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!

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

SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION:

Newborn sessions are best if scheduled within the first few weeks. Within the first 7-18 days is ideal for a nice sleepy baby, so make sure to contact us as soon as you can after your little one is born. Sessions are the morning or early afternoon between 9:30am and 1:30pm. Evenings are not ideal for newborns because they tend to be more awake and are more likely to cluster feed. Newborn sessions are scheduled during the week only. If there are special circumstances a weekend may be an option but is not a guarantee.

NEW STUDIO ADDRESS: Please note our studio has moved. The new address is 6543 Commerce Parkway, Ste. Q, Dublin, OH 43017. When you enter the office park go left and around the back. You will see our window with a Q and the Wildflower logo.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

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 him/her easily without waking. Avoid onesies or clothing that will have to go over 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.
Don’t Stress! We know things are kind of crazy right now. You’re sleep deprived and adjusting to your new schedule. The last thing we want is are stressed out parents. If you are stressed, the baby will be stressed. Do your best to get to the studio. I have everything here you need. Snacks, water/coffee, formula, diapers, wipes, bottle warmer, pacifiers, clothes for mamas and toddlers… If you forget something we likely have it. Do your best not to stress too much. I want this to be an enjoyable experience for you!

WHAT TO BRING:
• If you are formula feeding or pumping make sure to bring extra milk and a bottle
• A pacifier for soothing
• Special items you would like photographed with your baby

Don't worry if you forget to bring diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottle warmers or diaper cream. We keep those items in stock at the studio. We also provide snacks, coffee and water for you, but feel free to bring your own snacks or food as well.

COME CAMERA READY:
Newborn sessions do not include hair/makeup. So make sure to come camera ready. You may add hair/makeup, but we need 1-2 weeks advance notice to schedule. It is $175 to add hair/makeup

PARENT AND SIBLING PORTRAITS:
Parent and sibling shots are typically taken first. Family shots are taken on a grey, white or tan backdrop. We recommend wearing solid neutral colors, especially grey, white, tan or cream. Older siblings can wear a light colored shirt to match the gender of the baby, solid neutral colors, jeans and/or dresses for girls. Try to avoid busy patterns and graphics.

**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.

SESSION LENGTH & DETAILS:
For a Full Newborn Session plan on your session being around 2-3 hours. The younger the baby the less likely chance we will need all 3 hours, but we still recommend it to avoid any stress. Also, the studio is kept at a very warm 80 degrees during the session. This keeps baby warm and sleepy. A fan is located in the client sitting area for your comfort. You also may want to bring more comfortable clothing to change into after the family portraits are complete.

PROPS
Upon scheduling we will discuss colors, props and ideas you have. We have blankets, baskets, hats, headbands, wraps, and many more props. We also have clothing for children and mom’s to use as well. And if you have specific items you would like photographed, you are welcome to bring them to your session.

If you follow the above instructions on preparing your baby we will mostly likely have a successful shoot. But remember, we are at the mercy of your precious little one, so do not be overwhelmed if your baby is cranky or will not “cooperate.” We will still get many amazing photos that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Payment
There is a $500 minimum purchase due on or before the date of your session. This will be applied to your final purchase once you have proofed your images.

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!

NEWBORN SESSION PREPARATION & QUESTIONNAIRE