JUMP to NEWBORN FAQs or FAMILY FAQs

How do I choose a photographer?

This is a personal choice. Do you like their work?  Their personality? Do they appear professional and organized? Would you want their style of photography displayed on your walls at home? Are their images sharp? Do they have good reviews? Do they have professional equipment?  Do they have training? What seems to be their specialty? Do they have a legal business? And business insurance? Do they hear your vision? Respond to your emails in a timely manner?  

For more information, check out the Finding the Right Photographer guides here .

Why do you edit images?

This can be a long answer.  But I will try to summarize it the best I can. 

Have you ever taken a picture on your phone, and thought, “It’s not capturing the light and shadows the way I’m seeing it with my eye?”  This can also be true when taking an image with a DSLR too. I shoot in RAW format which captures all the data recorded by the sensor (like light and shadows), and allows me to provide high quality images, and adjust any problem lighting, recover shadows, etc. I edit images in an effort to get the most beautiful coloring, creating fine art pieces for you and your family to treasure. 

How long after a photoshoot will we be able to see and choose our images?

Approximately 1-2 weeks after your photoshoot, we will have a reveal and ordering appointment (this could be in-person or virtually).  At this time you will see a slideshow of your images, and the full gallery.  You will be able to choose the prints you want to display in your home, and the images you would like in your beautiful heirloom albums. (And which digitals to store on your devices.)

Do you sell unedited images?

In order to protect the quality of the images I create, I do not give away or sell RAW, unedited files. Each image you are provided has been carefully hand-edited to provide the best image possible.

Think of it like this:

• Unedited images are getting fabric and a pattern. But you have to sew your outfit together
• Unedited images are like rough drafts, you want to do spell check before sending off your work, and maybe even restructure your sentence, and rephrase your questions.

I want to make sure I provide you my best and highest quality of work.

Will I receive high-resolution digital images from my session?

Absolutely.  Some of the collections come with both artwork and digitals.  Or you can purchase digitals separately.  There are options!

What’s the value in professional photography? Why is it so expensive?

Besides offering a creative perspective, capturing you with your loved ones, and custom fine art images, professional photographers have a lot to offer.  They not only invest a lot of time and money into continued development of their artistry, but also into running a small business. There is a lot that goes into running a small photography business, including spending thousands of dollars on equipment, training, education, editing software, client software, gallery software, insurance, website, taxes, repairing equipment, accounting, the artwork, and other business fees including blankets and props every year.  As you invest in a photographer, they too are investing in you by providing you with their best.

What equipment do you use?

I made the switch from a Canon 5d Mark IV to a Sony a7iii and I have NO regrets! I have so many lenses I use to create various looks for different sessions: 35mm, 50mm, 100mm, 135mm, and 24-70mm.

I edit images using Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and Photoshop CC.  And create family films (videography) in Adobe Premier Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Newborn Photoshoot

What is the difference between a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot and a Posed Newborn Photoshoot?

Best time to schedule Newborn photos?

It’s best to book your newborn shoot when you are between 7-8 months pregnant, as I take on limited sessions each month.  

Ideal age to photograph newborn?

For a posed photoshoot, less than 2 weeks old is ideal as your babe still naturally curls up into the fetal position, sleeps deeply, and likely hasn’t developed baby acne.  However, I have photographed up to 21 days for a posed newborn experience.  

If you are looking to do a lifestyle newborn shoot, I’d recommend less than two months of age.

Where will images be taken?

We have options!  In my studio or in your home, and sometimes even outdoors if it’s warm outside! 

Do you have an assistant?

I do have an assistant at posed newborn photoshoots.  We take safely seriously and want to always have someone nearby.

What should I have prepared?

I will send you a Newborn Prep Guide once you reserve your session.  It’s not hard to prepare because I provide a lot of things to make your experience easy!  I’ll walk you through it.

Can you edit “that” out?

I can smooth out blankets, and touch up blemishes on skin.  If you want me to soften stork bites, please let me know, as I will not do that unless requested.

Do you include family in your newborn session?

Absolutely!  Hop right in!  Just keep in mind this may limit the number of individual newborn shots you receive. Images with mom and dad, and siblings is so important!  We should document the whole family.  

How many images do you show in a Newborn Gallery?

You can expect to see anywhere from 50-100 images in your gallery.

What is included in the session fee?

The session fee for an in-home newborn session is $300 and includes our pre-session consultation, planning and preparing for your session, travel time, session, and time and talent of the photographer.

For an in studio session, the session fee is $150.

Can I have high-resolution digital images from the session?

Yes.a  All collections come with some digital files.  If you don’t want a collection, you can purchase digital images a la carte. Most families hire SJP to create art for their walls, and get digitals as a bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Family Photoshoot

What’s the best way to prepare my crew?

After booking your session, you will receive a Family Session Prep Guide with what to do before the shoot, and what to expect during. I will guide you!  I want your session to be a joyful family experience.   

How will you get my wild spirited child to participate?

I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve and  I am very patient and flexible. I will meet your kiddo where he’s at. And if, in the rare case, my tricks don’t work I have a very fast shutter, and will get some shots in which it “appears” your child was happy to participate.  And if that doesn’t work, then we will just embrace, appreciate,  and capture your child’s strong will.

What will we wear?

I got you!  I will help you plan and coordinate.  I have a What to Wear Guide with helpful tips and things to keep in mind when getting your outfits together.  I will walk alongside you in this.

Why in the world do you recommend photoshoots first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening?

THE BEST, most gorgeous lighting is right after the sun rises, or right before the sun sets.  There are some locations that are the most gorgeous in the morning, and others in the evening.  I know sunrise and sunset shoots are usually not ideal times for your kiddos schedules. I totally get that, as some kids go to bed before the sun does, and some kiddos’ personalities completely alter after 5pm.  The way most families accommodate for a sunset shoot is to adjust nap/dinner times. Somehow the kiddos always surprise their parents and show off their sweet personalities, even though their schedule shifted a bit that day.

Where should we do the photoshoot?

I have some favorite locations I can recommend, but I’m also happy to hear your ideas!

Can I have edited, high-resolution digital images from the session?

Yes.  Digital images are included in every collection, and can also be purchased a la carte.

What if I only need a couple of shots? Can I do a mini-session?

Short answer: “Sometimes”

Long Answer:

I specialize in a full, custom experience, and that is hard to offer, in a short quick photoshoot.  However, on the (VERY) rare occasions, I do offer limited edition sessions. These are called Portraits for a Purpose, and some of the proceeds go to a local non-profit.  These Portraits for a Purpose are at a specific location, date, and time.  The 20 minute sessions are scheduled back-to-back with other families.  As you can imagine, these sessions tend to be more traditional/posed images.  These limited edition sessions are just a little sampling of what a full session has to offer.  My photography style normally leans more towards, natural, candid photography: capturing interactions, and family dynamics (with direction and some posing). Though I do try to capture my story-telling ways in a shorter session, it can also be quite the challenge to do in only 20 minutes.  If you prefer more of the relaxed, candid portraits, I highly recommend a full family session.

It’s also important to note that Portraits for a Purpose are first offered to SJP families who booked sessions in the previous year.