Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Session with you?
- Make sure you check out what types of sessions I offer (which you can find here)
- Decide which session works for you, your family, your budget.
- Purchase your session
- If you are ready to schedule right away (baby is here) contact me at [email protected]
- If you are pregnant and have just purchased your newborn session, contact me within a couple of days of baby’s arrival and I will make sure I have an appointment ready for you within the first two weeks.
When are your appointments? In Santa Maria, where I am based, I shoot weekday mornings when the light is just right in the natural light studio for babies and their families. I also shoot newborn minis in the early afternoons, too, because I am using artificial light. I travel to Santa Cruz regularly and shoot newborns and families during the mornings there as well!
Family and maternity portraits I shoot outdoors in on weekday morning, and select dates during the summer weekends at sunset.
Santa Cruz travel dates are posted here in my shop.
Can I get some unwrapped shots during my mini newborn session? I keep newborns fully wrapped during minis to make the session move quickly so that all your costs stay low. It keeps baby insulated so that I don’t have to take so much time keeping one arm or one leg in place for the shot. Babies look like they are happy to do anything I ask, but typically a pose, especially undressed (brr!) can take a long time to achieve.
Should I make sure my baby is sleepy? Babies do what they want when they want. I love that about them. You could do everything “right” to prepare them to be extra tired for their session, and they might be so excited by the bright lights and new environment that they stay awake anyway! Getting great photos of them is my job, don’t you worry about it. Just bring extra milk (modeling is hungry work) otherwise I’ve got it covered!
Do I need to bring props or outfits? Nope! I have a ton! Look through my work in advance and let me know which set ups you like and I will get them ready for you.
How long will it take to get our photos back? I like to keep up with my clients for the most part, and turn over galleries within a couple of days, but my max deadline is three weeks. Keep an eye on your email for your beautiful photos!
How old should my baby be for a newborn session? Most babies come in to the studio at around 7-10 days old. If your baby is older, that’s okay, we just may not be able to use all the props or poses that we could if they were smaller.
Important to know: The ideal time to have our session is in the first two weeks of life. Here is why: in the first two weeks, baby is smaller, sleepier and easier to pose. Complicated poses like some of the ones you see on my page are much more difficult if not impossible to do once baby gets older.
If your baby is already born and you haven’t reserved a due date with me yet: feel free to check if there are any more openings in the current month for purchase. I usually am booked a couple of weeks ahead but I will be sure to fit you in my schedule where I can!
Multiples and preemies: I usually schedule your appointment within the first two weeks after all have been cleared to go home. If there are any special circumstances, just let me know! Multiples do not cost any more than single baby sessions.
Once we have communicated and put a date on the calendar I will send you a confirmation email with my location, and a little more info on what to expect. I will also send a contract that you can sign online and a short questionnaire so that I can get some additional information. That’s it! You will be all set to go.
Ready to book? go here to purchase!
