Having a baby?

How do I schedule a birth if I don’t know when I’ll be in labor?

Once you’ve decided to book me for your birth and have paid a deposit, I’ll mark your due date in my calendar and will be on call 24 hours a day for the two weeks before and after your due date.

I think I’m in labor – now what?

Well, I’m going to assume that you’re reading this in advance and not actually in labor. If you are, CALL YOUR DOCTOR/MIDWIFE NOW! Then, call me.

Seriously, though, text or call me the second you think you might possibly be in labor. This will allow me time to arrange for childcare for my own kids, and to alert families for any sessions I might have planned that a reschedule is possible. After that, you’ll just keep me posted as things progress. Heading to the hospital? Send me a text. Checked for dilation? Send me a text. You get the idea. Once you’re in active labor, I’ll head over to meet you and stay for as long as it takes!

Do you photograph everything?

Only if you want me to! If you’re not sure, I recommend having me take those photos. You can always delete them later, but you can never get them after the fact!

How long do you stay after the baby is born?

Typically, I am there for about two hours after birth. This is generally enough time to capture your first moments with your baby, the newborn exam, first feeding, and first meetings with any family members who might be there to welcome baby.

I’m having a planned c-section, can you photograph it?

I’d love to — as long as your doctor allows it!

What happens if I have an emergency c-section?

It’s impossible to say ahead of time. If I’m not allowed into the OR, I am happy to put my camera in automatic mode and pass it off to your significant other or support person to take photos. I’ll resume photographing after you are in recovery.

When are newborn sessions scheduled?

Once you’ve decided to book me, I’ll mark your due date in my calendar and make sure to leave some room in my schedule around your due date. Then, once baby arrives, you’ll contact me to set up the specific date and time.

When is the best time for newborn photos?

Newborn photos are best done within 4 to 12 days after birth. During this time, they still sleep deeply and love being all tucked up. After two weeks of age, babies learn how to stretch and aren’t as happy to settle into sleeping poses.

Can my significant other and I / kids / pets be in the photos too?

Absolutely! In fact, unless I hear otherwise, I always plan to include family photos during the newborn session.

Do you do lifestyle photos also?

Yes! I always plan on a mix of lifestyle and posed photos, but can certainly lean either way if you have a preference for one over the other! I love both styles.

What is included in the newborn session?

Three hours sounds like a TON of time, but I can promise you it will fly right by. Posed newborn photography is a very slow process, and it takes time to perfect every detail down to their tiny fingers. Add in family photos, time to select final props, setup time, breaks for feedings as needed, and three hours is over before you know it! In a typical session, I include:

• Family photos (parents together with baby, each parent with baby, and sibling(s) with baby
• Two backdrops for posed photos
• Two basket or prop setups

Do I need to buy hats / headbands / blankets for the session?

No! You certainly CAN if you have something specific in mind, but check with me first – I might have it already! I will bring everything needed for the entire session, including pants or rompers and hats or headbands for baby.

What should I wear?

I’m a big fan of staying comfortable! Keep in mind, these are photos in your home after having a baby, so nobody will expect you to be fancy! Especially if we do photos on your master bed, you’ll want to look comfortable and at-home. Neutral colors are often great – white or cream, grey, softer blues, etc., with a little pop of color here or there if you’d like. Stay away from bold patterns and stick to simple patterns or solid colors that look well together. Jeans or even leggings are great! I promise that as long as you are not wearing crazy patterns or clashing awfully, nobody will notice your clothes – they’ll be looking at you and the baby!

I saw this idea on Pinterest…

I love trying new things! Feel free to send me your thoughts and Pinterest dreams ahead of time and we can try to make them work!

Is there anything I need to do to prep for each of these sessions?

Beyond scheduling each one, I’ll take care of everything. If you have specific color schemes or prop ideas for any one session, please let me know and we can work out the details. Otherwise, I’ll bring blankets, baskets, chairs, etc. that are appropriate for each session.

When is the best time for each session?

While the first year package is designed to show the amazing changes your baby goes through in that first year, being a little more intentional about the timing of each session can help showcase the big milestones they go through in each phase of the first year. Three month sessions can happen any time around three months. Six month sessions are generally best once baby can sit on his or her own. This is typically around 6 months, but sometimes is a little closer to seven months. Nine month sessions can happen any time around nine months, but it’s helpful if baby can stand while holding a chair or has started to crawl. First birthday sessions can be held any time around one year, generally when baby is comfortable standing without support (it’s fine if they’re not yet walking!). Often they’re done a month in advance of turning one if photos are needed for first birthday party invitations!

Do I need to bring a cake for the cake smash?

You certainly can! Or, I can provide a Pinkabella Cupcakes smash cake and will work with you to select colors, flavor and design before-hand.