Your newborn baby is absolutely perfect exactly as they are, and that’s why I take a very simple approach to each of my newborn photo sessions. I really want to focus on capturing all of the littlest details and sweetest family moments during your baby’s first few weeks in your arms, so I’m not the type of photographer who is going to put your baby into unnatural poses or surround them with all sorts of props.
I’ll instead encourage you and any other family members to express affection toward your baby in various ways, and to just soak in the moments that you’re sharing. Far too often mothers will end up feeling solely responsible for documenting these kinds of family memories, but this is a chance to sit back and let someone else do that for you, and in a way that is truly meaningful.
“Michaela did a fantastic job capturing our little family! She spent time getting to know us, and helping with outfit selection ahead of time. Michaela has a very calming personality and gave my husband and I amazing direction during the shoot! The photos are gorgeous and I can’t wait to hang the prints in our home.”
When is the best time to have newborn photos done?
While there’s no “wrong” time to have photos taken with you baby, the ideal time for newborn photos is when your baby is about 2 weeks old. Since you’ll likely be booking this session months before your baby has arrived, I allow enough flexibility in my calendar to reschedule if necessary after the birth happens. I also do the vast majority of my newborn sessions at 10am because I’ve found it to be the time when babies are the most content and the window lighting is best.
I also offer Fresh 48 sessions, which are done in a documentary style within 48 hours after the birth, usually in the same location as the birth.
Do you bring any props to your in-home newborn sessions?
Because I take a simple approach to my newborn sessions I only bring a basket and a set of swaddles with me as items to include in the session. If you are looking for newborn photos that are more intricately posed and airbrushed with a wide variety of props then I’d say I wouldn’t be the right fit for you.
How much should I expect to invest for newborn photos?
The average investment for a newborn photo session with me is $550, but you can also save time and money by choosing my bundle package that includes both your maternity and newborn session. For more details about my packages, see my pricing page.
“I highly recommend Michaela if you’re looking for a professional photo session. I had maternity and newborn photos done with her and they turned out amazing! You will not be disappointed with her work!”
How can we be best prepared for our newborn photo session?
In addition to all the help and guidance I give while you’re being photographed, I also do periodic check ins as you prepare for your photo session to give suggestions for the location, outfits, and tips to give you and your family the best chance of enjoying the session.
It’s important that you know your home does not need to be perfectly clean before your session, but there will need to be at least one area of your home with a fairly large window where any distracting items in the background can be easily moved. I am more than happy to help you figure out this part!
What should we wear for our newborn photos?
The brief answer is that you should aim for neutral, earthy tones, comfortable textures, and patterns should be kept minimal to none. For more detailed advice, check out my styling guide! I’ll also be giving you personalized styling advice leading up to your session and bringing solid, neutral toned baby swaddles with me.
“Michaela did an amazing job with our maternity photos and newborn photos! She does such a wonderful job of capturing sincere moments, laughs, and candid shots — we loved how well they turned out! Highly recommend!!”
What if we need to raincheck or cancel?
If a session needs to be postponed due to weather, sickness, etc., your deposit can be applied to one reschedule without a fee. Any additional reschedules are $30 for more than 24 notice or $60 for less than 24 hour notice. If you choose to cancel your session entirely, your deposit is nonrefundable.
How far do you travel for photo shoots?
I don’t really have a limit as long as it works with my schedule, but there are travel fees for locations more than 30 miles from where I’m based. Travel fees for additional miles are calculated based on the federal mileage reimbursement rate of $0.65/mile.
“Working with Michaela was a perfect experience. She made our photoshoot fun and comfortable, kept time managed well, and got every special photo we were looking for at our maternity and newborn sessions”
How are the photos delivered?
Your final images will be delivered through an online gallery where you’ll be able to download them in high resolution for prints and/or web size for social media. You will also be able to share this link with others and order prints directly through the site.
Do you provide the RAW photos?
My images are intended to reflect my skill and style not only as a photographer, but also as a photo editor. Because my unedited RAW images don’t fully reflect the quality of my work, I don’t offer them to my clients.
Can you edit out my acne, double chin, wrinkles, etc.?
I typically only make minor adjustments to your appearance such as teeth whitening, skin smoothening, and eye brightening. No matter your age, color, size, etc., you are beautiful and worthy of being photographed exactly as you are!