When is the best time to have newborn portraits taken?

The best time to have professional newborn photos taken is within the first 1-3 weeks. At this time your baby is the sleepiest and smallest to fit in all of our adorable props, wraps and outfits. If you have a complication and are unable to schedule within that timeframe, it is okay. We can still get adorable images of your baby. Your session just may take longer and your baby may not fit into all of our props, wraps and clothing.

How long does a newborn session take?

We tell our parents to plan for 2-3 hours. With new babies, it is not uncommon for us to stop and feed or soothe them to get them back to sleep. Our sessions typically average closer to 2 hours, but can sometimes take longer. If you follow our newborn session prep guide that is sent prior to your session, your baby should be nice and full and sleepy, and we should be able to get through your session quickly.

What should I do to prepare for my newborn photography session?

If you are nursing, avoid spicy foods and caffeine for 24 hours prior to your session. Your little one's belly is getting used to your milk, and this will hopefully avoid any gas or stomach issues. • Try to keep your baby awake for one hour prior to our session. I know this is hard, but do your best — this will help ensure a very sleepy baby for our session. • Dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing that zips or buttons up the middle so, if they arrive sleeping, we can undress them easily without waking. Avoid onesies or clothing that will have to go over the baby’s head. • Feed your baby right before leaving for the studio. Even if it is not a regular feeding time, offer them a feeding. A full, sleepy baby is always best.

What do I need to bring to my newborn photography session?

We provide all of the props, wraps, hats, headbands, buckets, bowls, tiny beds, and everything else for your session. We also provide diapers, wipes, Boppy pillows, soothers, and extra formula should you need it. You are welcome to bring any of your own items to be photographed with your baby, but you do not have to. If you are formula feeding or pumping, make sure to bring extra milk and a bottle.

Can family and siblings be included?

Yes, both parents and siblings are welcome to be included at no charge. Grandparents are also welcome. We even allow dogs upon request. We do ask that if siblings or grandparents would like to be included, they come either at the very beginning of the session and then leave, or come at the end of the session. Due to COVID-19, we are trying to limit the number of people in the studio for long periods of time.

How much do clients invest in their newborn photography session?

Our clients all tend to spend differently based on what their needs are. Our top selling item is our beautiful leather album. Our gorgeous albums are heirloom quality and will last for generations. When you purchase an album, you also get the matching hi-res digital image for every printed image in your album. So it is like getting two products in one. Our albums start at $1400 and go up from there. Most of our clients spend between $1000-$3000 on their portraits. If you have any additional questions or would like to book a newborn photography session, contact us here!

Baby Session Prep Guide | Prepare for Precious Moments — Wildflower Fine Art Portraits - Columbus Newborn and Maternity Photographer

SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION:

It is best to schedule your session when your baby is happiest. Please let us know when your baby naps so we can avoid cranky time!

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Make sure your little one is fed prior to arriving. A hungry baby is a grumpy baby haha!

WHAT TO BRING:

You do not need to bring clothing. We have a large wardrobe available for your use. But we do recommend bringing at least one outfit just in case.
Special items you would like photographed with your baby.
Please bring snacks such as puffs or yogurt bites should your baby need something to help keep their attention. Avoid fruit chews, gold fish and snacks that are bright and colorful. Bring milk or water as well.

*Don't worry if you forget to bring clothes, diapers, wipes, pacifiers or diaper cream. We keep those items in stock at the studio.

CELL PHONE POLICY
Keep in mind your little one may be very happy and smiley at home, but coming to a new environment can be overwhelming. It might take them a minute or two to warm up. We recommend that you NOT GIVE THEM YOUR CELL PHONE. Cell phones are used as a very last resort to capture attention. Once you give them the phone it is very difficult to get it back. It can also overstimulate them. Sometimes we use a phone to play a favorite song, but using to calm baby down is not recommended, as it often does the opposite. If we have exhausted all other options we will try it.

EXPECTATIONS:
Your baby’s milestone session is very different than their newborn session. Stranger anxiety, and separation anxiety is common. Many are also teething at this time. Your baby is also awake for this session and has a limited attention span. We typically try to do 3 set ups. Not all babies will make it through all 3, others will do so well we can do 4. It is up to the baby’s mood that day. Please try to be patient with your baby and us. They are in a new space with ‘strangers’ and we try to make them as comfortable as possible.

PARENT AND SIBLING PORTRAITS:
Milestone sessions are for the baby only. You may upgrade your session to add parents and/or siblings for a $50 charge. You can pay that CLICK HERE

Choose the Milestone Family/Sibling upgrade option.

**Keeping the studio quiet and calm is crucial to achieving the best shots of your baby. Once the sibling shots are complete, we highly recommend that a spouse/partner take siblings home or out for something fun while we finish up. We do have a kids play area to keep them busy if they have to remain in the studio.

ONE YEAR CAKE SMASH:
If this is your baby’s one year session and you would like to do a cake smash, you must provide the cake. I recommend a 5 or 6 inch round cake with two layers. Typically vanilla is best, and if you can get whipped frosting instead of buttercream that is better. You can order the perfect smash cake from Giant Eagle. It is called a Double Layer Half Naked Smash Cake and it is around $10. Make sure to order several days in advance. Many little ones have not had many sweets and we don’t want to overwhelm them with a very sugary, sweet cake. I also recommend simple decor. So a simple white or light blue or light pink/blush is ideal. I prefer not to have big, lavish cakes that take away from the baby.

We recommend you bring puffs to use on the cake if your baby does not like the flavor, they can pick the puffs off the cake.

SESSION LENGTH & DETAILS:
Milestones typically take 30-60 minutes.

PRE-SESSION QUESTIONNARIE:
To better prepare for your session I have a few questions for you to answer. Please fill out the Newborn Session Questionnaire below prior to our session. Thank you, I look forward to capturing some beautiful memories for you!

BABY MILESTONE SESSION PREPARATION & QUESTIONNAIRE