I first worked with this lovely family when I photographed them for their maternity session at the field location. You can see the gorgeous images from that session by clicking here.
I really love working with clients for both their maternity and newborn sessions, as many of our clients choose to do! By the time baby arrives, we’ve gotten to know each other already, and you’re comfortable in front of my camera as soon as we start your newborn session.
WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY MATERNITY AND/OR NEWBORN SESSION?
It is NEVER too early to reserve your session! I know most pregnant mamas are super busy with preparations, and have a LOT going on. Most of our clients reserve their sessions with us at the beginning of their second trimester to ensure that they have a spot on our calendar, and some reserve during their first trimester if they’re comfortable doing so.
So why so early? The truth is , we take a limited number of newborns due each month. We cap the number because this guarantees that each of our clients receive the attention and unparalleled level of service they deserve. Once we are full, we are full for that month and maintain a wait list for last minute requests.
If you’re reading this and your baby is already here, don’t despair. Sometimes reserved newborns arrive earlier or later than their estimated due dates, so we might have the ability to take on a last minute newborn session as long as we know that we can serve everyone at the level that we strive for. Contact us right away, and we might be able to schedule you!
SIBLING PARTICIPATION IN NEWBORN SESSIONS
When older siblings are involved in newborn sessions, we always ask what their schedule is because it’s important! We want them to be well rested and happy. Some kids don’t nap anymore so it’s not a factor. We schedule newborn sessions in the morning to start between 9:30 and 10ish AM. The first hour and a half of session time is devoted to photographing your baby alone, so big kids do not arrive until this portion is finished in order to keep the studio quiet.
Big kids and dads generally plan to arrive about 90 minutes after I’ve gotten started with baby only. I am typically finished with baby’s solo portraits when they arrive, and we head right into the sibling and entire family portion once everyone is dressed. Once your big kid is finished with the photographs they’re in, they are free to play until we’re finished with dad/baby and baby/parent images. At this point, dad and big kid(s) depart the studio and I finish up with mama/baby and any remaining baby images needed.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR NEWBORN’S SOLO PORTRAITS
Jennifer and Jillian arrived, and I took her out of his carseat and got started right away while Jennifer relaxed. We have Google Fiber wifi available for our clients, and many opt to take a short nap on the comfy couch! She had already decided on her dress for her newborn session when she had gone through options during her maternity fitting, so it was all steamed and ready for her to put on when the time came for her to be in the photos.
Jillian was the sweetest little gal, with the best expressions! Before we get started, I always ask moms of baby girls what their preferences regarding the use of headbands and tiebacks are. You should know that I do NOT do headbands the size of Texas and make selections that are proportionate to your baby’s head size. Jillian was a VERY alert and awake baby, but she was super calm for the most part. Sometimes babies don’t want to sleep, but no worries - I roll with whatever I’m given. Babies who are calm and awake give us lots of opportunities for eye contact with the camera, and I love these images too! As I was finishing up with Jillian’s solo images - all with her wiiiiiide awake, dad and big brother Jonah arrived. Jonah remembered me from the maternity session and was very comfortable with me. The rest of the family got dressed, and we transitioned right into the images that included Jonah.
NEWBORN SESSION FLOW WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
Jillian was STILL awake (and still calm!) at this point, which I actually love for family images. I want to reiterate that awake babies are always photographable, as long as they’re calm. If your baby is awake and crying, we’ll take some time to figure out what they need. My first priority is keeping your baby safe and comfortable, and sometimes they just need to nurse or snuggle with mama for a bit!
I typically start the family portion of newborn sessions with the sibling photos FIRST because these are often the most important ones to families. 9 times out of 10 your older child will be the most cooperative at the very beginning of their time in the studio.
Baby safety is my FIRST priority above all else, so I won’t place babies near older siblings if they are not calm and still. Every kid is different, and I’ll assess how they’re doing when deciding which images we’ll do. Since Jonah was great and listening and following directions, so he was safely able to hold his sister and support her neck. What you can’t see in the photographs is that their parents was inches away from them ready to step in if the need arose.
At this point, Jillian couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer and pretty much passed out. I moved quickly to finish up the parent images and then took her back to the newborn area to finish up solo portraits since we still had enough time remaining. Some babies will fight sleep for a while, but they will go to sleep eventually. If your baby is one of these, don’t stress or worry the they’re not being “good”. There is absolutely no such thing as a bad baby. I have endless patience when it comes to my tiny clients, and we’ll work together to get your baby relaxed and asleep. She was out COLD after being awake for so long, so it was a very quick 10 minutes finishing up!
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
We make it super easy for our clients! About a week after their session, Jennifer viewed the proof gallery and chose her collection. When her final images were completed, she chose which ones she wanted for artwork. The digital files of chosen collection images are also included as well. After artwork is ordered, it takes about 1-2 weeks (longer for our gorgeous heirloom albums due to their handcrafted construction) for everything to be ready to go at the studio. Mats and frames can be added to prints as well and are a client favorite!
THE PROCESS FOR ALBUM DESIGN
Our albums are absolutely beautiful and made by hand here in the United States. They are typically ready for pickup at the studio 2-4 weeks after ordering. Clients look over the cover options while they’re here in the studio for their newborn session and snap a few photos of their favorites for reference. We also have samples to look through to know what to expect in terms of size, embossing, and general aesthetics.
Once your final gallery is delivered, you’ll select your favorites that you want included in your album! You’ll have to choose between the black & white vs. color version of each image. Once you send your favorites list back, I’ll start the design process, and send you an online proof. You’ll log in, review the album design and approve for print. Very rarely do clients request changes, but if you have any, that's totally fine! The revised proof will be sent back to you to review.
At this point, you’ll decide on your cover option. We have absolutely stunning linen and leather cover options. Our linen covers can be debossed with gold or silver foil, and our leather covers can be blind debossed. There are standard debossing font options, or we can create a custom design for the ultimate bespoke album. Grandparent companion albums can be added on too - they’re the sweetest 5x5 size and an exact copy of your album (minus debossing). They make such a wonderful gift that will be so appreciated and cherished.
After your album is ordered, we wait for it to come in - and once it’s here, you’ll come pick it up. Every week we send out an email to clients who have orders ready. This email has a link to a calendar of our pickup days and time windows throughout the week ahead for contactless pickup. All you have to do is click on your desired time window to reserve your pickup time.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Are you expecting and interested in reserving newborn session with us? We would LOVE to chat about your family, the experience we offer to our clients, and how we can best serve your needs. Contact us today to set up a time to speak on the phone. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
