What to Expect from your Newborn Photographs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do we know when to schedule a newborn portrait session?
It is best to let us know your due date in advance. That way, we can anticipate the baby’s birth, be on the alert and be ready to fit you in to our schedule soon after the baby is delivered. We can usually accommodate you with only a week’s notice if we are expecting to hear from you.
When is the best age to photograph a newborn baby?
Newborn babies are best when photographed at fewer than two weeks old — the younger the better! In fact, most newborn sessions are held at five to ten days old. Your baby grows so quickly, that it’s important to capture their precious little size as early as possible.
What should we expect in a newborn session?
We’re looking to create a variety of photographs of your baby, capturing how special and tiny a newborn can be. We’ll do some images of the baby sleeping, the baby wrapped in soft blankets and the baby in your arms, plus we’ll capture those tiny newborn feet! We often keep the studio warmer than normal, so that the baby will be comfortable and will fall asleep to achieve the cuddly poses!
Do you offer consultations?
Of course! We can sit down and pre-plan your session and to get to know each other. This is such an exciting time for you and we invite you to see our work and discuss your wishes for a successful newborn session. We recommend that you schedule a specific date and time with us so that we are able to give you our fullest attention. We also offer an online questionnaire prior to your session to help us know what you are expecting, since a consultation is not required.
Where will my session take place?
Newborn sessions take place in our home studio. Here, we have all the props, lighting, supplies and resources necessary to capture amazing portraits for you. In addition, we’ve got plenty of extra wipes, diapers and baby blankets on hand.
We will do sessions in your home under special circumstances, we will bring props, lighting, and supplies as long as you have a room where we can work at. Please contact us for more details.
Where are you located?
We are located in Brighton Park, on the Chicago Southside.
What will a session cost?
Your investment starts at $180 for a session at the studio. Included in your initial investment is Yuri’s time and talent during the session and a personalized follow up consultation to assist you in making your portrait order selections.
How long will you spend with us?
We set aside up to three hours for your newborn session, allowing for feedings or short breaks we may need in order to capture your baby sleeping and awake. We’ll do a mixture of color and black & white imagery, with some of the baby alone and some with you together. Ideally, we love to get some sleeping baby images as well as ones with your baby awake and alert.
Who can come?
We welcome you and any caretakers assisting you. We encourage both parents to be photographed with the baby and we do these portraits at the start of your session. If there are older siblings, these are also completed early in the session. We like to photograph the family images first, then concentrate our attention for the remainder of the session on the baby alone, both awake and asleep. We set aside the time in order to allow the baby to become drowsy and fall asleep in the latter half of your session time.
How should we dress the baby?
It’s not necessary to bring any clothes. Newborn babies are best photographed naked, or adorned with simple props such as knit hats, bows or tiny tutus. We have a number of hats, wraps and blankets here to adorn your baby, so relax and let us do the styling! As a general rule, we believe the more skin showing the better. A naked newborn baby is so lovely and so perfect. Newborn clothing never fits properly and the baby gets lost in the fabric. Even if a parent is determined to dress the baby in an outfit that they have brought with them, 9 times out of 10, they see the results and agree that the unclothed portraits are the best! If there are any items you would like for us to include, please let us know in the questionnaire.
Do you photograph me with the baby?
We encourage it. We adore when the parents choose to be a photographed with their baby, as there is a lovely connection between a parent and a newborn infant. The relationship between you and your baby at this early stage is precious to behold. You’ll want to remember just how tiny your baby was at the time.
What should we wear?
For the black & white portraits, we suggest wearing a solid black long sleeved top. The dark top is both flattering to the mother who has just given birth as well as being a lovely contrast to the baby’s skin.
Alternatively, for color images, especially if we photograph the family which includes an older sibling, we suggest that the parents wear white or light colored shirts, and any siblings may wear a solid color top.
It can also be lovely to photograph the mother wearing a white wrap (which we have at the studio) around her torso and photograph the baby skin to skin next to the mother’s body.
What should we bring?
If you have a special receiving blanket, that would be great to bring with you to add to the portraits of your newborn baby. Bringing a special stuffed toy you wish to incorporate into a portrait.
In addition, if you plan to be photographed with your newborn, you may also want to bring a fresh shirt with you to change into after the session in the event of any small accidents while your baby is naked!
I’m so excited, may I take photos during the session?
Unfortunately, no. We kindly ask you to refrain from any picture-taking during your session. With all the time and effort to pose your baby, we reserve the right to be the sole creators of the portrait art of your baby. We appreciate your understanding.
Do you offer birth announcements?
We have a wonderful selection of birth announcement designs available and are always adding new ones. Turnaround time on birth announcements is quick — we usually have them ready for pick up in one week’s time from your approval of the layout.
What if my newborn has baby acne?
No worries — we see this all the time. Every portrait you select as part of your order will be individually enhanced for lovely skin tones. We will smooth and soften the blemishes or boo boos, so not to worry!
When will I get to see my photos from the session?
Approximately one week following your session, we invite you into the studio to review all of your images, assist you in making your selections and to place your order. We recommend that all of the decision makers are present at the time of the ordering appointment. We are happy to accommodate you in the early evening for these appointments.
How many images will I see from my session?
We may photograph dozens of captures in a given session, however not all are keepers. We will capture as many images as necessary in order to present you with a strong body of images. Typically, we will present you with the best 20-35 images in order to simplify your selection process.
What should I expect to spend on my portraits?
It’s entirely up to you what you decide to spend on your purchases from your session, choosing from our gift portraits, wall portraits, gallery wraps or custom hardcover books, albums, and canvas.
What happens if I need to reschedule my session?
We understand that personal emergencies, illness or inclement weather sometimes require sessions to be rescheduled. We kindly ask that you provide as much notice as possible in order to make the time available to other clients.