Your top questions, answered
If you’re like most moms planning a newborn session, you’re probably excited… but also quietly wondering how it all works. When do we schedule it? What if my baby won’t sleep? Do I need to bring anything?
You’re not alone. These are some of the most common questions I hear, and I’ve built my process to make sure you don’t have to overthink a thing. Here’s what to expect.
When do we actually choose a date?
I’ll reserve your spot based on your due date, and then once baby is here and you’re home and settled, we’ll pick the session date together. Most sessions take place between 7 to 21 days after birth, when babies are naturally sleepy and still love to curl up. If your baby is a little older, that’s okay too. There’s still plenty of time to capture beautiful, meaningful portraits.
How long does a newborn session last?
Usually about two to four hours. That gives us time for hair and make up, feeding breaks, and plenty of snuggles. The pace is slow and baby-led. There’s no rushing and no pressure. Just a calm space to soak it all in.
What do I need to bring?
Honestly, not much. I provide a full wardrobe for baby and mom, and I’ll walk you through how to coordinate the rest of the family. If you have a sentimental item you want to include—like a blanket or a bonnet—we’ll absolutely work that in. But you don’t need to pack anything special. Just bring your baby and whatever you’d normally have in your diaper bag.
What if my baby doesn’t sleep?
That’s completely normal. Some babies sleep through their session, and others stay wide-eyed the entire time. I’ve worked with babies of every temperament. Whether they’re snoozing, squirming, or cluster feeding, we’ll follow their lead and still come away with beautiful, connected images.
Can siblings be part of the session?
Yes, and I encourage it. If you have older children, I’ll guide you through how to include them in a way that’s simple and stress-free. Their part of the session is always short and sweet, and I have plenty of tricks to keep them engaged.
What if I don’t feel camera-ready?
You’re not alone in that feeling. That’s why I’ve built in support every step of the way. You’ll have access to my curated wardrobe, and professional hair and makeup is included so you don’t have to worry about getting yourself ready. I’ll also gently guide you through posing so you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
What about digital images? Do you offer them?
Yes, absolutely. You’ll have the option to purchase the entire gallery of digital files. In fact, most of my clients do—because let’s be honest, choosing is nearly impossible.
Even if you think you’ll only want a handful of favorites, it’s so hard to leave the rest behind once you see your baby’s little expressions, sleepy smirks, and how tiny they looked in your arms. I’ve seen it happen over and over again: you think you’ll narrow it down to ten, but your heart says otherwise.
That’s why I offer the option to own the full gallery—so you never have to choose between your favorites and the ones you can’t stop thinking about.
Do you offer artwork too?
Yes—and if we’re being honest, it’s one of the most important parts of what I do.
You might think, “I’ll print them later” or “I’ll make an album when things settle down.” But if you’re anything like most moms, it ends up on the same list as your wedding album: still not done. Life gets full, and those good intentions get buried under school drop-offs and Target runs.
That’s why I help you turn your portraits into something finished and tangible—from custom frames to handcrafted albums—so they don’t sit on a hard drive or get lost in a phone update. You’ll get to see mockups, samples, and options that fit your style and space. And I’ll walk you through it, step-by-step, so it never feels like one more thing on your plate.
You’re not just preserving this moment for yourself. You’re creating something your children will grow up seeing on your walls, knowing they were always this loved.
How do I book?
The first step is a consultation call. These sessions are deeply personal, and every family is different. This call gives us a chance to talk through what matters most to you, design the flow of your session, and make sure you feel completely comfortable before stepping in front of the camera. It also gives you the chance to hear my voice, ask your questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Once we’ve talked, I’ll reserve your spot based on your due date and guide you through each next step—no guesswork needed.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to plan everything perfectly. You just need someone who understands how important this session is to you and can guide you through it with care. A quick call lets us start that relationship the right way—not walking into your session as strangers, but as partners in preserving your baby’s earliest days.
If you’re ready to talk or just want to hear more about what’s possible, I’d love to connect.
