Newborn Sessions

Newborn Sessions: $150 weekday or $200 weekend.

Maternity & Newborn Session: $200

Please see the Investment tab for complete details concerning costs and what is included in your session fee.

If your baby is older than 30 days, please read the answers at the bottom of the page.

When should I schedule my newborn session?

These sessions are best when scheduled during the first 10 days of life. This is when your baby is the smallest they will ever be, still curled, and still very sleepy. Day 6 is ideal. Please call during your pregnancy to reserve a session near your due date. By planning ahead, time can be made in the photographer’s schedule to accommodate you in the weeks approaching your delivery date.

Newborn session lengths vary greatly. A three hour time block will be reserved for your newborn. Time is allowed for moms to meet the needs of their newborn during the session. Some babies may need to be fed, rocked, changed, and even comforted into sleep. A sleeping baby is ideal because this allows for more variety of images. Babies older than 10 days tend to have more awake time during the day and also begin to loose their body curl from the womb.

How do I prepare for the session?

Please prepare by having cloth diapers for your newborn to wear in the 2 hours before their session. They can be found at most stores. This will help us to avoid the harsh red plastic diaper lines on baby’s legs. Please feed your baby just prior to the session. If by chance your baby is older than 10 days, please keep them awake as long as possible in the last 2 hours before the session.

Where will I have my session?

It is highly recommended to have newborn sessions at the studio where the environment can be better controlled. These sessions will require many more supplies and there will be many more options at the studio. Newborn sessions will use studio lighting, whereas almost all other sessions are done on-location using natural available light.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your diaper bag with general care items just as you would on any outing. There will be many props available at the studio, however, it is recommended to bring a few items that are unique to your child. They might include: anything hand made for them, heirloom items, a favorite stuffed animal, hats, thin swaddling blankets in colors or patterns you like, a bowl or small basket that is unique in texture or style. None of these are required, but can give you a few ideas. If you are a fierce fan of any sport or work in a uniformed job, such as a firefighter or police officer, you might want to bring a few of those related items for a few cute images.

A change of clothes for the baby and for yourself might also come in handy. You should expect that your baby will relieve themselves whenever needed, regardless of where they are laying and who might be holding them.

What should I do to help during the session?

This is your opportunity to relax. Your photographer will do most of the work. You may be asked to feed or hold your baby if it is needed. Other than that, you can expect your baby to be sleepy and happy through most of the session.

We might want to use you and/or your husband’s hands or arms as positioning aids during some images. There is never a list of ‘things to do’ during the session and we will let the baby decide what they will allow. Every baby is different.

What if my baby is older than 10 days?

We can attempt a newborn session with babies up to 30 days old. Please be aware that baby acne is most likely to occur between 3 and 4 weeks of age. Also, the older your baby, the less likely they are to sleep soundly during the session. Like always, the baby runs the show. If he/she is awake the whole session, then we’ll go with it and work as long as baby is happy.

What if I have twins?

There is no difference in cost or procedure, however, it would be best to bring an extra adult to help. One adult per child is recommended. It is possible your session may last a little longer than usual, but the results should be amazing.

What if I only want the Maternity Session?

At this time, maternity sessions are only booked in combination with newborn sessions. The combination booking includes a mini-maternity session. This means your maternity session will be about ½ hour in length. The goal is to capture several specific images discussed in your pre-consult.

When should I schedule my Maternity Session?

These sessions are best between 7-8 months of pregnancy. Obviously, we want to capture your beautiful maternal figure after you are full and round. If you are on restricted activity by doctor request, please clear this session activity with your physician. You will want to be able to walk around and enjoy the session.

What should I wear for my Maternity Session?

A general rule of thumb is to wear things that make your wonderful belly very obvious. Dresses should be longer than knee length. Jeans are a great option because they will slim your legs and emphasis your belly. Choose colors other than solid black. Patterns are great.

Every woman has a different comfort level. You may choose to show lots of skin or almost none at all. There are no rules or restrictions. Should you choose to reveal more of your motherly figure, a draping cloth can be provided. Please be prepared to discuss your likes and expectations for this type of session when booking.

Do you offer a baby package like most photographers?

Currently we’re trying something new in this area. If you book 3 sessions in one year (12 months) with Vanessa G. Photography, then you can have a 4^th session for FREE. The free session most be used within 6 months of the 3^rd purchased session. This is essentially the same offer as a baby plan, where you have a discounted rate for the multiple sessions.

If my baby has already past the Newborn stage, when should I have a session next?

Please make that judgment based on your baby’s developmental mile stones and NOT his/her age. It’s best when your baby can display new physical talent at the next session instead of simply being a few months older. The reward of using the physical mile stone is seeing the true change in your wee one’s abilities. The images are better and you will be more satisfied with the outcome. The ages are listed below only as a general reference. Please note that ALL babies develop at their own pace.

Here are the recommendations:

1^st session = Newborn, less than 10 days old.

2^nd session = When baby can hold their head up steadily for 20-30 seconds from a lying position. Typically between 3-6 months.

3^rd session = When baby can sit up independently. Typically between 6-10 months.

4^th session = When baby is standing and cruising furniture. Typically between 10-15 months.

Copyright Notice: All images taken by Vanessa G. Photography are copyright protected by federal law. No reproductions, print or digital, should be made without written consent of the photographer. At your session you will be asked to sign a Session Contract and Model Release form acknowledging these facts.