOW LONG DO YOU RETAIN THE DIGITAL NEGATIVES FOR MY IMAGES?
Any unordered images will be deleted six months after your order is finalized.