Cookeville Newborn Photographer | Booking Your Newborn Session FAQ

With the year coming to an end, I decided to go back and gather all of the most frequently asked questions from 2020 and answer them all in one place. I know a lot of thought goes into choosing a newborn photographer, so I hope some of these answers will be of help! Here goes!

When should I book my newborn session?

• Sooner is always better, when possible! I encourage everyone to book their session a few months before their due date to ensure availability. I only take a set amount of newborn sessions each month(as do most newborn photographers), so that even if your baby is arrives early or late there will be time available for your session.

How can I book a date when I don't know when my baby will actually be here?

• We all know that babies come when they are ready, and couldn't care less about what we have planned! During booking, your due date is used as a tentative session date. Once your baby arrives, you contact me (even just a short "baby is here" message will do😊), and then we set a firm date and time for your session once your are settled at home.

When is the best time do have newborn photos taken?

• I try to do all of my newborn sessions when baby is between 3-14 days old. This way baby is still sleeping most of the time, and still able to be posed safely and easily.

How do I book a newborn session?

• It's so easy to book! Just contact me using the contact sheet on my website, or through any of my social media pages. I'll ask you a few questions, such as your due date and email address, then I will send you my pricing guide so that you can choose from my three collection options. Once you choose the collection you'd like to purchase, you'll receive your invoice, contract, and a short questionnaire to fill out so I can begin styling your session.

Do you offer payment plans?

• Yes! Payment plans are available with weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments(for clients who book a few months in advance). A $50 retainer is due during booking to hold your session date, and the remainder can be broken up into payments, with the invoice paid in full by the session date.

• For clients who book late in their pregnancy or right after their baby is born, weekly payment plans are available, with their final gallery delivered once the invoice is paid in full.

What if my baby cries during the entire session?

• This is very, VERY rare. I haven't had this occur, as most babies are wonderful once they are swaddled and their bellies are full. If baby shows hunger cues during their session, we stop immediately so they can be fed. If baby is bottle fed I often just feed them myself, and if they are breastfed I hand them off to mom. If I do run into a situation where baby can't be calmed, I will likely reschedule for a day or two later, then try again.

What if I don't have enough room for an in-home session?

• I don't need much space at all! I have worked in small apartment living rooms (we moved the couch over a couple of feet), in dining room corners, guest bedrooms, playrooms, and everything in between. If you are concerned about a space, you can always send me photos of a couple of rooms in your home so that I can see where the best place to set up would be ahead of time.

Do you offer parent and sibling shots?

• Absolutely! Both my Luxe Collection and Premium Collection include parent and sibling photos in the session so that your whole family can be captured. A new baby joining your family is a monumental event for everyone, and I love capturing all of that love!

Do you offer prints?

• Yes! I work with a professional printing company to provide luxury prints, canvases, and heirloom albums for clients who don't want their images to be stuck on a computer. My Luxe Collection includes a small print package, while albums, canvases, and prints may be added onto any package à la carte. Anyone interested in the print à la carte price sheet will receive it via email upon booking.

What happens after our session?

• 2-3 weeks after your session, we will have a viewing session, where you will select your favorite images. All of your images will be professionally retouched, and uploaded to an online gallery for you once you've made your selection. You will be able to download your high resolution images and print release, and share your gallery with family and friends.

I think that's it! Those are the most frequently asked questions from this year. I hope having this information all together will help some of you when you're thinking of booking a newborn session. It took me forever to gather these from emails and facebook messages, and it wouldn't have been possible without my children going to bed the first time they were asked!

If I missed something here and you have a question, please don't hesitate to ask! Before I began newborn photography, I was clueless as to how things worked and it's different for every photographer. I know finding someone to capture the most important point in your life is a big decision, and I want to make that easier in any way I can.

If you're ready to book your session, give me a shout! I'd love to get to know you and your family, and help you create memories for you tiny bundle to look back on when they are grown and have a tiny bundle of their own. Message me now for my pricing guide to get started!