If you’re expecting a new baby and looking into in-home newborn photography in Pittsburgh, you probably have a few questions, and you’re not alone! After more than 15 years of photographing babies in the comfort of their homes, I’ve learned what families are most curious about when it comes to newborn sessions. Below, I’m answering some of the most frequently asked questions I get from parents to help you feel more prepared, relaxed, and excited for your session.
• When should I schedule a newborn session?
It’s best to contact me in the 2nd, or near the beginning of your 3rd trimester. I’ll pencil you in for 2 weeks after your due date, then we will set a date and time after your baby is born. However, I can usually fit a session in last minute if you contact me after your baby is already born. Check out this blog post for more details.
• How old should the baby be for the session?
I photograph most babies around two weeks old, but it is more than ok if baby is 2-3 months old. Check out this blog post for more details.
• What if the baby comes early or late?
No problem at all! I understand a due date is just an estimate, and baby may come sooner or later than expected. I will always have room on my schedule for you!
• Do you offer weekend sessions?
Yes! I almost always have weekend and weekday availability when you’re ready to schedule!
• How long does a newborn session last?
Sessions last on average two hours long. It depends on a few things, like how many other siblings there are, if there is a pet, if baby needs more feedings, changes, or cuddles, etc. Check out this blog post for more details.
• Do you bring props, wraps, or headbands, etc? Or a backdrop?
I am a lifestyle photographer and I typically do not bring props or a backdrop. I prefer to use the items you already have in your home. I find that using your own blankets, wraps, etc., and the natural background of your home make your sessions unique and special. However, I usually have a Moses basket and freshly laundered muslin wraps in my car if we should need them.
• Do you have a studio?
No, I do not have a studio. As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I photograph your baby and family in the comfort of your home.
• What types of images can I expect to see in the photo gallery? Posed, candid, lifestyle?
Your gallery will have a lot of lifestyle and candid images, mixed with lightly posed images of just the baby alone and with family. You can read more in this post about the kinds of images to expect in your gallery. And no, I will not put your baby in a bunch of fancy poses. I prefer to allow a baby to naturally pose themselves. You can read all about that here, in this post.
• Will you include the parents in the photos? Siblings? Grandparents? Dogs?
Absolutely! As a lifestyle newborn photographer, I include parents in a majority of the photos. I want to capture that special bond, and I believe a new baby belongs in the safety of their parents’ arms.
And yes! I LOVE to include siblings and other family members, like Grandparents, in the photo session!
And yes, I love to include the family fur-baby! Of course, only if I feel the dog is safe around the baby. You can read more about that here in this blog post. There is no additional cost for including parents, siblings, or pets.
• What do I need to do to prepare my home for the photo session? What if my house isn’t “photo-ready”?
Short answer: nothing! You’ve just had a baby, so a bit of a mess is completely normal and totally expected! I understand if there are baby items scattered around, coffee mugs on the tables, or a few laundry baskets on the floor. That’s real life, and it’s all okay. I won’t judge a sink full of dishes or a cluttered bathroom.
So, aside from dressing yourself and the baby, and maybe hiding some laundry baskets in a spare room, there’s nothing else you need to do to get ready for our session! Read more here in this post.
• How do we prepare the baby? Should I feed the baby before you arrive? What temperature should our home be? What happens if my baby is fussy or won’t sleep?
Don’t stress about trying to perfectly time your baby’s feeding with the start of our session. If your little one needs to eat right after I arrive, that’s totally fine! And if you’re in the middle of feeding when I get there, no worries! Take your time and finish when you’re both ready. There’s no need to feed baby right before the session. We’ll go with the flow! Find out more about that in this blog post.
Have your home at a comfortable temperature, not too warm and not too cold. And do not even worry about baby being fussy. With a lifestyle session, baby runs the show and we take as many breaks as needed to make baby happy and content. I take a lot of photos of baby in the loving comfort of a parent’s arms, and that is often where babies are happiest and most content.
• What if a sibling doesn’t want to participate, and how do you handle toddlers or energetic siblings?
