Questions & Answers
NEW HAMPSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, BIRTH & NEWBORNS
Planning a photography session can be overwhelming and as your photographer it is my job to help you plan your session from start to finish. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, GET IN TOUCH today.
Newborn Sessions
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
Ideally it’s best to book your portrait session during your second trimester. This will ensure that I will have availability in my calendar for your baby’s portraits when he/she arrives. If choosing a Fresh 48 Hospital session, I will go on call for your birth one week prior to your due date. If you would like to chat more about a session, you can contact me by clicking here.
What if my baby comes early or late?
Babies like to arrive on their own schedule and so we need to be flexible for when they decide to arrive. We will choose a tentative date for your session based on your due date, but will definitely be flexible if he/she decides to come a little early or late. Once you are in labor, have dad or a family member contact me ASAP so we can choose a more definite date. For Fresh 48 Sessions please let me know as soon as baby has arrived so that we can arrange for me to come to the hospital for photos.
HOW SOON AFTER OUR BABY IS BORN SHOULD THE SESSION HAPPEN?
Fresh 48 Sessions take place in the hospital the first day after a vaginal delivery or 48 hours after a cesarean delivery. Posed newborns are best photographed within 7-10 days after they arrive, depending on when they were due. In this time frame, your baby will be more sleepy and easier to pose in those cuddly womb-like positions they are used to. If your baby has an extended stay in the hospital, or is born prematurely this can change the window. In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions can take place up to 2 months old since these do not require babies to be VERY sleepy. Please contact me for more details.
HOW LONG WILL OUR SESSION LAST?
Fresh 48 Hospital sessions are about 45 minutes and Studio/In-Home Newborn sessions typically last around 2-3 hours. This allows plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes, and cuddles. I will be moving your baby through a variety of poses and his/her safety comes first. So, I like to take extra time to make sure that your baby is comfortable and content during our session.
Can we take sibling/family shots?
Absolutely! If you have booked the full Fresh 48, or in-home newborn session then siblings and immediate family can definitely be included. Including your whole family in your newborn’s portraits is the perfect way to document this time your baby’s life. Studio sessions are for baby only at this time.
Do I need to bring anything?
Fresh 48 Hospital images are more documentary and therefore I will use hospital onesies and blankets but feel free to bring your own swaddle blanket.
For studio sessions, I have everything needed for your newborn’s portraits, from wraps and blankets, to props and even extra diapers and wipes. If you have any family heirlooms or baby blankets that you’d like to have included in the portraits, then please bring them.
What Should We Wear?
You will be given a portrait guide that will prepare you for your baby’s portrait session. It will include suggestions and ideas for what to clothes to wear. Simple, neutral pieces are definitely recommended, so your baby and family are the focus and not the clothes you wear.
Portrait Sessions
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK OUR SESSION?
Portrait sessions (children, maternity, and family) are best-scheduled 2-3 months in advance. I take a limited number of sessions each month so that I can focus all of my attention on your family and creating your perfect images. If you are interested in a session, please contact me, as far in advance as possible to ensure you are able to schedule a date that works for both your and my calendars.
AT WHAT LOCATION WILL OUR SESSION TAKE PLACE?
During the pre-session consultation, I will get to know you and your family. We’ll talk about the things you like to do together, and what types of locations would best fit your style. Most of my family, maternity, and children’s sessions take place at a beautiful nature, landscape setting with beautiful light or in an urban location. Just depends on what style fits your family best.
WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T COOPERATE DURING THE SESSION?
Don’t stress! I’ve got it covered! Just relax and let me handle it. I make sure to get to know your family and let you all play and have fun during your portrait session. So don’t worry if the kids are acting out a bit. I may even pull them aside and show them my camera and create a fun game to play with them. I’ve got lots of tricks up my sleeve and you’ll be amazed at the beautiful moments that will show in your images. So enjoy the moment, relax, and make some family memories that you can look back on and remember fondly.
WHAT IF THERE IS BAD WEATHER ON THE DAY OF OUR SESSION?
When we book your session, we will put a tentative rain date on the calendar as well. I check the weather often and we will work together to decide on if the session needs to be rescheduled. We will reschedule hours before the session time, so you all don’t get ready for nothing. Remember, I’m the one worrying about all the details. I wish I could control the weather, but I will do my best to ensure you have beautiful portraits of your family.
WHAT IS THE SESSION FEE?
Session Fees vary based on the type of session that you are booking. The session fee is due at the time of your booking. This fee holds your date/time on my calendar and includes a pre-session planning meeting (consultation) to design the details of your portrait session, the session itself, editing time, and an in-person selection/ordering appointment. The session fee does not include any products and/or digital negatives.
ARE JUST THE DIGITAL FILES AVAILABLE?
My studio specializes in creating wall art and beautiful albums. I assist you with every step of the portrait process to create beautiful heirloom art to display in your home. I do understand that we live in a digital world and it’s important for many to be able to share their images online, and be able to print them at a later time. For this reason, I do offer digital negatives as part of my collections in addition to your heirloom artwork. However, I want to encourage you to think of digital negatives as a backup of your images. Remember, a digital file’s life span is an average of 10 years at most, where a print can last around 100 years or more. What legacy will you choose to leave for your generations?
HOW LONG BEFORE WE GET TO VIEW OUR IMAGES?
About one or two days after our session I will post an image on social media for you to share with your family and friends. Then, about 2 weeks after your session we will get together for your selection/ordering appointment, where you will choose your images for your heirloom artwork pieces.
