FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
HOW OLD ARE THE NEWBORNS YOU TYPICALLY PHOTOGRAPH?
The best time frame to have photos done of your little one is within the first two weeks of their life. Newborns are much more pliable and flexible for different poses when they are under 14 days old.
WHAT IF MY NEWBORN IS MORE THAN TWO WEEKS OLD?
We can take newborn photos after two weeks but you'll have to opt for different poses and concepts. Your newborn will likely be awake during the session so we will be aiming for photo that include little one wrapped or clothes on. Taking newborn photos after two weeks isn’t unheard of and your photos will still turn out great. However, your little one won’t curl up so easily after two weeks so I will be taking different approach with the photos. Babies begin to stretch and extend their arms and legs after two weeks, making it harder for them to naturally curl up during photos. Don’t be discouraged though by timing as you should still schedule a newborn session even if two weeks have passed by. The session will likely take a little bit longer but we still get amazing photos. We will try our best to achieve those cute newborn poses :)
Fun Fact: Why between 4-14 days? A newborn really has nearly 300 bones & cartilage pieces, which after that 10 to 14 days (2 weeks) mark, start to fuse together into calcified bone, which makes it much harder for them to return to that in-the-womb position they’ve been in for the last 9 months. It is much more comfortable for them to be moulded into the adorable position while they still have the luxury of pure flexibility.
HOW LONG ARE THE NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?
Baby only may take 2-3 hours and for Parents and siblings it may take up to 4 hours.
WHY DOES IT TAKE SO MANY HOURS FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?
Newborn photography is very delicate in nature, so these sessions tend to take longer than all other baby portrait sessions. Here’s a breakdown of why the session may last four hours:
Everything happens slowly. Your baby has just been born, after spending 9 months comfy and tucked up inside the womb being gently rocked to sleep. In the first few weeks “out”, all your baby will want to do is sleep and just like us all they want is quiet undisturbed sleep, during the newborn photography session, we will be putting them in to various different positions, possibly wearing different head attire, being wrapped, unwrapped and maybe even outfit changes. Each and every time we change or adjust their positioning, get them changed, fed this disturbs them and will stop them falling in to the lovely deep sleep that they long for and we need in order to capture the lovely sleepy newborn baby photographs. Think about it, how would you feel if every time you were just nodding off someone kept moving you about. After disturbing them constantly some babies will get frustrated, it is only natural. Our aim is to make every transitions as smooth as possible in order for your baby to stay asleep, this does take time. It can take 20 minutes plus to pose a baby, to get their little fingers and feet in the places for the best results. This takes patience, not only patience from the photographer and the baby, but also from the parents, you are more than welcome to bring a book, magazines or anything that will help you get through this time.
Your baby needs to eat! During the 4 hours your baby will most likely feed twice or more. Once when you arrive and then again when they become unsettled, although this sometimes does become three times, so if you are bottle feeding you do need to make sure you bring enough milk with you. Babies are clever little creatures, they can sense your mood easily, feeding cannot be rushed, try rushing their feed and they wont be impressed, this will make the photo session a lot harder. Imagine eating your sandwich at lunchtime with your boss leaning over your shoulder tapping their watch, you’d be pretty miffed wouldn’t you?! During the shoot we allow babies as much time as they want and need in order for them to get a solid feed, and a bit of snuggle time with their parents.
Your baby will most likely wee or poop on someone at some point. We always always advise our clients to bring a spare set of clothing (or two), most babies are photographed nude at some point during the session and they will wee or poop on someone during this time, it happens in 99% of our sessions and there is no need to feel apologetic for this, it’s completely normal.
To get the best results from your newborn photography session, we strongly suggest a full day for your shoot, a day where you will not have any time restrictions.
WILL YOU COME TO MY HOME FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?
All newborn sessions are photographed in my home studio, located at Lakeland Hills, Auburn.
WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR BEFORE/DURING THE SESSION?
Before the session: A simple onesie and something easy to take off. Make sure to keep the diaper loose prior to the session to avoid lines or red marks on the skin. Also, avoid socks and headband which can also often leave marks on the skin.
During the session: I have a variety of wraps, newborn outfits, baskets and other props we can utilize throughout the shoot. Be sure to bring couple of soft blankets so he/she will not be chilly during the session.
HOW MANY PEOPLE MAY I BRING TO THE PHOTO SESSION?
Having only parents and baby is best. Having a number of people can be too noisy, distracting, and can interrupt the baby's sleep for the session.
