What to Expect After Your Photo Session | Allegheny County Newborn Photographer

If you’ve had a photo session with me (or plan to schedule one), you may be wondering what to expect after your session. The experience doesn’t end once the camera stops clicking, so here’s what you can expect after your photo session to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

And as always, I will include images from one of my recent photo sessions. These photos are from a newborn session with this wonderful couple, their precious baby boy, and their adorable dog at their lovely home!


I LOVE their gallery of framed art on the wall behind the couch!


After a fun and relaxing session capturing your family together, here’s what you can expect next:

(please take note that this process will be different with every photographer; this is just how I chose to do it)

  1. Very soon after your session, I’ll begin by reviewing all the images taken. This process involves sorting through hundreds (over a thousand) photos to find the best shots and narrowing them down to the very best images.

    This process is called culling and honestly it is the hardest part of my job! It is the most time-consuming and it’s difficult for me to delete so many images!

  2. Within a day or three, I will share a sneak peek image with you! I don’t want you to wait weeks to see your photos! Often, I will try to share more than one sneak peek image while you wait to view your gallery.

  3. The next step is where the magic happens: editing and retouching. I like to keep my images looking true to life so I do not drastically edit them.

    However, newborn sessions can take longer to edit if the baby has some newborn acne, or blotchy/dry/flakey skin. While I never want a baby to look fake like a doll, I will lightly touch up their skin because their imperfections during the newborn phase do not last very long. I usually do not edit out “stork bites” (redness on eyelids and forehead) but I can gently fade them upon request.

  4. Within three weeks (ok, it’s actually more like two weeks or less, depending on how busy I am at the time) you will receive a private and password-protected link to your online viewing gallery. Your gallery will have at least 60 fully edited images and a slideshow of your photos. (Do you want to know a secret? Most of my galleries include well over 60 images!)

    Your slideshow will contain a majority of your images set to music and will be around three to five minutes long. This slideshow is included (and available for download) with the top collection (which includes all of the images in the gallery). However, the slideshow can be purchased in addition to the smaller collections.

  5. Once you open the link to your gallery, you will have one week to decide on which collection to purchase. You will have three collections to choose from and once you decide on a collection, you’ll click on it to make the purchase. You will then go through the checkout process with a debit or credit card.

    After your purchase is completed, you will receive an email with details about choosing your favorite images for saving/downloading, directly from your gallery.

  6. That email will also include a coupon code to spend your print credit in your gallery store. Each collection includes a print credit to put towards the purchase of professionally printed products (ie; prints, canvas wall art, photo books, albums, and more).

    After you purchase your collection, the product store will appear in your gallery. This is an easy and convenient way to view all of the products that I offer and to place your order.


    However, please note that your collection of images also includes a print release. This means you can print whatever you want, from wherever you want with the images that you download. I will send you an email with a consumer printing company that I recommend.


  7. Once you download your images, you will need to back them up to at least two or three different locations. ie: computers, external hard drives, cloud services, etc. (I will send an email to remind you to do this!)

    You will have one month to pick and download your favorite images and use your print credit to place an order. After one month, your gallery will expire and lock. It can be unlocked upon request, however, a small fee will apply.

  8. You can then expect the delivery of your printed products within a week or two after your purchase. Some products like albums may take a little longer.

  9. Lastly, share your favorite images online and enjoy your tangible products like prints, framed wall art, photobooks, etc, for many years to come!


The post-photo session process is just as important as the shoot itself. Knowing what to expect at each step—from picking out your favorite shots to getting the final edits—helps make everything go smoothly and ensures you love your photos.


Here are the very kind words this awesome first-time Dad left for me on my Google Reviews!


We had an absolutely wonderful experience with her! She was very thorough and flexible with the booking. As new parents we are very tired overwhelmed and honestly it was the easiest thing we did all week. She was great with our dog, was very open to our input and requests, and was fantastic with our newborn! ” -E



If you’re looking for a newborn or family photographer in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo a unique photo session for your family!

Here are some other blog posts that you might want to check out! 


Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!

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 thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including Valencia, Mars, Wexford, Seven Fields, Warrendale, Bradford Woods and Adams Township  Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family! 

4 comments
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  • This is a great post.  Not only for it’s information, but accompanied by your beautiful portraits!ReplyCancel

  • Kathryne

    Love all of this information! So helpful!ReplyCancel

  • Rya Duncklee

    Great post explaining your process to potential clients!ReplyCancel

  • Lindsey

    So informative! I love knowing all about the process both pre-session and post-session. Love these cozy in home newborn photos!ReplyCancel

724.371.6575
marybeth@marybethmillerphotography.com

Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Twp., and also serving Boardman, Poland, and Canfield, Ohio.

Mary Beth Miller Photography

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Established in 2009
Family & Newborn Photographer serving the greater Pittsburgh area; Wexford, Mars, Cranberry Township