NEWBORN SESSIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

The Newborn Experience

From the moment you walk into my studio, you and your baby are cared for with warmth, compassion, and personalized attention. I create a calm, cozy, and welcoming environment designed just for new parents—where you can relax, breathe, and trust that your little one is in loving, experienced hands.

With over 30 years of professional photography experience and specialized training in newborn safety, your baby's comfort and well-being are my top priority at every step. My goal is to ensure your baby is warm, secure, and content. I work slowly and patiently, allowing your baby to guide the flow of the session, never forcing a pose or continuing if your baby shows signs of distress. In essence, your baby runs the show! No image is more important than your baby’s well-being. Your trust means everything to me, and I’m honored to create a safe, loving space where your baby is treated with the same care I would give my own.

Each newborn session is carefully planned to reflect your style and preferences—whether you love timeless neutrals or soft, dreamy pastels. I provide all the wraps, props, and accessories. Every pose, prop, and setup I use is carefully chosen with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind. Whether your little one is gently curled in a cozy wrap, nestled in a basket, or resting peacefully in a prop, you can rest assured that they are always supported and secure. Soft layers, proper padding, and gentle posing ensure your baby is never in discomfort.

As your newborn photographer, I’m here to honor this beautiful chapter in your life. My goal is to create images that reflect the deep love, connection, and joy you share with your new baby—timeless photographs that will hold meaning not just today, but for generations to come.

When is the Best Time to Take Newborn Photos?

The best time to have newborn photos taken is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth. During this window:

  • Babies are sleepier and more curled up, which makes it easier to pose them in those sweet, snuggly positions.

  • Their skin is usually still clear, before baby acne or peeling sets in.

  • They tend to stay asleep longer, making the session smoother and more relaxed.

That said, beautiful photos can still be taken later if needed - up to three months!

Why I Photograph Newborns in My Studio

My studio is designed with your baby’s safety, comfort, and your peace of mind in mind. Photographing newborns in a dedicated studio space allows me to create a calm, controlled environment where everything is tailored for the best experience—and the most beautiful results. From soft, flattering studio lighting and carefully selected backdrops to a wide variety of professional props, wraps, and accessories, everything is set up and ready to go when you arrive. This means you don’t have to worry about preparing or cleaning your home or investing in wraps, hats or headbands—I take care of it all!

The studio is kept at a warm, cozy temperature to help keep your baby comfortable and sleepy, which is ideal for those snuggly, curled-up poses. You may wish to bring a change of clothing for yourself - a short-sleeve, cool top - as it can get fairly warm in the studio!

Most importantly, the studio offers a quiet, welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy the moment. You can sit back, sip a coffee, and take it all in while I work gently and patiently with your baby.

What to Wear for Your Newborn Session

Clothing plays a big role in how your new family photos turn out! After all, the entire family will be enjoying these images for years! Choosing outfits for your family doesn’t have to be stressful — the goal is to feel comfortable, confident, and coordinated. Here are a few tips to help you look and feel your best:

  • Comfort is key—and simplicity photographs beautifully.

  • Start with a neutral color palette. Soft tones like creams, beige, whites, soft grays, or pastels. These colors keep the focus on your baby and help create timeless, cohesive images.

  • Flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, or simple button-down shirts work wonderfully and photograph well in a natural, relaxed way. My client closet is a perfect place to start if you’re looking to add statement pieces to your final images. I have a small variety of children’s dresses as well!

  • Avoid bold patterns, logos, or bright colors, as they can be distracting in photos. Keep that AC/DC shirt tucked away in the drawer for now.

  • Textures like knits or lace can add beautiful, subtle detail. And don’t worry—if you’re still healing or feeling a little tired (which is totally normal!), I’ll guide you through gentle poses that are flattering and stress-free.

  • For dads or partners, a solid neutral shirt and comfortable pants or jeans are perfect.

  • For siblings, keep their outfits soft and simple to match the overall look. Bonus if you can find a matching sibling and newborn outfit!

  • Plan ahead and try everything on. Lay the outfits out together beforehand, or even snap a quick photo to see how they work together. And if you're unsure, feel free to text or email me — I’m happy to help!

