Frequently Asked Questions about Our Photography Services

When it’s time for professional photographs for your newborn, baby, or family, you want everything to be perfect. Planning your session in advance can help ensure that you and the photographer can work together to create the priceless pictures and portraits that you dream of. Where do you start?

There are many details to take into consideration, and we hope the photography session FAQs below will help you plan for a perfect photo session.

- Newborn & Baby FAQs -

- Children & Family FAQs -

Newborn Session FAQs

Q: WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A NEWBORN SESSION?

A: Call at least a month before the baby’s due date so we can pencil you into our schedule. If you weren’t able to schedule in advance, then call as soon as you can after giving birth to ensure that we can fit you in while the baby is still a newborn.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST AGE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?

A: Ideally, baby should be between 3 days and 3 weeks at the time of the session. At this age babies tend to settle into long, deep stretches of sleep and are more comfortable in curled up positions, which allows the photographer to pose them safely and effectively. If circumstances necessitate photographing an older newborn, the baby will be less sleepy, and the photographer may have to skip certain poses.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY BABY WILL BE COMFORTABLE AND SAFE DURING THE SESSION?

A: An experienced and professional newborn photographer will take all necessary precautions to keep your baby safe throughout the session. The room should be warm enough for the baby to be comfortable. White noise will generally be used to help the baby sleep deeply. A baby may protest when first introduced to a new pose, but will usually settle into it comfortably after being soothed. If your baby protests too loudly or too long, it is time to move on to a different pose.

The baby’s safety and comfort always come first! Each baby is different, and not every baby is happy in every pose. Babies should never be left alone, and there should always be a spotter nearby in case the baby startles. Some poses require the photographer to do a composite in post-processing, and the parent’s hand will remain on or right above the baby at all times. This is especially necessary when the baby is placed in a bucket, basket, or on top of a small prop. These kinds of props should also be well padded and secure. As always, if something makes you uncomfortable, ask. You are your baby’s best advocate.

Q: HOW LONG DOES A TYPICAL SESSION TAKE AND HOW INVOLVED SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE IN THE SESSION?

A: Every photographer is different, so this is a great question to ask. However, a newborn session will typically be around 3 hours long. Most of this time is spent keeping the baby well fed, comfortable, and sleeping deeply. The photographer may spend ten minutes or more perfecting a single pose, and only a couple minutes actually photographing it. This is because much of the art of newborn photography is in the details and ensuring that baby is peaceful, comfortable, and properly posed in every image. You can expect to feed your baby at least once during the shoot, as a well fed baby is a content baby. You may be asked to remain near your baby during certain poses as a safety precaution.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO A NEWBORN SESSION?

A: Most photographers will provide the props, hats, wraps, and tiebacks you see in their images. If there is something especially meaningful to you that you would like to have your baby photographed with, be sure to bring it along. Most photographers will be happy to accommodate. Make sure to bring diapers, wipes, a change of clothing, a nursing cover if you like to use one, bottles if the baby is bottle fed, a pacifier if your baby uses one, a blanket, some spit-up cloths, and anything else you might need for your baby. Make sure to bring water and snacks for yourself, as the session is long and the room will be warm during the shoot. Most of all, relax and enjoy this special time with your new baby!

The above information is intended as general guidelines and should not replace professional medical or legal advice. For medical and safety questions, please consult your pediatrician.

Q: WILL YOU TRAVEL TO MY LOCATION?

There are many beautiful places for outdoor photo shoots in and around Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. We are happy to travel anywhere within a half hour drive of our studio. We have great props and equipment that we can bring along, and will work together with you to find the spot that works best for your family. You can find some samples of my outdoor photography here on my portfolio page.

Q: WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY PROPS AND SETTINGS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR CHILDREN?

Poses, props, and locations that have worked for our previous clients and that are safe and conducive to photo shoots are the ones we’d be first to recommend. The best photographs are the ones that capture the personality and interests of your child. Talk to us about what makes your child special so that we can set the scene to create images that truly capture your child’s unique personality.

Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS BE SCHEDULED?

Sessions should generally be booked at least a month in advance. During the warmer months and especially around the holidays, you may want to book your session earlier so that we can accommodate you.