Newborn Photography FAQ :: Columbus, Ohio Newborn Photography

I often get asked a variety of questions when it comes to newborn photography, so I thought it would be good to break down the process into blogs. Last week, I wrote a blog on how to help you prepare for your session, but didn't necessarily cover specific questions. So I asked some former clients, and friends what questions they would like answered, so we can refer back to this blog to help future clients!

Why do you need to book our session so soon after birth? Is it really that important?

I know, you just had your whole world flipping upside down and are exhausted! You have family in visiting, you're trying to catch a few winks here and there and if you are breastfeeding, you are trying to master that. The very last thing you want to do is leave the house, or even get pictures taken. Simply put, YES, it is important. Why though? It's simple, you have a newborn for just a few weeks. Not only to babies begin a wonderful growth spurt around 2.5-3 weeks, they also lose a lot of their flexibility. You see, when they are first born, they are still small enough, and used to being swaddled tightly from the womb. Most of the poses we do remind them of that wonderful and safe time in your tummy, so it's easiest when they are that tiny. Also, like I said before, you only have a newborn for such a small window, and you want to capture that moment. Trust me, my first baby turns 10 in 3 days, it goes FAST.

What if the baby is fussy? Will be not be able to get those pictures? I'm worried!

Worry not! If baby is a tad fussy, or gassy, we can do a variety of things to help. For starters, a swaddled baby is usually a happy baby! You wouldn't believe the amount of pictures we can get with a swaddled baby! We can use a variety of wraps, styles and colors and still get some poses! Usually, this calms baby enough that we can go right into beanbag poses. If this still doesn't work, and baby isn't wanting to calm down and let us post him, we can reschedule for 2-3 days out. Another reason why scheduling the initial newborn session so soon is important! We always give this advice for new parents, it's a total game changer!

This is my youngest, Conner. Between 2 photographers, he wouldn't pose and cried the whole session. That being said, he swaddled beautifully! I mean, how precious is that smile?

Why is she eating so much? She never eats this much at home, I'm concerned her schedule with be thrown off.

Well, just like adults, babies stress eat! You also probably don't pose her in several different outfits at home either. Keep in mind, a fed baby is a HAPPY baby. Their only concern is being fed, warm and loved on. I did noticed that my boys ate a lot more during their sessions and guess what? They slept just fine, if not better after their newborn session! Baby can work up quite an appetite during her session, so make sure you bring enough formula, or pumped milk if expressing. Also, a pacifier is an amazing tool, even if we only use it for the session. Sucking helps calm a baby, and may be why she's eating for comfort. I suggest MAM or Soothie.

Do you have many props? What props should I bring from home? I saw this set up on pinterest, can we try it?

To put it bluntly, we have a major shopping problem! Who knew that such little babies take up the most space in our studio? Our studio is easily 90% newborn and children props and ever expanding! If you have something in mind, just ask, and chances are, we have it. Also, we work with many vendors such as Chicaboo and Three In The Nest Props, so if you want something specific or custom, ask! We will see what we can get done.

As for props from home, I suggest it if you have something very sentimental to your family. Or, if you have a very specific set up in mind. We get a lot of requests for star wars, and Ohio state, and while we have props for both set ups, we don't always have exactly what you are looking for. Just try to keep props to a minimum, or to one set up, as these shots take the longest.

And last but no least, Pinterest. Ah, Pinterest. I love thee, but have you heard of pinterest fails? We are more than willing to attempt a certain newborn picture you found on pinterest, if it's safe, that is! However, keep in mind that we are a different photographer, and babies have a mind of their own. We will try our own twist on it though!

How long will this take? Why does it take so long?

Newborn sessions usually take 2-3 hours. We like to get parent, siblings (if any) and family photos, 3 beanbag set ups, 2 poses each color, wrapped shots on the flokati and 1-2 prop shots. Whew! That's a work out in itself! Plus, taking breaks for feedings and clean up, you easily run 2 hours.

How do I see my photos? How long will it take?

Once we wrap up your session, we will schedule your in person viewing date. This is usually takes place within 2 weeks of your session. This viewing will take about 30 minutes to an hour, so make sure you have some wiggle room around that time. During this session, we will view the images and discuss ordering and product options.

Can't I just order the digitals? Why should I order prints or an album?

I know, we are in the peak of the digital age. 81% of the population has a social media account of some form, and with the accessibility of digital photos and instant access, it's natural to immediately want the digital images only. Did you know that the most photographed generation will probably be the least printed? This blog post points out the important of printing, but I want to give you a personal example.

When my oldest, Chase was born, digital was fairly new. I had an Olympus E3, and smart phones were not a thing. That being said, I printed EVERYTHING. I was working for a small scrap booking company at the time, so I documented everything, just as my mom did with us kids.

When my second son came around, it was ALL digital. Everything was digital, I took pictures of him on my smart phone, tablet, webcam and camera. You name it, and I had a picture of it. His album? It was still in it's plastic wrap. Flash forward to 2016, when he was 5 years old. I dropped my laptop, and my hard drive corrupted. I had every moment from his birth to his last day of preschool on that laptop. All of it, gone in an instant. All of our family photos were gone as well. THANKFULLY, I found a computer guru that saved everything for a small fortune, and not only do I back up everything, I print almost everything every 6 months.

Moments like that are why we are so passionate about printing! Photography stops that fleeting moment so you can look back and remember every emotion of that day. Why wouldn't you print it?

In short, yes, you can order just the digital images, but keep in mind the investment of beautifully printed products to cherish for years to come.

Interested in booking a newborn session with us? Contact us here and we will be with you shortly!