Congratulations!!! I am so excited for you! I would love to help you create memories of this magical time in your life that will last a lifetime. The best time to photograph newborns is during the first two weeks of their lives, so I recommend that you start a search for the photographer before the baby is born to make sure that you find someone you trust will capture the moment the best. I will be delighted if you choose me! Please be sure to communicate this to me in advance so I guarantee a session for you in my cozy studio.

What is the first step to plan a newborn session?

Please contact me before the baby is born and let me know of your due date, so we have a chance to have a consultation and set an approximate session date in advance. This way you will guarantee a spot for when the bay arrives. If the baby already arrived, please do not be discouraged. I can usually accommodate last-minute openings too.

What is the best age to photograph a newborn baby?

Newborns photograph the best when they are under two weeks of age. The best range is five to twelve days. Why? Experience shows that babies under two weeks of age are sleepier and are easier to mold into cutest poses for best possible portrait setups. While it is possible to photograph babies older than two weeks old, there is a bigger chance that the baby will be awake and moving, which will allow for awake candid shots (which are equally adorable!) but will likely not be the curled-up cute sleeping shots which parents usually expect their newborn photos to be.

Where and when will my session take place?

I conduct newborn sessions in my home-studio in North Arlington during weekdays and weekend days. Babies tend to sleep more soundly in the morning, so I like to start sessions around 9am. However, please do not be discouraged if this time frame does not fit your schedule. I understand how overwhelming these first few days may be. I am a mother of a baby girl and soon-to-be mother of two myself! My studio gets beautiful natural light all throughout the day, so I will try to accommodate your availability.

My studio is fully equipped with background stands and fabrics, buckets, baskets, cloths and wraps, and endless supplies to ensure your baby looks their best and the exact way you like them to! I have supplies of wipes, diapers and blankets, so please do not worry if you are running low or the baby soils any of the props. It’s absolutely expected from a newborn session.

Where are you located?

My studio is conveniently located just 10 minutes driving distance from downtown DC, a mile away from the Ballston metro in a quiet North Arlington neighborhood called Tara Leeway Heights. There is plenty of street parking or you are welcome to park in my driveway.

Which gear do you use?

I use a Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 and Canon 100mm Macro lens and Canon 50mm f/1.2 for closeups and details.

How long does a newborn photo session last?

Please be prepared that newborn sessions last longer than a regular photo session. Depending on the needs of your baby, we will take feeding breaks, and take time to try to catch the baby both awake and asleep. I will capture the baby in color but will provide you with a selection of shots in black and white after the photo session. Ideally, a successful session for me is the one that offers a variety of cute sleeping photos as well as alert photos of the baby interacting with the parents.

You have a choice of having family photos as well as alone baby photos. I would typically start with family shots against a backdrop, after which I will move to positioning the baby into poses and backgrounds which we will have discussed during the consultation. I have a variety of color palettes and prop options, and will do my best to offer a wide selection of poses, backgrounds and prop shots. While I like simplicity for the newborn shots against monotone pastel cloth backgrounds, I also really enjoy creating elaborate setups with baskets, buckets, and costumes for additional fun!

how safe is it for my newborn to use studio props?

It is safe! I can assure you that every prop that touches a baby has been carefully washed and disinfected before every session. I will also tell you a secret: at the rate that I buy all the cute fabrics, outfits and props (I try to get something new for each session as a treat for your baby and myself) the chances are that some props will be brand new.

How should we dress the baby?

I do not expect you to bring any outfits for the baby. I have a studio stocked with wraps and blankets for baby boys and ruffled tutus, wraps and hairbands for baby girls. We will also take photos of the baby naked or wearing minimal clothing. What can be more perfect than a naked sleeping baby? I will not discourage you from bringing an outfit if you’d like me to use it in the photo session. I will do my best to incorporate it.

What should i bring?

I do not expect you to bring anything other than your bundle of joy. If the baby is formula-fed, please bring feeding supplies. Otherwise, everything will be provided for at my studio.

If you have a special receiving blanket that you wish to be included, you are welcome to bring it. Also, cute little plushy toys are always welcome as they make for adorable shots of sleeping babies hugging them.

What should i wear?

Please wear comfortable layers. The studio temperature will be set to a balmy 80s to make sure the baby is warm and relaxed.

If you plan to be in the photos, please wear comfortable clothing in solid pastel/white colors. Please also bring a change of clothes for yourself in case of any accidents during the photo session.

If you plan to have black and white photos against the black screen with the baby, please wear solid black long sleeved top. The black top will look flattering on the mother as well as serve as a contrast to the naked baby’s skin.

Older siblings should be dressed in light solid colors as well. In addition, we can do some bare skin photos as well.

What if the baby has acne, flaky skin, or jaundice?

No worries about baby acne or flaky skin. It is totally expected of a newborn. I have baby cream which I put on flaky parts (usually face, hands or feet). However, you are welcome to bring your own cream if you prefer it to be used.

Please alert me before the session if the baby has jaundice. I may need to adjust the tone of backdrops to exclude colors which would accentuate the yellow hue of the newborn skin.

When will i see the edited photos from the session?

I am usually so excited after each session that I quickly go through the photos the very same day or the next day. You can expect to receive a sneak peek consisting of a few shots the very same or next day.

Usually within a week of the session, I will share a viewing gallery with you which will include fully edited and retouched 25-30 photos and a selection of these photos in black and white. While I will be taking many more photos, the final selection will include the very best photographs to make the selection process easiest for you.

Any time after you have seen the photos, I will welcome you back to my studio to discuss purchasing options. I offer a variety of options to suit your budget and needs, from a la carte purchases and digital bundles, to prints, canvases, groups of canvases and photo books.

Who can come?

The whole family is welcome! Please make sure both parents are there in the beginning of the session if you plan on taking family shots. Same goes for older siblings, as they will be photographed early during the session as well. After family photos have been taken, fathers and siblings are not expected to stay during the entire session.

Do you offer consultations?

Yes! I encourage them. It is best if you can come to the studio in advance of the session to discuss expectations, poses, and color schemes you prefer. It is also wonderful to get to know each other before the session. Please contact me to set up a consultation.