Thank you for trusting me to photograph and handle your baby. Let me assure you that I have plenty of practice doing this. I have three children of my own (they are older now and I miss the baby stage, so I may get in some extra baby cuddles while we shoot), 12 years of experience working in the newborn nursery and NICU in our city hospital, 2 years of experience photographing each newborn born in our hospital and 13 years of experience photographing sweet babies of all ages with my business.
Newborn Session - $450
Includes: All digital images
Newborns are best photographed when they are under two weeks old, however; this is dependent upon their gestational age at birth and their weight. Please do not stress over newborn photos if you deliver early or if your baby requires a NICU stay for any reason. Babies make their own schedules and we will determine the best date for photos after your baby's discharge from the hospital. However, please do let me know and keep me updated when you can. I prefer to photograph term babies between 1-7 days of age and once mom's milk has come in if you are breastfeeding.
A newborn session can last anywhere between 2-3 hours; it all depends on how your baby is feeling that day. Some newborns sleep, some are alert and awake, some really want to cuddle with mom and nurse more often. I work very closely with parents to read baby's cues. These sessions require a lot of patience so we will never rush a newborn session or push a baby to do anything they seem resistant to doing. Although it is possible to finish early if baby is really relaxed, I recommend not scheduling any other appointments for that day. Please bring a pacifier if you not opposed to using one, even if you're only using it during the session. They really do help to ease the baby and reduce cluster feedings during your session. I recommend using Gumdrop pacifiers. Newborn sessions are a lot more of feeding, snuggling and soothing than they are photographing, so get comfortable and expect lots of down time.
Clothing is optional for newborns. If you have a special outfit that fits baby well, I would be happy to photograph your baby in it. However, most poses for newborn portraits are best without clothing or with any of the specialty items (wraps, diaper covers, blankets, head pieces, etc.) that I will have on hand and available for you to choose from. I will come with pretty much everything you need for a newborn session. The normal diaper bag essentials are recommended. Suggestions on clothing for the rest of the family:
Clothes for Mom- a simple tank top, tube top, or camisole type top in black, white, nude or beige. Any pants that match or jeans are fine. Avoid prints or any colors that will cast off baby's skin. I also have fabric that can be wrapped around you for a more organic look.
Clothes for Dad- A black, white or grey t-shirt. If you are comfortable with it, bare skin to skin photos with baby are beautiful. Jeans or nice khakis go with just about anything.
Clothes for Siblings- A simple black, white or grey shirt looks great in sibling/baby portraits. Also, jeans or nice pants. Keep sibling clothing simple and something they will be comfortable in.
Please be prepared and bring an extra shirt just in case; when you're handling a naked baby, something is bound to get soiled! If it's me, I'm used to it, however if it's you, you might not want to go anywhere besides home after the session if you don't bring a change of clothes. Keep in mind that if we are indoors, we will have the room temperature set pretty warm to keep baby comfortable. You are more then welcome to step out for a minute if you get overheated. Our goal is to keep the baby as comfortable and happy as possible. If you book a lifestyle session in your own home, please be sure to warm the room we will be using and close off any doors about an hour prior to our arrival.
Please be sure to communicate with everyone prior to your session. We will likely provide you with an abundance of information about what to expect. Be sure you share that information with everyone that will attend the session, especially your partner/other adults. If a grumpy grown-up doesn't find out until they arrive that its going to be warm and they should have brought snacks or something to keep them occupied, it's going to effect the vibe of the entire session.
Finally, we ask that you please not stress yourself over this session. Many new parents are already sleep deprived and running on empty. Help yourself out by following some simple planning tips. Have my phone number or email address packed in your hospital bag so that you can notify me once the baby is born. Go ahead and have your newborn session outfits put together before you even deliver. That way you know you have everything you need and can grab them the day of our session without having to give it another thought. Remember that this is a slow and relaxed photography session. We will take as much time as you and your baby need. Knowing that these sessions normally take a while, many clients use this time to relax and put their feet up while their baby is safe in the hands of a trained and experienced professional.
Watch Me Grow Package - $850
We offer Watch Me Grow packages as well. The newborn session is just as described above and each session from 3-9 months is an hour long. The 1 year session lasts a little longer to allow us plenty of time for making a mess and clean up. You must provide the smash cake if you want this included in the 1 year session. You can also add on a Maternity package with this option for a discounted price. A signed contract and retainer fee is required to book this session.
The Watch Me Grow package includes:
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Newborn session - All digital images
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3 month session - All digital images
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6 month session - All digital images
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9 month session - All digital images
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1 year session - All digital images
If our Watch Me Grow package offers more then what you need, feel free to book any of our other packages listed below.
Maternity Package - $250
Our Maternity package should ideally take place once your belly is nice and
round and when you're feeling well. Depending on each pregnancy, this can
be anywhere between 30-40 weeks.
The Maternity package includes:
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1 hour photo session
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Up to 4 gowns
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1 location
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All digital images
Sweet Baby Package - $650
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Newborn session - All digital images
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6 month session - All digital images
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1 year session - All digital images
Most of my photography takes place outdoors with the exception of newborn and some other sessions. Your scheduled date and time are sometimes at the mercy of Mother Nature and we may have to reschedule due to rain or other causes. We always do a last minute weather check the day before shooting and will contact you if we feel the need to reschedule. We are not last minute planners but in this case we like to wait until the day before because weather can be finicky and change at any given moment...welcome to TN where we can have all four seasons in the same week!
All sessions include pre-session consultation, our time and talent as well as post processing of orders, editing and retouching. Building packages, creating canvases and designing banner backgrounds are all part of your investment with us. All packages can also include premium high-quality prints from a professional print lab for an additional fee.
When you get your digital prints, you will be receiving high-resolution digitals with a signed print release. This means you have the freedom to have prints made at the sizes you need, when you need them. My computer has been calibrated to our print lab so that your prints will look their best. Please keep in mind that Wal-Mart and other one hour labs do not offer that same quality, so choose where to have your photos printed carefully.
Images are uploaded into a private, password protected online gallery for you (and whomever you share the password with) to view in the comfort of your own home. This also allows you to log in to view them at work, on your phone at a party, family dinners, etc. and show them off to everyone!
In the event that you need to reschedule your session, please be sure to give us a minimum of 72 hours notice in order to transfer your retainer fee onto another date or time. You must either call, text or email us. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your retainer fee. Rescheduling will be given priority, but is subject to availability.
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