Q&A
WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT YOU FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?
The simple answer: As soon as possible! If you tell me your due date before you deliver, I can tentatively add you to my calendar and give you priority for the two weeks following delivery. However, I do realize you cannot always plan ahead. If your bundle of joy has already arrived, give me a call and I'll do my best to work you in ASAP! Once your little one arrives, you can let me know so we can try and choose a date within those next 2 weeks to capture that precious newborn phase. Ideally, the baby is under two weeks. However, I know this is a very overwhelming time, so do not be afraid to contact me once this time period has passed and we will work something out!
WHERE WILL MY PHOTO SESSION TAKE PLACE? DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?
I do not have a studio. I like to work in natural settings with lots of natural light. This could be your living room, your backyard, or a nearby park. For family sessions and head shots, I prefer shooting outdoors and have a few favorite suggestions that I love. If you have a location that is special to you let me know, and I'm sure we can make it work!
For newborns, I shoot only at your home in the middle of the day when the sun is the brightest. I want this to be a fun, calm, enjoyable experience for you and your new baby and you being able to relax in your own home will hopefully ensure that. I will give you instructions a few days prior to our session as to how you can prepare your home to produce the best pictures.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR OUR SESSION?
As you can see in my pictures, my style is informal and fun. Therefore, I would suggest wearing something that is casual, colorful, and comfortable.
I will ask you to move around, possibly get down on the ground, and stand in different ways so you should feel comfortable doing that in whatever outfit you choose. I'd avoid any big logos, words, or something that could detract the focus from you. Feel free to accessorize with fun scarves or jewelry. For women, I suggest using more make-up than you usually wear. I do not suggest matching outfits for the entire family but a general color scheme looks great!
For newborns, the simpler the better! A plain white or solid colored onesie would be perfect.
DO YOU HAVE A REFERRAL BONUS?
We love referrals. If you refer my services to family and friends and they use my services, you will both receive 10% off a future photo session!
WHAT AREA DO YOU SERVE?
At this point, I service the DMV (DC MD VA). Special circumstances have occurred so please feel free to ask.
WHAT DOES YOUR PRICE INCLUDE?
This price includes at least one hour of shooting time, editing, and full rights to your high-resolution images. There is no separate "session fee" or separate fee for digital images. These are your photos and I want you to have access to all of them to do with them whatever you please. You will receive all of your edited high-resolution images within two weeks of your photo session.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to book your session. This can be sent through CashApp, Cash, Check or charge. This is applied to your total price and the remainder is due 10 days before your scheduled shoot date. Your session time is not secured on my calendar without this deposit!
CANCELLATIONS/LATE FEES
Life is inevitable. I am completely aware of this. If you need to cancel your session you must give a minimum of 48 hours notice. If no notice will given you will be charged a $45.00 cancellation fee.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSION?
I know that you have a lot going on. Please don't feel the need to clean the house for me! I want you to be relaxed and be able to enjoy your downtime with your little one.
What to Wear
Consider patterns and texture and clothes you're REALLY comfortable in. Shy away from things that need constant adjustments or wrinkle easily. Don't forget about accessories like scarves and jewelry. I would avoid clothes with words or logos for you and your baby. I find that neutral colors tend to photograph well. I'd avoid all black tops or very bright colored tops as these will cast a color tint on the skin. I suggest applying more makeup than you would usually wear (a little lip color goes a long way!) as the camera can wash people out a little. I also suggest dry hair.
Location and Light
I will use natural light so think of places in your home that have access to lots of bright light by windows. For rooms you hope to use for photos, remove clutter on surfaces (including mom and dad's bedroom if there is good light there). Open all window blinds. Spending a little time in advance of the session making sure all unwanted items have been put away or tucked into a closet can make a big difference in the resulting images.
Outfits for Baby
Consider dressing your baby in a plain white or neutral onesie with short sleeves or something else pretty simple. If outfits are too complicated, they get all bunched up and often make images look messy. Bright colors on baby or parents can cause the skin to look off so I'd suggest avoiding those as well.
I will also ask for a swaddle blanket to swaddle your newborn tight.
Schedule
If the schedule works, try to feed the baby before I arrive so she's full and calm during our photo shoot. If the schedule doesn't work, that's fine too -- we have more than enough time to get lots of good images with a feeding thrown in.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY OUTDOOR FAMILY SESSION?
What to wear
You don't want to be identical/wear matching outfits but have a general color scheme. Sometimes it's best if you decide on one family members outfit (for instance a dress you're dying to put on baby) and then match the others to that. Jewel tones tend to photograph well and please avoid all black/black tops! Don't forget about fun accessories such as a necklace or scarf. They add dimension. Most of all I want you guys to be comfortable!
I do suggest a little more makeup than you would usually wear as the lighting/camera can make you look washed out.
What to Bring
Please bring tissues/wipes for your little ones. There's only so much I can edit out for a runny nose! If you think you may need it, an extra outfit might be useful too.
If your child is attached to a certain toy that will guarantee a smile feel free to bring it. However, there is always a risk it will be in your photos. Think of a few songs or any other tricks that usually get a laugh.
Timing
Please plan on arriving a few minutes early to make sure you are able to find the right location/parking. We are racing against the clock and I want to ensure you will receive the best quality photos with everyone happy and relaxed not grumpy and rushed. Their will be a late fee assessed if you are more than fifteen minutes late for your photo shoot.
Newborn session
$275
This session is perfect for a baby in the first few weeks of life. While the ideal age for a newborn session is within the first 2 weeks of life, this is somewhat flexible. This session takes place in your home. I will capture you and your new baby interacting and getting to know each other. This session focuses on the newborn as well as immediate family members. With this session, you will receive 50+ edited high-res images for you to download, print, or share!
Family session
$250
This session is around one hour of you and your immediate family. This session can take place in your home but usually takes place at an outdoor location we agree on. This will include individual pictures of each family member as well as group shots. I will capture more posed shots and then of course capture more candid moments of you and your family. This includes at least 20 edited high-res digital images for you to download, print, or share!
Maternity session
$225
This session captures the expecting parents during the 7th month of pregnancy and includes the mom-to-be and her partner. This session is almost always done outdoors. This includes at least 20 edited high-res digital images for you to download, print, or share! If you book this session at the same time as your newborn session, you will receive a $50 discount.