Let’s get the important thing out of the way first: I’m a snuggle-monster when babies are around. I absolutely cannot get enough of their tiny appendages, their sweet little snores, the way they smile in their sleep, the unmistakable “new baby smell”. Do they make that in a spray or one of those Christmas-tree things that dangles from your rearview mirror? If so, I’ll take a dozen. But I digress. The point is, you won’t find a photographer that is more invested in making sure your greatest creation is lovingly, tenderly taken care of from the moment you walk in the studio until you’re packing up to head home. To do it properly, newborn photos require patience, experience and the willingness to put safety above all else. We’ll get as many of those adorable poses as your babe is up for; I take my time and let them call the shots. When all is said and done, I know in my heart you’ll end up with a series of photos that years from now will take you back in time to when you couldn’t take your eyes off that beautiful baby and constantly obsessed about what he or she would become. Back when you believed, as we all do, that we had all the time in the world and it couldn’t possibly go by as fast as everyone says it will. Contact me if you want to make lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my newborn session take place?
I aim to photograph all newborns between 5-16 days old. This is when they are the sleepiest and easiest to put into cute squishy poses.
How do I schedule my session when I’m not sure exactly when my babe will arrive?
When booking, I put your due date into my calendar and wait for your little one to arrive. Once he/she is here, I ask that you message me to schedule an official date. I only put 2 due dates per week in my calendar to be sure I have the flexibility to work with your availability.
Do you include all of the props and accessories?
Yes. My studio is stocked full of all of the best props and accessories. If you have a specific request for a prop and let me know in advance, I will do my best to find what you are looking for if I don’t already have it.
How long does a newborn session last?
First and foremost, I will take the time necessary to ensure your little one has a safe, relaxing experience; rushing through a session isn’t good for anyone. That said, the duration depends on factors such as the photo package you select and how your baby is that day. Some babies are super sleepy and in and out in 1.5 hours, while others are awake and ready to party so it’s around 3 hours. It’s their world and we’re just living in it, though doing everything possible to follow the advice in my Newborn Prep Guide increases the likelihood everything is wrapped up quickly.
How did you learn to photograph newborns?
I started out in 2011 photographing family and friend’s babies for practice, then invested in some online learning shortly after. In 2016, I was thrilled to take part in a two-day, hands-on workshop in Indianapolis with Rachel Vanoven, one of the premier newborn photographers in the country. She taught all aspects of newborn photography, including posing and - above all else - safety. I was honored to be selected as the host for another hands-on workshop in 2019, this time with Bethany Hope and Lindsey Williams sharing their immense talents right in my studio in Springville. Both ladies run their own successful newborn photography businesses, with Bethany calling Chicago home and Lindsey creating magic in Portland, Oregon. They helped expand my posing skills and overall knowledge of how to make each session unique. Last but not least, I’m constantly utilizing online education and striving to get just a little better every day, because “good enough” isn’t.
What type of images will we get from our session?
Most of your session will be photos of meticulously posed and styled images. I put thought into all aspects of the image down to the tiniest of finger placements. I will do some more relaxed baby-led posing if your babe is super chill and sleepy.
Do you offer in-home newborn sessions?
Yes, I will definitely travel to your home if that’s what works best. Some parents are more comfortable with that approach rather than traveling to Springville (though you’d love it here!) for a session. However, there is an additional charge for in-home sessions due to the extra time and effort needed to pack up everything that’s necessary transform your home into a studio for a few hours.
Are parents and siblings included in newborn sessions?
I have multiple newborn packages to choose from, many of which include photos with parents and siblings.
What should I wear?
I suggest wearing neutral-colored, simple shirts. For Dads, a fitted v-neck or t-shirt is best. For Moms, a simple tank or tee is great too. All images are taken from a flattering angle and very little of what you wear actually makes it into the image.
What time of day do you photograph newborns?
Newborn sessions are done weekday mornings in my studio; there simply isn’t enough time to schedule everyone on a weekend. If school or work make it absolutely impossible for a weekday, I will do my best to accommodate.
I dropped the ball and forgot to book a session. My baby is over 14 days old; can you still photograph them?
Of course! I photograph babies of all ages, though sometimes as they get older babies develop an…independent streak, we’ll say…that makes those sleepy poses tougher to get. There are plenty of options when it comes to posing, though; you’ll still have beautiful images of your baby!