The idea window of dates for your maternity session is between 32 and 36 weeks. This will give you a nice round bump to photograph, but you shouldn't be so far along that you're uncomfortable in your skin.

The best time for your newborn photos to take place are typically within the first two weeks of life. You can put a retainer down at any point to reserve a spot during the month of your baby's due date. Once your baby arrives, you'll contact us to finalize the best date and time to capture your portraits.

We LOVE props.... as long as the core of the session is still focused on the emotions and moments between the subjects. Sometimes a picnic blanket and basket can really add dimension to a field and makes everyone feel a bit more comfortable because they have something to do with their hands. 

That being said... we LOVE to incorporate your ideas and important treasures into your portraits. If you have items that are heirloom items, represent a family hobby, or items that "just matter" please reach out to us prior to your session with some photos of these items so we can discuss the best way to incorporate your ideas.

Please note - IF you bring something to your session, there is no guarantee it will be photographed. Some items need to be inspected for safety and feasibility on adding it to the session.

You will potentially be photographed from HEAD to TOE to the TIPS OF YOUR FINGERS - so every bit of your outfit(s) and appearance is important. Our clients may be standing, moving, and sitting throughout the session, it is important to take into consideration everything you are wearing.

Please feel free to bring multiple outfits to choose from - multiple outfit options can help enhance different poses as well as be featured on different styles of backdrops to give you the best selection of images to choose from by the end of our time together. If you'd like to do an outfit change and we are out on location, please make sure you are wearing proper undergarments for a quick change, or we've planned in the time it takes to find a safe place to change.

We strongly suggest trying on your outfits prior to coming to the studio - clothing should be fitted for your body type and not be too loose or too tight. Please remember to dress from head to toe (yes, we will see your feet in some photos unless you're wearing a long long long gown that covers your footwear). Outfits should also be free from wrinkles and stains - we cannot photoshop creases in post production.

We do have a handful of simple maternity gowns that can be worn during our studio sessions. Please feel free to inquire about our current offerings in your size prior to your session and we can make sure we have the gown ready for you to wear.

Great question! Your everyone should relatively be dressed in similar formality to your outfit. For example, if you're in a long flowy gown, your spouse should not be in shorts and a cutoff band t-shirt shirt. 

Kiddo's outfits should also reflect the formality of your outfits - you may want to have two outfits for younger kiddos, something simple and something a little more complex. Ultimately you'll want to choose your outfit first, and your entourage should compliment you. Neutral colors are flattering on everyone and you can always add a pop of color to tie everyone together. 

The location of your session should also be taken into consideration for your outfits. If we're photographing in baby's future nursery, then a formal gown and tuxedo may feel out of place compared with a maxi dress and a nice pair of pants and a casual sweater. Christmas PJ's may not be the best match for Longwood Gardens in May with tulips.

Our furry friends should have a clean collar that matches the color choice of the location or your outfits. Plain without patterns or tags is usually best - but if we're doing a Eagles themed session and everyone is in green jerseys, I mean, how could Fido not have a matching collar? A grooming session may also be in order prior to your Lifestyle session to manage any long coats or shedding during the session. If we can safely photograph without a harness, that is ideal as it cannot be removed digitally in the final images and may be distracting. Lastly, a matching simple short leash with no attachments is best. Nothing cheapens a session more than a retractable leash with a plastic bone shaped poo bag holder.

As a general rule - EVERYONE will be photographed from head to toes - so make sure we leave the grubby sneakers at home for your session. We're happy to coach you and your entourage on any outfit recommendations so your family looks like peas in a pod for the final images.

Sometimes less is more, so simple outfits without too many patterns or graphics often photograph best. Little accessories like hats, headbands, or soft shoes can add a charming touch to your newborn’s outfit. It may be just a choice to swaddle your newborn during the session, so a couple different wraps and blankets that match the vibe will be perfect, A neutral outfit to wear under the wrap may also be key.

 If everyone is dressed casually, opt for a comfy onesie or a simple dress. For a more formal look, a cute romper or a tiny suit can do the trick. Think about the overall aesthetic you want for your photos. Do you want a cozy, homey vibe or a polished and chic look? Ensure your baby’s outfit aligns with that vision.

Also, remember that babies can be unpredictable (and a bit messy!), so it’s wise to have a few outfit options on hand. This way, you can easily switch outfits if needed. Choose outfits that are easy to change into and out of, especially if your newborn gets fussy during changes.

Third, make sure the outfits fit well. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or too loose as it will be very noticeable in your images. Bringing a couple of sizes if you’re unsure about the fit is a good idea since babies grow quickly, and what fit last week might be snug this week.

Remember, the most important thing is that your baby is comfortable and happy. If you're still unsure, feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice. 

Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer: Yes. Professional hair and makeup will enhance your best features as well as give you more confidence in front of the camera. A great makeup artist will analyze your face to create a look that is fresh, polished, and flattering - this will help downplay any blemishes or discoloration and bring out the twinkle in your eyes. One of the best parts of a professional makeup artist is they have knowledge in prepping your face for the bright flashes we use to create a professional portrait. Plus, who doesn't LOVE to be pampered?

