When should I book my newborn session?

I recommend scheduling your session when you’re about 3 months pregnant. At this time, we will schedule a tentative session date to lock your spot in on my calendar. We will also need to schedule a consultation to plan session details, this is done about 2 weeks prior to delivery. We will also book your viewing appointment about a week after your session date. If you’ve already had the baby but still want to capture this magical time, you can still contact me to check my upcoming availability.

How do we book a newborn session when we don’t know when the baby will arrive?

We’ll tentatively schedule the session 7-14 days from your due date, and we will have a consultation about 2 weeks before delivery to go over session details . Sometimes babies come earlier or later than expected so if we need to bump our session date because of that we will. I only book a limited number of newborn sessions per month so that I can have the flexibility to move your session if needed and so that I can be fully involved in the planning of each and every detail for your special day. 

Are family shots included in the session?

This depends on the package you choose. I offer two types of studio sessions. My Classic Session includes full family and sibling shots as well as my full newborn session. However, my All Bundled Up sessions only include newborn shots (no sibling or full family portraits).

When is the best time to photograph the baby?

I like to photograph newborns when they are roughly 7-14 days old. This gives everyone a chance to recover and get adjusted to having a new baby. This time frame is also important because the baby can be very red or jaundiced the first few days after they are born. Many parents are also working into a feeding/sleep schedule so giving a few days to get a schedule started helps ensure baby is happier during the session. I’ve also found that between 7-14 days old is the best time frame for getting a sleepy baby, which allows me to pose the baby more easily during the session. The older they get the more alert they are and therefore less likely to enjoy being posed.

Do you provide outfits, props, etc. during the session?

Yes! I am a full-service boutique studio so I will provide high end props, backdrops, outfits, headbands, and hats! I also have dresses for moms.  I will style the entire session for you! Everything is designed with mom's comfort in mind. All you must do is bring baby.

What if I’d like to incorporate a special outfit or something sentimental like a stuffed animal or lovey?

Of course! You can absolutely bring an outfit or sentimental item that you’d like to incorporate into the session. If this is something you’d like to do, please let me know in advance so I can plan ahead on how I will incorporate that item or outfit into the session.

What should we wear to the session?

I recommend wearing neutral, earthy muted tones. I typically photograph the family and parent shots from the elbow up. We want the focus to be on the baby so I would recommend that we stay away from bold prints, patterns and stripes and focus more on classic neutrals that will continue to look timeless in your images.

How long will the newborn session last?

It depends on which session you choose. The Classic session can take up to 1.5 - 2.5 hours. This allows us plenty of time to change backdrops, outfits, change baby or feed baby if needed. This also accounts for any time needed for settling. 

The All Bundled Up session is a 1-hour long session because the baby will be wrapped the entire session.

Where will the session take place?

The session will take place at my home studio located in Ballwin, unless you have chosen to do a lifestyle session, which will then occur in your home. 

What do I need to bring to the session?

I’ll provide all the outfits, backdrops, headbands and props. I have a fully stocked studio with diapers, wipes, pacifier (if needed) to help soothe baby as well as toiletries for mom. All you need is a bottle of extra milk (if you are breast feeding feel free to bring a pumped bottle) or if you are not pumping you are welcome to breast feed anytime during the session. You are also welcome to bring snacks, and I always have a variety of munchies and bottled water here as well.  

What if I don’t want my photos posted on social media?

I typically like to post a sneak peek for my clients within a day from their session so they can see at least one image before waiting to see them all (which can take 1-2 weeks for me to edit all the images).

If you prefer me not post anything on social media, please let me know at the time of booking in addition to reminding me during your session, too.

How do I book a photography session with you?

The first step is to fill out the contact form above this section so I can learn a little more about you – i.e. when you’re due, what you’re having? Is this is your first baby? What are you envisioning? What do you plan on doing with the images? Then I will contact you to go over the two types of sessions that I offer, the process, how many images I’ll edit for each session and all the pricing information.

I will then follow up with an email so you have everything in writing and will also send you a link to tentatively schedule your session online. You’ll pay a retainer fee in order to save the date, fill out a questionnaire that will ask what colors you’d like to incorporate, parents’ names, baby gender/name, etc. and sign a contract. Once I receive the retainer fee and signed contract, I will email you a Newborn Prep Guide. This will tell you how to prepare baby for the session, what to expect, and specific directions to my home studio.

How quickly will I get my images?

It typically takes 1-2 weeks for me to edit the images. After editing we will schedule a “Reveal and Ordering” appointment. At this appointment we will view all your images together. This is where you decide which package or digital collection you’d like to purchase. Once you select and pay for your package, I can send you the digital collections within 1-2 days. Prints can take about 1 week while albums, canvases and heirloom wood prints can take 2-4 weeks from the time I order them. Once all the print product arrives at my studio, I will check everything to make sure great quality, undamaged and made exactly how I ordered them. We will then schedule a “Portrait Order Pick-up” where you can pick up your entire print order!