I have 15 years of experience photographing toddlers and little ones under my belt and a lot of tricks up my sleeve! Capturing photos of older siblings and toddlers with newborns is one of my specialties, and I have dealt with many toddlers who were initially unsure about being close to the new baby. However, I always manage to make it happen! Read more about it here in this post.
• What should we wear for our newborn photos?
My number one tip is to keep it casual and comfortable! Do not worry about buying new clothes and keep it simple! More details here in this post.
• What is the turnaround time to receive my photos?
Your gallery of edited images will be ready for viewing within 3 weeks. However, oftentimes it will be ready within 2 weeks.
• How many images will we receive, and how are the photos delivered?
Your gallery will be viewed online, and I promise 60 images; however, most galleries have a lot more! Once you receive your gallery, you will decide which collection you want to purchase, and you will purchase that directly through your gallery. After your purchase, you can then save and download your favorite images directly from the gallery.
• Can we order prints or albums? What products do you offer?
Yes! After you purchase your collection via your online gallery, you will have the option to order professional prints and products via the gallery store. I offer an assortment of prints, photo books, photo albums, framed wall art, canvas gallery wraps, Christmas ornaments, calendars, and more!
• Can I print my own prints and products on my own?
Yes! Your purchase includes a print release to print whatever you want, from wherever you choose. I will, however, give you a link to the consumer-level printing company that I recommend.
• Do you offer retouching?
Yes! Your images will be fully edited with basic edits to skin (especially if baby has red blotches or baby acne), but I never over-edit to make them look like a doll! I also accept requests for extra retouching; however, additional fees may apply depending on the extent of the edits.
• Will my photos be shared online?
Only if you give me permission to do so! I respect my clients’ privacy and every client receives a model release contract with the option to: never share any of your family’s images anywhere other than your private online gallery, permission to share where I want (website, social media, etc.), or to only share on my website, but not on any social media. Click on over to this blog post for more info.
• Will you help guide us during the session? Are we expected to do anything during the session?
Yes, I will gently guide you as needed! And no, you are not expected to do anything but love on your baby! I’ll even tell you not to look at the camera! Once you’re relaxed and in the moment, I’ll grab a few shots of you smiling at the camera, because we all know Grandma will love those!
• Do you photograph in apartments or small spaces?
I am here to tell you that after 15 years of photographing hundreds of in-home newborn photo sessions inside homes around the greater Pittsburgh area, I have yet to shoot in a home that was “too small“!
So yes, you can absolutely do a newborn baby session in your apartment or small house! You can read more about that in this blog post.
• What if we don’t have a lot of natural light?
I have yet to be in a home that was too dark to have a newborn photo session! When I arrive at a family’s home, I always ask them what rooms they had in mind to use for our session. They often let me take a peek around and ask me what I think will be best. I chose a room or two that has the best natural light.
Although I am primarily a natural light photographer (a photographer who utilizes natural light), I also always bring along my flash just in case I need it. Check out this post for more details!
• Do you travel outside of Pittsburgh, and do you charge a travel fee?
Yes! I travel all over the greater Pittsburgh, PA, and Youngstown, Ohio areas. Most times, a travel fee is not required, but if you live outside of these areas, send me a message and I’ll let you know if an extra fee will be required!
• What if we need to reschedule due to illness?
I keep a very flexible schedule, and I completely understand that life happens! I will not penalize you with a fee, and I’m happy to reschedule with you!
• Do you offer maternity sessions?
Yes! However, I only offer maternity sessions to my clients who also book a newborn session. These are considered an add-on mini session. Please reach out for details.
• How much does a newborn session cost? What’s included?
I offer three digital collections to choose from, so you are not obligated to buy all the images! And you do not have to decide on a collection until AFTER you view your gallery! You can find all of my pricing and collection details here on my pricing page!
If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby and are considering an in-home newborn session, I hope this post answered some of your questions. If there’s something I didn’t cover or you’re still unsure about, feel free to send me a message. I’m always happy to help!
If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh, please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!
Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out!
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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