You are of course welcome to do your own hair and makeup for your session, but please keep in mind, your normal make up routine may not look the way you expect under professional photography lights. We work with some of the industries best hair and makeup professional! When booking your session, make sure to select the hair and makeup add on.

We never say no to having you bring your doggo to your lifestyle session - especially if your furry friend is part of your family! We do typically require you to bring a "handler" for your furry friend that is not your significant other (a family friend works perfectly) whom is a dedicated dog watcher and wrangler - this way someone can make sure your pup has the proper amount of attention and can hold the leash while we photograph just you, you and your spouse, or any combination of entourage members present for the photo session. For maternity or newborn life style sessions, this also allows you to have your full attention on your baby belly or newborn during your session. We will work one-on-one with your pup to get some adorable images, so your friend is literally there just to give all the treats, belly rubs (for the doggo) and hold a leash.

Dog attendance is also dependent on the location - places like Longwood Gardens do not allow our pets no matter how good they try to be. 

No, and please be honest with us because your decision to attend under questionable health may effect the experience for others if our photography staff gets sick and we need to postpone future sessions. We're happy to accommodate a reschedule for another date later in the year if it means keeping everyone safe and healthy. Our staff photographs many milestone events and will become unavailable if our staff needs to self quarantine - please don't put someone's "once-in-a-lifetime" event in jeopardy.

There is no product purchase requirement beyond your initial fee.

Post session, you may always add additional digitals or products. We do offer an amazing line of wall art which can be used to commemorate a fantastic moment from your session.  After your initial experience investment, our wall art starts at $1.25 per square inch and our albums begin at $750. Some individuals spend $500 highlighting their session memories in physical products, others spend $5,000, but the important thing to note is these heirloom products will outlive your lifetime to be passed onto future generations with their amazing craftsmanship and handmade beauty imported from Europe.

We understand the DIY trend is fierce, but unless you or your friend is proficient in newborn safety, posing, lighting, and retouching, we can guarantee we're going to give you a better experience and a better final product (cocky I know, but we are passionate about what we do).

These moments are fleeting - your baby will only be this tiny once, we never get enough days with the dogs, a milestone is called a milestone for a reason and everyone deserves high quality photograph memories to pass to the newest generation.  We believe your family memories are worth more than just a snapshot or a "selfie", and you and your loved ones are worth the experience of being gussied up, posed, and fussed over.

We are experts at capturing different lighting, poses, emotions and ensuring when your lifestyle experience comes to an end at our studio, you will have plenty of options for a feature photo to be printed on canvas as well as have plenty to choose from to share on your social media. Our job is to take and deliver amazing photos - your job is to resist purchasing all of them.

If you ultimately have gotten this far on the website searching for tips and tricks to DIY this yourself - please just remember to leave off the filter that makes your skin look like a plastic nightmare - that's not flattering on anyone.

All our portrait retouching is done in-house by Jen.

All final purchased portraits will be cropped, color-corrected, and lightly retouched. This light retouching includes us working from top to bottom on your images. Though every client and session is unique, generally we remove rogue stray hairs, whiten teeth, fix temporary blemishes (think pimples, razor burn, or marks that typically disappear after a few days), give skin a healthy glow, and enhance eyes. Specifically for newborns, we'll work on smoothing/removing any baby ache, flaky skin, and color correcting skin tones.

Our general retouching does not include fixing wrinkles or ill-fitted clothing, removing logos, adding digital makeup or digitally adjusting hair styles, distorting natural features or digital body sculpting, removing under layer garment indentations or marks, or background replacement. Specifically for newborns, we do not remove birth marks, belly button clamps, or open or close eyes in post production.

Finding the perfect location for your lifestyle session can be a fun and exciting part of the process. Think about places that are special to you, like a charming café where you love to grab your morning coffee, a picturesque park where you walk your dog, or even your cozy home. Keep in mind that some spots might require permits, especially if they’re public spaces, but don’t worry—we’ll help you figure out all the details to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you'd like to include your furry friend in the session, we can suggest dog-friendly locations where your pet can join in the fun.

Additionally, we’ve got a treasure trove of location recommendations to share, from scenic beaches to urban landscapes, and we’ll brainstorm with you to find the spot that perfectly fits your vibe and vision. It’s also important to consider locations that are easily accessible and comfortable for you, as your comfort will shine through in your photos! By providing these suggestions, we aim to make your lifestyle session truly memorable and uniquely yours.

Absolutely! We believe everyone deserves stunning photos, and we're here to make it as easy as possible for you. That's why we offer flexible payment plans tailored to fit your needs. Whether you're planning a family portrait, engagement shoot, or any special occasion, we've got you covered.

The answer to this question is a very very very enthusiastic YES. Call me and let's make this a reality!