Getting Ready for Your Newborn Photo Session

Preparing ahead of time for your newborn session helps create a calm, smooth experience for both you and your baby. Newborns are most relaxed when things feel familiar and unrushed, so a little preparation—like keeping baby awake beforehand or timing a feeding just before you arrive—can make a big difference in how the session flows. Here are a few helpful tips to make the day smooth and stress-free:

  • Give yourselves plenty of time. Plan to leave earlier than you think you need to — it’s better to arrive calm and collected, especially if we’re including older siblings or pets.

  • Keep baby awake beforehand (if possible): Try to keep your baby awake for about 1–2 hours before the session. A nice bath or a little playtime can help. This helps them sleep more soundly once we begin.

  • Feed baby right before the session: A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby! If you're bottle feeding, bring extra milk or formula just in case. I encourage feedings throughout the session as well.

  • Dress baby in something easy to remove: A loose onesie or zip-up sleeper makes it easy to undress baby without waking them. Skip anything that pulls over the head if possible.

  • Bring a pacifier (even if baby doesn’t usually use one): Sometimes a pacifier can help soothe your little one between poses. Totally optional, but it can make a world of difference in settling baby during the session. I keep new pacifiers in the Studio just for this purpose.

  • Bring a diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes and cream (if needed).

  • Relax and trust the process: I work slowly and patiently, following your baby’s cues. If baby needs to eat, be changed, or take a break—that’s totally okay! The session is flexible and the reason these sessions can take 2-3 hours.

  • Bring specific snacks for your family, particularly if they have an allergy. I keep potato chips, granola bars and other snacks in the studio for families. I also have bottled water, soda, coffee and tea for you to enjoy during your baby’s session.

    How Long Does a Newborn Photo Session Last?

Most newborn sessions take 2-3 hours. Your baby is in charge of this session, and we follow their lead. Not rushing will allow for a variety of poses and settings, with plenty of time for outfit changes, breaks, feeding, and changing diapers.

What’s included in my Newborn Session?

  • Pre-session consultation to plan your ideal session

  • Additional family members (up to 6 total). However, I do encourage clients to bring only the parents and siblings of the newborn.

  • Outfit and scene changes (3-5) depending on the tolerance of the baby.

  • Guided posing

  • Props, buckets, baskets, wraps, hats, headbands

  • Breaks for feeding and changing diapers

  • Access to my client closet

  • Studio lighting setups

  • Backdrop changes (3-5)

  • Light editing of final images

  • Online Gallery (watermarked)

  • Print credit for purchasing digitals, prints and products

Can we include Siblings (or Pets) in our Newborn Session?

Absolutely! This is a beautiful way to celebrate the love and connection that surrounds your growing family. Whether it’s a proud big brother, a curious toddler sister, or the family dog who’s adjusting to their new role, these moments add so much heart and authenticity to your gallery. I take great care to make sure everyone feels comfortable and included—working with gentle guidance, patience, and flexibility. We’ll plan ahead to make it as smooth as possible, starting with sibling or pet photos first. These images often become family favorites, full of genuine emotion and sweet memories.

What if my Child Misbehaves during the Newborn Session?

It’s completely normal for older siblings to have big emotions, get a little wiggly, or need a break during their newborn sibling’s session. The spotlight isn’t on them this time, and that can feel like a big adjustment. That’s why we typically start the session with sibling photos—so they feel included, seen, and celebrated right from the beginning.

After that, one parent can take them for a walk or to another area of the studio to play while we shift the focus to capturing sweet, quiet moments with baby. I typically keep Legos in the Studio to help keep busy toddlers occupied, as well as snacks. I do have a few dog treats and dog toys in the studio, but to be sure they adapt well, you may want to bring the toys and treats they’re familiar with.

What to Expect During Your Newborn Session

When you arrive for your session, take a deep breath and relax — this is your time to simply enjoy your new family. Put your feet up (literally) and take some time for yourself. I’ve actually had new moms take a much-needed nap during their baby’s session!

  • Temperature. The studio temperature will be warm to accommodate baby. Keep this in mind when packing for your session.

  • We start slow. I’ll get to know your baby and their siblings, break the ice, and help everyone warm up.

  • Siblings and/or family first. We will start the session with siblings or pets first to ensure we capture those precious moments before they lose interest.

