Newborn Session FAQs

When is the best time to reach out a photographer to schedule my newborn portrait session?

Due to the time sensitive nature of newborn photography, advanced booking is advised.  My best advise is to schedule your session is before your little one is born (best around 2nd-3rd trimester). This way you can rest assured that your newborn photo session will occur within 2 weeks of birth, the very best time to get the sweetest photographs! I books a limited number of newborn sessions per “due date window”… meaning 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after a baby’s due date. This ensures each family’s session occurs while the baby is still in the NEW newborn phase. 

Also, my weekly calendar fills up quickly and I only take on a limited amount of newborns each month. Let’s make sure that we have your session on the calendar before the birth so that you don’t have to think about it once the baby is born

How do I book without knowing my session date?

"I dont know if i will have my baby early or after my due date?"

I mostly schedule the session around your due date.  I use your expected due date to plan your newborn session with you.  Normally I will pencil down a few days after after your due date for your session date, so that we can be sure that you are on my calendar for that month.

Once your baby is born and you are ready to go home, all you have to do is send me an email and from there we’ll schedule a definitive session date and time within the first 5-14 days of your baby’s arrival.

Also, prior to your session, I’ll send you a detailed email with all the information you need to know to help you prep yourself and your baby afor your newborn session with me as well.

When are newborn session scheduled? When is the best time to take newborn photos?

I prefer to photograph newborns during days 5-14 of age after birth, if there is no medical reason to delay the session. However, I am not deterred by an “older” baby! Less than two weeks of age is idea but I believes every baby deserves newborn images and will gladly work with families who haven’t made it in the studio during that two-week window.

Also, for baby boy, if you are planning to circumcise your baby boy, the session will need to be before this or at least 5 days after the procedure. 

I also asks to be notified within 48 hours of the baby’s birth. Typically, the first pediatric appointment is scheduled before discharge from the hospital, so the newborn session will be scheduled around that office visit.

Newborn sessions are scheduled Monday - Sunday, beginning no later than 10.00 am.  I discourages parents from scheduling later afternoon or an evening session due to most babies experiencing the "witching hour" as the evening approaches, where the babies are harder to soothe and more difficult to settle into the poses.

How soon should I have my newborn session after giving birth?

The sooner the better!  it is best around 5 to 14 days after birth! Newborns tend to stay sound asleep a few days after birth and because of this we are able to gently move your little one into sweet poses. After a couple of weeks, this is not as easy to do. After the 14 day mark babies begin to stretch and the poses won’t be as easy to accomplish.

Where does the session take place?

All newborn style studio sessions take place at my home studio , located in N Phoenix, AZ.  My studio is well equipped with lighting, backdrops, props, wraps, headbands, bonnets, wardrobe and newborn accessories.  I also provide snacks and drink complimentary  and internet WI-FI ,  during your time here at studio, so you can just sit back and relax!

Also, i do keep my studio warm. this is because most babies are accustomed to being warm and cozy in their mother's stomach.  Warm temperatures replicate that environment and help them settle easily into the poses we attempt during your session.  The studio will be approximately 80 degrees while we are shooting.

If you are you more interested in documenting your family in your home?  I offer lifestyle sessions at your home to capture your family in your own environment.  

Lifestyle sessions occur in the comfort of your home. Please remember, the goal is memories… not having a perfect house.

These sessions do not include studio poses.  We will focus on lifestyle and candid moments (capturing baby, baby with mom and family members on actions at your home).  Since the studio contains special posing equipment and lighting, I can not replicate that same look at your home.  Instead, we will use your home as our backdrop and your windows as our lighting.  I will capture you in your home loving on your family. You just brought a baby home, remember?!? Sit back and let me guide you through the session. Try not to worry, she’s seen bottles and diapers before!

How long does it take for the session?

Depend on the baby and depend on the package you selected when booking!

For example, The petite newborn session (is only wrap mini, and only baby is to be photograph during the session) so this normally take about 30- 60 minutes to completed as most baby like to be wrap and session is easier can be done compare to other type of session. 

The Deluxe and Classic newborn package I offers are consider a full newborn session. This can take anywhere from 3-4 hours at studio, again all depend on the baby and I always watch for baby cues during session as well.

Why does the session take so long?

Babies can't be rushed!  It's just that simple.   The majority of our time will be spent soothing, feeding, burping, and changing your baby's diapers.  Please, be patient!  The results are always worth the time and effort put in to the session.

Do you supply the props and outfits for my baby's session?

 Absolutely!! The studio is filled with an ever evolving stock of backdrops, blankets, wraps, buckets, headbands/bows, hats, outfits, etc to be used during your session.  

Everything offered in Summer ’s studio has been proved to photograph beautifully...  most of the options are  high quality handmade by talented designers who put time and effort into ensuring the item is perfect for your baby's session.

Occasionally, clients ask to have sentimental items incorporated in their session.  This is always welcome!  We will work together to achieve the best results possible.   Please note, not all items will be allowed in the studio.  Guns, knives, and other potentially dangerous items will not be permitted.

When will my gallery be ready to view?

Your gallery will be delivered within 2-3 weeks from the date of your session.