PAMELA YOOL
PHOTOGRAPHY
FAQ - Newborn Photography Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
It's truly an honour to be hired as a newborn photographer and create those first family photographs for all to admire. Newborns are my passion and I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles so much! I specialize in newborns but also offer maternity and "Grow With Me" packages - newborn portraits with family, little sitter (6-8 months), and first birthday or cake smash sessions.
Once your session is booked, I will provide you with a Newborn Preparation Guide that includes valuable information such as what to bring, tips on preparing for a successful session and of course, my studio address. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you in planning for your newborn session:
1. When is the best time to book my maternity portraits or newborn photography session?
The ideal time frame for maternity portraiture is between 25-35 weeks. You can also book your newborn portrait session at this time. The best time for newborn photography is within the first month, ideally between 5-15 days old. After two weeks, babies are a little harder to settle and things like colic and baby acne start to falre up. I take on a very limited number of newborns per month to ensure my clients have flexibility in dates and to ensure quick turnaround time for edited galleries. It is highly recommended to make a tentative booking around your estimated due date, at least 3 to 4 months in advance of your due date. Once your baby is born, you can contact me and we will arrange a suitable time and day for your session. If your little one has already arrived, don’t worry, you’re not too late! Please contact me as soon as possible and I can try to schedule you in.
2. What if my baby comes early or late?
I only book a limited number of newborn sessions each month to be able to accommodate changes in timing, as babies almost never arrive on their due date! Once your baby is born, you can contact me to firm up a date and time for our portrait session.
3. Do I have to wear anything special or buy outfits for my baby?
Once your session fee is paid and your session is reserved on my calendar, I will send you a full guide on how to prepare for your session, including clothing recommendations for the whole family. I recommend wearing something comfortable and simple - avoid bold patterns and prominent logos or writing on clothing. Neutral, light tones (creams, whites, grays or pastel tones) work best as they don't take away from the natural beauty of your baby. For inspiration, you can view some clothing inspiration ideas on my Pinterest Board.
4. Do you use props or specialize in stylized newborn poses?
I offer both studio newborn photography with props and in-home lifestyle photography. My studio sessions include a wide array of props for clients to use, including a multitude of newborn wraps, blankets, headbands, backdrops and unique props. (I also offer lifestyle sessions in clients homes, which don't typically include props). I will take individual photographs of the baby and capture some great detail shots of his/her tiny toes, fingers, and those kissable pouty lips. I'm happy to incorporate any creative ideas you might have!
5. Can you come take photos in my home?
Of course! I offer natural in-home lifestyle Sessions, which are more casual and relaxed while featuring your baby in their very first home. Lifestyle sessions are usually held in your home in the mornings and feature soft, natural light. I love to capture the relationship between the new baby and his/her family, including parents, siblings, and pets are encouraged to join too! Feel free to suggest any special family, heirlooms or baby quilts or blankets that you would like to use in the photos.
6. How long will my session be?
I dont place a time limit on your session, but a typical newborn portrait session can be between 3-5 hours, depending on the needs of your baby (feeding, cuddles, rocking, etc). This will allow for multiple setups and choices of multiple choices of coloured wraps, blankets, and backdrops. I also love to include family portraits along with newborns - both parents and sibling images if desired. More emphasis and time will be put into getting your baby to sleep for the sleepy, curled up, newborn baby posing. Factors that determine the length of the session are: how sleepy your baby is (super sleepy is ideal), how often your newborn baby needs to feed and if we are photographing just baby or including parent and sibling shots as well. Baby will be photographed awake or asleep, most likely wrapped/swaddled if awake. If your baby is comfortable and sleeping soundly we can try to capture some nude baby images if desired. Each baby is very different and the flow of the session and the poses achieved will depend completely on their needs and comfort level.
7 . Why do photographers prefer babies need to be under 2 weeks of age?
Newborns are born with nearly 300 ‘bones’, while adults have only 206 bones. After 2 weeks, as babies grown into adults, their bones & cartilage start to fuse together into single bone. This 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's also more comfortable for them to be moulded into the adorable newborn position while they still have their amazing flexibility.
However, every baby is different and it depends on their individual growth speed rather than the widely spread “rule” whether or not they are safely able to do most of the poses of a true newborn session (froggy, bum up, chin on hands, taco pose, potato sack, pretzel wrap, etc). I personally recommend scheduling your session after 5 days, especially for breastfeeding moms, in order to make sure baby has learnt to latch correctly in order to get enough milk. Of course I prefer to schedule before that 15 day mark to make my “job” a little easier, but it’s not something I strictly enforce. In fact, I have a slight bias towards older, chubbier babies who tends to sleep better and smile more often - usually around day 8 is my personal favourite.
8. What happens after my session. How long will it take to be able to see my full gallery?
The work doesn’t stop for me once you leave the studio. I will carefully go over all the photos and choose the very best to include in your online gallery. It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to receive the link to your personalized online gallery, at which time you will be able to select your favourite images. I take very special care during post-processing to create beautiful final images for your family to enjoy for years to come - All images in client galleries are fully edited and retouched by hand. Once you receive the final gallery you can select your favourite images for wall art or unique specialty products, such as photo albums, baby announcements, etc. Specialty products can take 2-4 weeks for delivery. High-resolution digital images will be provided as a digital download according to the terms of your package.
8. Terms & Conditions
Pamela Yool Photography reserves the right to use any photograph in any form such as, but not limited to, the use in advertising, reproduction, and copyright. All images are copyrighted by Pamela Yool Photography, even those you purchase. Copying, scanning or reproducing images is strictly prohibited. Print-screening images from this website is also against the law. All offenders will be prosecuted accordingly. Prices are subject to change without notice and are non-negotiable. Prices are guaranteed for 30 days after your session. Due to the custom nature of photographic products, no refunds will be issued. By hiring Pamela Yool Photography, you agree to these terms.
For more information, please contact me at contact@pamelayool.com