Frequently Asked Questions
In-Studio Newborn Photography
Q: When should I book my newborn photo session?
A: Most clients book at the start of the third trimester of their pregnancy. Typically, I'll write you in the book (in pencil) on your due date, then once you let me know baby's arrived, we'll choose the actual session date when baby is between 5 and 18 days old. If baby's already here, no worries! I save a few spots in my calendar every month for babies who aren't pre-booked. But especially if you'll need a weekend session, it's a great idea to get in the books well ahead of your due date.
Q: Where is your studio?
A: My studio is located on the first floor of my home in Sioux Falls, SD.
Q: Do I need to bring props, blankets, or outfits to my newborn session?
A: I have so, so many darling props and wraps, basically everything we'll need for your session except the baby (and your diaper bag)! Have a special theme, color scheme, or sentimental-value item you'd like to include? Let me know, so we can create a session that's unique to you and your sweet new babe.
Q: What if my baby doesn't sleep for their session?
A: It's totally okay! If baby is awake but calm, we'll proceed with the session and capture those bright eyes and adorable expressions. If baby is awake but unsettled or having a cluster-feeding day, we may reschedule.
Q: How do you keep my baby safe during their newborn session?
A: Safety is my first priority during your baby's first photo session. I'm experienced in wrapping and handling brand-new babies, and I don't ever try poses that are dangerous, no matter how cute they might be. I also take Covid and other illnesses seriously, am fully vaccinated, and will wear a mask during the session if you'd like; I'm also happy to take an at-home Covid test prior to your session.
Q: Where can I find out what's included in a newborn session, and how much it costs?
A: Investment information is right here.
Q: Can I include my other children in my newborn photos?
A: Yes. Please note that if you have toddler siblings, a full newborn session is recommended, to ensure we have plenty of time to attempt sibling poses.
Q: What days/times do you schedule newborn sessions?
A: Full newborn sessions are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturday at 9:30am. Mini and micro newborn sessions are scheduled on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30am. Fresh 48 sessions are scheduled on demand.
Q: How many photos will be in my newborn session gallery?
A: A typical gallery from a full studio session is 20 or more images; a newborn mini gallery is 7-10 images. I can safely promise this number of images, but if baby is super cooperative and we end up with more poses and images, of course I include those, too.
Q: What's the difference between your Baby-Focused Mini and your Family-Focused Mini session?
A: The Baby-Focused Mini focuses almost exclusively on baby in a cream or white setting, with lots of little wraps, textures, and even little props. It can include back-lit parent poses, but does not include sibling poses. The Family-focused Mini starts with family (and sibling) poses and includes at least one setup of just baby in a prop, like a little bed or basket.
Q: Do you have a studio closet for older siblings?
A: I have loads of gorgeous dresses and sparkly accessories for big sisters, and styling advice (but no studio closet) for big brothers. To see the studio closet for big sisters, click here.
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?
A: Here's a link to contact me.
Fresh 48 Newborn Photography
Q: What's a Fresh 48 newborn session?
A: This session takes place in the hospital or birthing center before baby comes home. It's very candid and very un-posed. Parents and siblings are included, but most of the focus is on interacting with your brand-new baby, rather than posing with baby. This type of session is all about preserving the memories of when you first met this wrinkly, red, perfect (newest) member of your family. We must follow all of the hospital or birthing center's rules about who's allowed in, and when.
Q: When should I book my Fresh 48 photo session?
A: Most clients book at the start of the third trimester of their pregnancy. Typically, I'll write you in the book (in pencil) on your due date, then once you let me know baby has arrived, we'll book your session for the morning or early afternoon before you're released.
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?
A: Click here to contact me.
Other Questions
Q: How do I book a milestone or cake smash session?
A: I no longer offer milestone or cake smash session, so definitely reach out to the amazing Kate Jones Studios, another local photographer who's wildly talented and just an incredibly wonderful human being. If you happen to be in the Mitchell area, do consider Emily Carlson! She's also incredibly talented and is the literal baby and child whisperer.
Q: How do I book a maternity session?
A: I direct all of my clients to Patty Solis, an AMAZING local photographer who specializes in GORGEOUS maternity sessions. She specializes in maternity sessions, and I specialize in newborn sessions, so it's a photography match made in heaven! To book your maternity session with Patty, click here.
Q: Where's my gallery?
A: To check your place in my current editing queue, click here.
Q: When did you become a photographer?
A: I first started in the industry in 2001, and began photographing people in 2008; my first posed newborn session was in 2012.
Q: Can I have the RAW photos from my session?
A: No.
Q: Do you do other types of photography besides newborn sessions?
A: For my existing clients, yes. For new clients, it depends on the session — I don't ever do weddings, and boudoir, head shots, extended families, and real estate aren't my forte. I can recommend other photographers for those sessions though! I also offer mini sessions a few times a year; for example, glitter minis or holiday minis.
Q: How many photos will be in my "full digital gallery"?
A: I wish I could give you an exact number, but it can vary wildly depending on so many factors. I know I can safely promise 20 photos, but 99.9% of galleries will have a few more than that. Newborn mini sessions include 7 to 10, microminis include 3-4. Sessions featuring cranky toddlers who aren't having the best day may be rescheduled (at no extra cost).
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?
A: Here's a link to contact me.
Q: Do you travel for sessions?
A: HECK YES!
Q: What's at the top of your photography bucket list?
A: I'm dying to shoot a maternity or senior session in couture at the Bonneville Salt Flats, or a newborn session in a field of wildflowers (mosquitoes permitting).
Q: Do you have any links to articles about you/your business?
A: Here's one on Pigeon605, another one on Pigeon605, a nice feature in Hood Magazine (flip to page 28/29), and another one on GoSolo.