I do request that you bring the siblings at the very beginning of the session so they can go home or bring them to the park during the session with the little one.
WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE IN THE STUDIO SPACE?
We like to make sure little one is comfortable so we keep our studio warm at 75F. This is one of many techniques we use to keep your baby cozy and sleeping. We will also have a portable heater just in case. If we are sweating, it is probably perfect for baby.
I SAW A PARTICULAR POSE (OR SET DESIGN) THAT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO DO WITH MY NEWBORN, IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Show us ahead of time and we can let you know what we can do, we like to try our best to provide the specific type of images you would like for your newborn.
MAY I BRING ANY PROPS THAT ARE SENTIMENTAL?
Yes! We would love for you to bring any unique props – letters, clothing, baseball glove, stuffed animals, etc. It will make your pictures much more personal. We will work your props into the sets when possible and let you know if something will not work.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY URINATES OR HAS BOWEL MOVEMENTS?
This is completely normal and expected. Please sit back, relax, and let us handle everything.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY STARTS CRYING OR GETS FUSSY?
It’s completely normal for your baby to wake up during the photo session and sometimes get a little fussy. We continue to work through their fuss with warmth, a little rocking and a bit of patience. That said we ask that you remain calm and not to worry even if little one cries. Your baby will likely require a feeding at some point during the session and this usually solves the more dramatic fussiness issues. At that point we will all take a break and you will be able to give your baby a full feeding.
WHAT IF MY BABY GETS HUNGRY DURING THE SHOOT?
It’s important that we start the photo session with a “full” baby. If you live within 15 minutes of our studio then you can feed your baby at home. However, if you live more than 15 minutes from our studio then we request that you feed upon arrival. We will likely take a feeding break at some point during the photo session and you will be able to give your baby another full feeding.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON THE DIGITAL FILES?
The digital files gives the client reproduction rights to the images for personal use only. The client may use the digital files to create prints, canvas, books, and other personal use items at their own expense and keep in mind if you chose to print from a personal lab that the quality of the end result print of the digital files delivered is not under the control of the photographer. Client is prohibited from altering, selling, publishing or disseminating said images for any purposes other than for personal use. Client may not use the digital files for monetary gain, income, editorial display, or publication.
WILL I BE ABLE TO POST IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA SUCH AS FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM ETC?
Yes, you may post pictures and we would appreciate it very much if you tag Zolar Studio or add a link to our website. :)
CAN I DECIDE ON COLOR THEMES AND PROPS?
You may suggest color themes or props, but ultimately the photographer is the creative director and designer of the photo shoot.
I SAW THESE CUTE PICTURES AND PROPS ONLINE. CAN YOU RECREATE THAT PICTURE?
We are able to recreate the picture if the style and design goes along with our brand. If we do not have the props in our inventory, you are welcome to purchase them at your expense. [Please note that we may NOT be able to use certain props due to your baby’s sleeping habits, size, and temperament.]
CAN I TAKE A PHOTO WITH MY BABY?
Absolutely, that is an add on :)
WHAT IF I END UP DELIVERING EARLIER OR LATER THAN MY DUE DATE? WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PHOTO SESSION APPOINTMENT?
Once your baby’s session is reserved with a non-refundable retainer, we have carved out a time slot for your baby – early or late. We have never missed a baby session.
WHAT IF WE ARE LATE?
If you are late to the photo session we will start when you arrive, however, it is highly likely that you will receive fewer images in the final selection.
DO WE GET TO WATCH THE PHOTO SESSION?
Sure, preferably from a distance while we work during the session. We do have a comfy couch available for you sit-down and relax.
MAY I TAKE PICTURES/VIDEO DURING THE NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION WITH MY PHONE?
Sure! But please do keep in mind that we are working and will be moving around a lot to keep up with the baby. We also ask that you refrain from posting pictures on social media until you get the final images.
You will be able to see your PROOFS after a week or so of your session. Selecting your favorites as soon as you get the proofs is prefered. As soon as you've selected your favorites, all your PROOFS will be removed from the gallery. The turn around for the final images vary by the session. But the average time for completely edited images is 3 weeks or so.
WHAT ARE PROOFS?
Photo proofs are not available for download. Photo proofs are lightly edited images uploaded to your proof gallery at a low-resolution size. They are not the final creative product, and therefore are often overlaid with watermarks. Photo proofs simply provide you a good sense of what the images look like before final retouching.
ARE UNEDITED, RAW IMAGE FILES AVAILABLE?
No.