Frequently Asked Questions
Newborn Photography
Q: When should I book my newborn session?
A: Most mamas and daddies book at the start of the third trimester in their pregnancy. Typically, I'd write you in the book (in pencil) on your due date, then once baby arrives, we'll choose the actual session date when baby is between 5 and 18 days old (for an in-studio posed or in-home lifestyle session) or before baby comes home from the birthing center/hospital (for a Fresh 48 session).
Q: What are the different types of newborn photo sessions?
A: Learn more about that, and see sample galleries, here.
Q: Where is your studio?
A: My studio is located on the first floor of my home in Sioux Falls, SD.
Q: Wait, I thought you were in Marine City!
A. I moved to Sioux Falls in June 2022, but I do travel back to Marine City for sessions on occasion.
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! Have a special theme or color scheme 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 silly expressions. If baby is awake but unsettled, 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 take all 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. I'm also 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.
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! If your family is large, though, we will need to either move the session outdoors or to another (paid) studio space.
Q: What days/times do you schedule newborn sessions?
A: Fresh 48 sessions are scheduled in the morning or early afternoon, before baby is released from the hospital/birthing center. In-studio posed sessions are scheduled Monday through Saturday, starting at 10 or 10:30am. In-home lifestyle sessions are scheduled Monday through Saturday, in the morning or early afternoon.
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?
A: Contact me here! I can't wait to hear from you!
Milestone Photography
Q: For which first-year milestones should I book a session?
A: I recommend a newborn, 6 month (1/2 birthday!) or 8 month ("sitter"), and one year/cake smash session.
Q: Do I need to bring outfits and props to my milestone session?
A: I have all the props and outfits covered! If there's a special theme or color scheme you'd like to include, let me know, so we can create a session that's unique to your baby.
Q: Where can I find out what's included in a milestone session, and how much it costs?
A: Investment information is right here.
Q: Can I include my other children in my baby's milestone photos?
A: Generally, it's my philosophy that these few milestone sessions should focus on the baby, but I do like to include a few shots of siblings and families during the newborn session (when possible) and if we're shooting outdoors rather than in-studio, during the one year/cake smash session, too.
Q: Tell me about your cake smash sessions!
A: Where do I begin? Cake smashes are so much fun! Typically, we'd do a non-cake setup first, then the cake setup without the cake, then turn baby loose on the cake. My sets are very simple so your baby can be the star of the show. Also, we don't have to stick to cake — we can include baby's favorite food instead! Think donuts, blueberries, Cheerios... you name it!
Q: How do I book a session or ask another question?
A: Contact me here! I can't wait to hear from you!
General Questions
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 and first year milestones?
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 do maternity, which is considered a "milestone" package.
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 ten photos, but 99.9% of galleries will have closer to 20. Some, like most one-year/cake smash sessions, will have more. Mini sessions will have less. Sessions featuring cranky toddlers who aren't having the best day may be rescheduled (at no extra cost). To see sample complete galleries, exactly as they were delivered to real-life clients, click here.
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 session in couture at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
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.