What to Expect


How long are your portrait sessions?

Generally most sessions are advertised as 2-hour sessions, although we will keep going as long as we feel is needed.


How long are your newborn sessions? And how flexible is this time in case our baby becomes fussy during the shoot?

Newborn sessions will last 3 to 4 hours, allowing plenty of time for feedings and comforting. Moms often use their time at the studio to relax, write thank you notes, and answer emails, which most of the time is difficult to do at home since you're trying to get things organized.


What time of day do you usually do the sessions?

I always try to shoot in the morning, around 10am or 11am. For baby sessions (6 months ), I often plan my arrival around their morning naptime, so we have a limited window when we can work with a happy baby. We want your baby to be happy; that means naps are important.


What must we wear for the photo shoot? Will there be any other expectations or special preparations?

When we confirm a booking, I will send you all the info you need about preparing for your shoot.


Where are you located? Do you come to my house? Can we do the shoot in your studio instead?

I am currently located in Newark, California. I have done photo shoots on location, in clients' homes. I can come to you if you are comfortable with my travel fee. For the newborn session, I prefer you coming to my home studio, so you can have access to all my props and we have the right conditions to get those unforgettable images. I always suggest bringing some of your own props, too (blanket, hat, toys, etc.).


Do you have props and toys?

I have a generous selection of props, toys, tutus, feathers and draping in the studio. I cannot cart everything along with me on location shoots, so if you have some ideas or have seen props used in my gallery, please ask for it. I do encourage clients to bring along some special unique piece of clothing, toy or blanket, just to make your pictures different from everybody else's.


Will you retouch my images?

After every session, every image is reviewed and corrected (color/brightness) and edited (coloring effects/cropping) before it is posted in your gallery. Images that are ordered as prints are also retouched (minor blemishes etc.) before going to print. These minor touch-ups are not an extra charge, but we do ask that you add a note in your cart if there is something that you really want retouched before printing. Keep in mind this is more basic retouching and not photo manipulation.



When to Book


When should I book a Newborn Session?

The best time to schedule a newborn session is while you are pregnant. By providing me with the due date, I will reserve your spot for our session. After the baby is born, we will confirm the session date. As a certified Postpartum Doula, I know that babies are not always born on the exact due date, but it helps to have that window. Newborns are best photographed when they are between 6-12 days old because we can get those peaceful sleepy and very small curly poses. After two weeks of age, babies are more awake. They can become colicky or baby acne can start to show up and they're more likely to be disturbed while sleeping.


How long in advance must I book my photo shoot?

For family pictures, 2 to 3 weeks are adequate. Saturdays are very popular and are booked about 4-5 weeks in advance. For maternity and newborn pictures, you should book at the end of the second or beginning of the third trimester. We can make all the practical arrangements and when your baby arrives. There is nothing to worry about except a phone call to confirm or reschedule the day and time. Newborns under 10 days will be prioritized.



Other Questions


What is your cancellation policy?

There is a deposit of $250 to hold your session reservation. This deposit is non-refundable and due at the time of booking to secure your appointment. Cancellation must be made seven days in advance of your appointment in order to apply your deposit fee to another session. The $250 deposit is applicable towards your photo session fee and is due in full at the time of your session.


When and how many pictures will we have to choose from?

Two to four weeks after the session, I will email you a password to your private gallery on my website. You can expect around 40 (or more) images in your gallery. Similar shots will be edited differently (cropping, effects, etc) in order to give you even more variety and choices.


My baby has a rash, scratch or mark on her face! Can you fix it, or must we postpone the shoot?

Small blemishes can easily be fixed in post-production. As long as your baby is not very sick, feverish or generally very unhappy, there is no need to postpone.


Can you get rid of stretch marks, dark pigmentation, pimples and scars?

I certainly can. I do not get rid of birthmarks and moles unless requested to. I will edit out pimples and scratches. I do not get rid of birthmarks, scars and moles unless requested to.


Do you photograph weddings as well?

I primarily specialize in newborn photography, so I like referring my wedding queries to a very experienced photographer. However, I have photographed a few weddings, and if you'd like to work with me, feel free to contact me.


What if my baby or child doesn't cooperate and you don't get any good pictures?

I always get the shot, even with a crying baby or unhappy toddler; I might just have to try a bit longer. I've never had to cancel a shoot or had clients who complained that their child did not look happy on a single picture. I am a certified Postpartum Doula and am very patient. I love my work!


My husband / partner is back to work and can't stay late. I really want him in the pictures. What can we do?

I hear this question very often, especially since weekends get booked far in advance and clients are often left with a weekday session. What I normally do is offer to start the session early, and since I take the family pictures first, Dad / Partner can then leave after about 30-40 minutes of shooting.


Can we plan the session for the late afternoon/evening?

My experience has led me to avoid late sessions and I now shoot almost always in the mornings. Babies are better in the mornings, our energy levels are better as well (I've shot with dads who just came home from work and they are usually drained by that time). In addition, for shots where I can use available window light, afternoons do not work very well.


Our relatives are staying with us. Can they be in a couple of pictures? Can we also take some pictures of my baby with our pet?

Not a problem! Although I do recommend we keep it to a minimal number of shots. We already have a lot to accomplish during our session, which is why I try to minimize my time with extended family. I'm happy to photograph your newborn with your pet, although success depends on your pet's personality and how comfortable you are having them close to the baby. We can also take photographs where the pet is not directly next to the baby but is still in the shot.


Do I have to be in the photos? I don't think I want to be photographed 10 days after having my baby.

You don't have to, but I strongly recommend it. I always tell my clients that when you look at your childhood photos with your mom, you don't really care what she looks like (double chin or not, it's pretty awesome having a photo with your mom holding you when you were just a tiny newborn!). In addition, photographing you with a black shirt over a black background helps a little. The portraits are also usually close-ups. You can always request touch-ups in the final photos.


What kinds of photography packages or specials do you have?

You can learn more on my "Pricing & Packages" page. 
Feel free to Contact me if you have any other questions.