Newborn Photography
I offer two types of newborn sessions. This guide will explain the cost and what's included with each session along with how and when to book. FAQs are at the bottom of this page.
Newborn Full Session
Up to 90 minutes in your home
Minimum 35 high resolution digital images
Use of my newborn swaddles, textured blankets, baskets, and other props
A full session begins with close up portraits of your newborn in a basket. Depending on how well the baby adapts to being swaddled and positioned, we can usually get 2-3 different set ups. (You are welcome to use this time to finish getting ready!) The rest of the session is spent getting a variety of family photos and one-on-ones, some posed and some candid. I usually get around 40-50 images in a full session, but it all depends on how well the newborn (and other siblings) cooperate.
$350
Newborn Lifestyle Session
Up to 45 minutes in your home
Minimum 25 high resolution digital images
Use of my newborn swaddles
During a half session, we'll take a variety of family photos and one-on-ones, some posed and some candid. I will also take several close up photos of your baby in your arms, lying on a bed, or in a crib. (We won't typically do any styled photos with props). I can wrap your baby in one of my newborn swaddles, or you can provide your own clothing or swaddle. I usually get at least 30 images in a lifestyle session, but it all depends on how well the newborn (and other siblings) cooperate.
$250
Scheduling
To schedule a newborn session with me, click one of the green boxes above (the ones that say BOOK NOW) and send me an email with your due date, your home address, and the type of session you want to book (full or lifestyle). I'll let you know if I have availability around your due date, and if I do, I'll send you an invoice for 50% of your session fee. You'll be required to pay this non-refundable retainer to reserve space in my schedule. (More on this in a minute.) The best time to schedule a full session is when the baby is between 7-14 days old. A lifestyle session can be scheduled anytime within the first 3 months. Because labor is unpredictable, we will wait to schedule the exact date and time of your session until after your baby is born. Once you deliver, contact me as soon as possible so I can send you my availability and get you on my calendar!
My newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home. However, we can rent a studio for your session for an additional $60-$80 per hour if you’d prefer. Please let me know in advance if you’re interested in a studio session so we can discuss options and availability.
Retainer & Cancellation Policy
As your due date approaches, I block out time for your session across several days and weekends. This means I cannot book sessions with other clients during those reserved times. If you decide to cancel your newborn session for any reason, I will keep your retainer to offset the lost business. Because my retainer is non-refundable, I strongly suggest waiting to pay until you're past the first trimester.
That said, your retainer will be good for up to one month from your delivery date. If something comes up, we can reschedule. If you are not able to reschedule within four weeks, however, you will not receive a refund, and I will keep the retainer to offset the lost business. (Exception: If your baby ends up in the NICU, you will have up to 6 months, or longer, to reschedule. Contact me to discuss if this happens.)
Preparing For Your Session
What To Expect
Before I arrive, please feed your baby and open all blinds and curtains to let as much natural light into your home as possible.
If it's not time for a full feeding, even a short feeding before I arrive will help your little one sleep through most of the session, which will make it easier for us to get a lot of pictures. You may want to keep a small bottle and a pacifier handy in case your newborn gets fussy.
Just like every baby is different, everyone’s homes are different. When I first arrive, I will take a few minutes to get acclimated and figure out what camera settings I need to use. You can show me what rooms you’d like to use, or if you don’t care, I can make suggestions once I’ve looked around. I try to work with natural light as often as possible, but if your home doesn’t have enough light in the room, I may bounce an on-camera flash off your ceiling or walls.
If you’ve booked a full session, I'll show you the blankets and baskets I brought, and you can offer feedback about what you like best. We can incorporate sentimental items too (like handmade blankets) if you want. I will carefully wrap your baby and position them in a basket. Then I'll take a variety of detailed close up photos of your newborn.
For the rest of the session (or if you booked a lifestyle session, for the entire session), I'll guide you through different poses and combinations around your home. For some pictures, I'll direct you to look at me and smile, but for most of the session I'll encourage you to look at each other and at your new baby!
If there are any specific photos you want, please let me know ahead of time! I'm happy to take inspiration from photos you see on Pinterest or Instagram.
FAQs are below. Let me know if I've missed anything!
FAQs
Do you include maternity photos?
I price all of my sessions a la carte, so I do not offer bundled packages. You can book a mini session or a custom family session with me anytime during your pregnancy to capture this milestone. I recommend scheduling maternity photos when you are between 30-32 weeks.
What should we wear?
I think it's perfectly fine to dress casual for these pictures. But Pinterest is a great place to go for inspiration if you want a more curated look. Do a search for "In Home Newborn Photoshoot" and see what grabs your attention. On my website, under the About tab, click on Wardrobe Advice for my personal input on what - and what not - to wear.
When will our photos be ready?
With either session, I will deliver fully edited images via an online gallery within 2 weeks of your session. You can download the digital copies, print them, and share them however you like.
Can we include our pet?
Possibly! It depends on how well your pet cooperates (and your newborn). The more time we spend posing an animal, the less time we have to get other pictures. I’m always willing to give it a try! But be prepared to scrap the idea if it’s taking too long.
Do I need to clean my house?
Dear God, NO! Please don’t clean for my sake. (I’d rather you sleep!) I am here to take pictures of your family and your baby, not your house. That said, if you’ve put a lot of love and elbow grease into decorating a nursery and want to feature the room throughout your session, I can help you do a quick tidy in there if necessary. Otherwise, if there’s anything in our way, we’ll just push it out of the way or shove it in a closet.
Congratulations...
The joy of bringing a baby into the world is impossible to put into words, and I'm so excited for you to experience it firsthand. I would be so honored to document your first few days at home.