Session Information
Package/Session Pricing (use arrows to view more options)
Full Newborn Session
$300
Up to 4 hours (2-3 is typical) of shooting time
20-30 final images delivered digitally.
Print/product pricing is available on request.
A travel fee will be charged for newborn sessions held outside my studio or for other types of sessions that require more than 20 miles of travel.
FAQ
When should I schedule my session?
I recommend that you contact me around the beginning of your third trimester (around 28 weeks). I will put your due date on my calendar as a place holder. Once baby arrives, contact me ASAP and we will set a firm time/date for your session.
Ideally, I like to schedule newborn sessions when the baby is between 4-10 days old (if you are breastfeeding, you may want to wait until day 5 or 6 to make sure that your milk has had time to come in). This is when babies tend to be sleepiest and easiest to pose. However, if we miss that window, I do occasionally work with older babies--just be aware that they may be more opinionated about how they do/don't want to be posed and your session may take a little bit longer. I often will recommend mini sessions for older newborns.
If you are planning to have your son circumcised, please schedule their session either before the procedure takes place or at least 48 hours afterward to allow time for healing.
I recommend that maternity sessions take place when the mother is between 30 and 34 weeks into her pregnancy.
Can I get ALL of the photos from my session?
No. I want each image delivered to be fully retouched and ready to print. But rest assured, I'm not holding your photos hostage. I use the number of photos delivered as a guide to help me know when we can stop shooting. But if there are more good pictures taken, I will still give them to you. I just cull images that are out of focus, duplicates, blinks, etc. so you typically receive the best shot from each pose. I've found that clients get overwhelmed if I give them several nearly identical photos
How should we dress for our session?
For newborns--I know you're excited about adorable baby clothes, but most of the time, clothes bunch up awkwardly and don't photograph well on newborns. So I recommend that you bring your baby in something that can easily be removed and we will do most of their session either in the nude (it's a great way to capture all of the sweet newborn details), swaddled, or I do have a few outfits that are especially made for newborn photography.
For parents and siblings--keep it simple. I recommend solid color tops or very simple patterns. Make sure you're not clashing with each other. Plain t-shirts in black, white, and grey tend to work best.
Where will my session take place?
Maternity sessions usually take place on location. I am happy to recommend some places to shoot or if you prefer, I can come to your home for a more "personal" session. This option works best if your home is reasonably well-lit and uncluttered. I have also recently started offering in-studio maternity sessions.
I recommend that newborn sessions take place in my home studio whenever possible as we have access to a larger selection of props/backdrops. However, for a small fee, I can travel to your home for newborn sessions as well.
Can parents/siblings be photographed with the baby?
Yes! While the majority of the session will focus on the baby, I encourage moms, dads, and big brothers/sisters to be in a few shots. I recommend that clothing for family members be kept fairly simple--avoid large patterns/graphics. Also you may want to bring extra toys/snacks for big brothers and sisters or plan to have one parent take them home early as they often get impatient while waiting for baby to finish up their session.
Do I need to bring anything?
In general, I will provide everything I need for the session; however, if you have anything special that you want to use (hats, headbands, blankets, etc.), please make sure to have it ready. I can't guarantee that we will be able to use all of these items, but I will certainly do my best.
If your baby takes a bottle or pacifier, please have those items nearby and ready to use.
Michelle Johnson is a professional photographer based in Kent, WA specializing in newborn and maternity photography. Please reach out with any questions. michelle@michellejohnsonphotos.com