WHAT KIND OF CAMERA/LENSES DO YOU USE?
An old one. We’re saving our pennies for a new camera, but in the mean time, our ol’ Canon Rebel T3i is getting the job done. We have a 50mm & a 35mm lens, but we shoot with the 35mm most of the time for on-the-go pictures.
Do newborn sessions really need to be scheduled in the first 5-15 days? - Yes. In that first two weeks of life they are still very sleepy and squishy. They are used to being squished up in the womb and it is very comfortable for them. After that time frame , their alert times get greater and they start preferring to be stretched out.
What time of day usually are your in-home newborn sessions? Usually I come to your home in the early morning to capture that soft morning light utilizing all areas of your home with windows.
How soon do I need to contact you before my baby is born? - Within 3 days of birth please! In order to make sure we find a date within the first 5-14 days of life, it is important to get in contact with me asap.
What is included in my session? - Your full session, a link to the digital gallery and digital downloads of the edited, high resolution, print ready images.
How long will it take to get my images and how will I get them? - An online gallery will be sent to you within 3 weeks of the session. Sometimes I also share sneak peeks on Instagram within usually a few days of the session, with your permission.
Do I need to bring props, baskets and backdrops? - My style is more of a minimalistic style, focusing primarily on the bond between you and your baby. I do provide neutral toned swaddles for you to choose from for your session . I love to capture them in a natural form, without the use of props or unnatural posing.
Do you offer any discount booking the maternity & newborn session together? -Yes, please email me to inquire about this deal
Can my husband and other children join me in for the newborn session? Ofcourse!
Is their a deposit to secure my session?- The short answer is yes, there is a "deposit" to secure your date.
How long will my session be? Session length ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of session you book.
•A newborn session is the longest, running sometimes up to 1.5-2.5 hours to allow enough time to feed, soothe and safely pose the baby.
•Maternity, cake smash|birthday, milestone or general portrait sessions involving just a toddler usually range from 45 minutes to 1 hour since the child will end up loosing interest and getting bored pretty quickly. Trying to push them longer can result in a very unhappy baby.
•Sessions like family or engagement will last around 1.5 to 2 hours
How many final images will I receive?
Each session is unique to the number of images it produces but on average a session can produce up to 100 images.
• I believe in quality over quantity, so while you may see some photographers offering a lot more images on a disk, the chances are there will be multiple crops of the same image or images with inconsistent and easily dated editing.
• Each image I take will be edited to the highest standard to ensure the finished image is one you will be proud to hang on your wall for many years to come.
How do I pay? - I accept cash, check and all major credit cards. All orders are paid in full through an emailed invoice via PayPal.
After your final payment has been made, digital files will be delivered within 3 weeks from your session date.
Retainer Fees and Payment
Retainer fees are non-refundable and due upon booking. Sessions do not go on my calendar until the fee is paid. Final payment is due at time of session. No images will be edited until final payment is received, and gallery will be posted within three weeks of receiving final payment if it is made after session
What if weather or sickness causes us to reschedule?
Retainer fees are good for one reschedule at photographers discretion only. If you or your child are sick we can absolutely reschedule as well as if the weather is not ideal .
What is lifestyle newborn photography?
This style of photography is simply you, your family, in your space, enjoying that which makes you happy. It's taking the overly formal portrait and forced poses out a photography session and taking the time to capture you honestly, in all that you love. I will visit with you, laugh with you, and cuddle your children all the while capturing the real engagements among you and your family. Your gallery will include your baby's space, their yawns, mom and dad both attempting to change baby...the things that make this newness real and beautiful.
What should baby wear? What should we wear?
Baby should be just diapered when I arrive, I'm happy to go over clothing options once I arrive, but for the most part, baby will be in comfortable clothing or in just a diaper. The rest of the family's attire I like to take case by case, but usually nothing too formal. I like you to be comfortable in your home sitting or standing in things that fit the cozy narrative of cuddling with your baby.
How long will this session last?
As long as it takes, but generally two hours or so. We take plenty of breaks for baby to eat, be changed and drift off to sleep. I allow a large block of time for each shoot, should the session go longer than two hours. I don't ever want to rush these session, and want to you enjoy them!
When is the best time to capture baby?
The first 10 days are ideal for a sleepy baby, but because this is more of a lifestyle session and elaborate posing and positioning is not something we do much of, waiting longer is just fine.
What is lifestyle family photography?
This style of photography is simply you, your family, in your space, enjoying that which makes you happy. It's taking the overly formal portrait and forced poses out a photography session and instead taking the time to capture you honestly, in all that you love. I will visit with you, laugh with you, and cuddle your children all the while capturing the real engagements among you and your family.
What should we wear?
Clothes are an amazing opportunity to add story to your images. Overall, I want you to be yourselves and I am happy to go over your clothing options in our consultation. For inspiration, feel free to check out my Pinterest board!
Click here for more ideas on what to wear.
How long will this session last?
Generally an hour or so. It's common to take a little snack break in the middle to give the littles a break to refuel, so that's something I encourage my parents to bring with them
My kids are busy! Are you able to work with that?
My favorite, actually! I have many years of teaching and nannying under my belt and that experience has prepared me for this job in more ways than just getting a genuine smile! And something to keep in mind, your family will set the pace of our shoot. If you are silly and playful, those are the images you'll get; if instead you are quiet and cuddly, well, we will cuddle up with my camera.
How far in advance should I book?
Most seasons I am booked 4-6 weeks out, so it's aways a good idea for allow for at least 4 weeks. For the Holidays, I start booking in the summer, so while it's still hot and sunny, book those fall shoots!
Do you Travel?
Yes! While I am based in Los Angeles/Orange County, I frequent the Bay Area as well as the Pacific Northwest. If you are out of the area, contact me for possible travel dates to your area.