  • Wrapping. I will start by wrapping your baby with their feet curled up to their belly (this is the same position they would be in the womb).

  • Beanbag. The first poses are typically on a newborn-specific bean bag where baby will be wrapped comfortably and photographed from a variety of angles with and without hats and headbands.

  • Buckets and baskets. We will then change outfits or add hats and headbands and move your baby into a bucket or basket for additional poses.

  • Parents. I typically add parents during or at the end of the baby’s session; however, we can accommodate you any time during your baby’s session!

  • Bare Baby. Parents love images showcasing their baby’s bottom (no wrap or diaper!). Be aware that baby may “go” at any time while their diaper is off. This is totally ok! Everything is washable, including baby.

  • Breaks for water, snacks, feeding and diaper changes.

  • An experience that feels like red carpet treatment, with attention to detail, comfort, and care from beginning to end.

    What to Expect After Your Session

After your session, we’ll schedule a special Reveal & Ordering Appointment at the studio—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! You’ll get to relax and enjoy a beautiful, cinematic slideshow of your final images, thoughtfully curated and fully retouched.

Following the reveal, I’ll walk you through the product options, including heirloom albums, wall art, and digital collections. You’ll have the chance to see, touch, and compare everything, so you can choose the pieces that speak to you most. There’s no rush, and no pressure—just guidance and support as you select what you love.

What’s the Investment for a Newborn Session?

Your newborn session is all about you and your baby—from the planning to the final reveal. The session fee covers my time, expertise, and personalized attention to make your experience stress-free and unforgettable, and to capture your baby during this fresh, new stage of life.

  • Two to Three-hour session: $650 (includes a $100 print credit towards the purchase of digitals, prints, or products)

By separating the session fee from product costs, you only invest in the images and artwork you truly love—after you've seen them. No pressure, no guessing—just meaningful choices that fit you perfectly.

  • Packages start at $900 and include an album, prints, and digital images

  • Individual prints start at $25

  • Custom-Designed Albums start $650 (and include corresponding digital images)

  • Wall Art start at $350 (and include a corresponding digital image)

  • Gallery Canvas Wrap prints start at $425 (and include a corresponding digital image)

  • Reveal Boxes starting at $1080 (and include a corresponding digital image)

  • Digital Images starting at $50

  • Military and First Responders receive a10% discount on all prints and products

Do you offer Payment Plans?

Of course! I'm happy to offer flexible payment options for your prints and products. Many of my clients choose to break their purchase into 2, 3, or 4 payments, allowing them to invest in the pieces they truly love without feeling rushed.

There’s no pressure at all—we’ll take the time to design something beautiful together, and you can move forward at a pace that feels right for you. The best part is, we can begin ordering pieces as payments are made. That way, you can start enjoying some of your artwork right away, or if you prefer, we can wait until the final payment is complete to receive everything at once.

My priority is to create a refined, stress-free experience while delivering timeless and beautifully crafted artwork that will be cherished for generations.

When Can I Expect to Receive Products from my Newborn Session?

Your finished digital images will be delivered via a private online gallery within 48–72 hours after your payment is made at the Reveal Appointment, so you can start enjoying and sharing them right away!

Printed products and custom artwork take a bit more time to perfect and will be ready for pickup at the studio within 2–3 weeks.

Every piece is carefully crafted to ensure the highest quality—something you’ll be proud to display and treasure for years to come.

Do you have a Baby’s First Year Program?

Absolutely! The first year of your baby’s life is filled with incredible milestones—moments that seem to pass in the blink of an eye. My Baby’s First Year Program ensures you don’t miss a single one. From those sleepy newborn snuggles to the first smile, sitting up, crawling, and that unforgettable first birthday, this program captures every chapter of your baby’s growth and personality.

Not only does it give you a beautifully consistent collection of images to look back on, but it also allows us to build a connection over time—making each session more relaxed and meaningful. It’s a heartfelt way to preserve the fleeting magic of babyhood and turn it into memories that will last a lifetime.

Inquire for details!

Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles County

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

May you touch fireflies and stars, dance with fairies, and talk to the man in the moon. May you grow up with love and gracious hearts and people who care. Welcome to the world, little one. It’s been waiting for you.
— ~ Author Unknown