The Magic of Froggy Position | Step by Step & How to Safely Pose

Located in Houston, Sarah Borchgrevink shares newborn posing tips on how to safely composite the popular & precious "froggy" pose.

“Sarah is AMAZING! The time and care she takes setting up everything for the newborn session to be perfect is great. She was so patient and careful with our son like he was her own. You can tell she has so much fun doing her job and loves what she does. Dont waste your time calling other photographers, Sarah is the person to go to document you little one. What Sarah does is truly a gift! She is outstanding!!”

— Deborah

Please note the following: This post is intended to show parents how we safely creating this classic newborn pose that is commonly requested. 

See Behind the scenes images of newborn posing in a studio atmosphere 

Greetings and welcome! Today's blog post topic is an overview on the popular froggy pose. This is the most requested pose by parents and one that I truly enjoy doing. There's something super sweet & special about baby's chubby cheeks being showcased and seeing their darling little tootsies! However, this pose is very advanced and requires special training.

Moreover, parents typically ask, "What do you mean by training?" Newborn safety and training, for instance, is mentoring and taking hands on workshops in which you learn how to safely handle and pose a newborn baby. While newborn photography should look effortless, as if baby posed themselves even, it is anything but. It requires much safety, skill and time.

As one of the best newborn photographers in Houston, I do pride myself on always being respectful of my most petite clients. Part of this is creating beautiful fine art images of brand new cherubs through the use of safety techniques. 

A few things to note:

• Not every baby likes froggy pose. If baby resists, we move on.
• This is best achived with a new baby who is 5-8 days new 
• If baby is not flexible enough, we do not force this pose
• This pose is ALWAYS a composite. 
• Do not EVER try to do this on your own. It is not worth the risk of hurting a new baby.

What is a composite?

Froggy pose is always done as a composite. A composite image is when two or more images are merged together in post processing software, such as Photoshop. It's sort of like building an image: you take multiple photos in which baby is fully supported and then through the magic of editing, a beautiful image is created in which we're able to truly showcase the stunning aspects of a new baby. 

Hands on Baby at all times

Once baby is in a very deep sleep, I place baby on my bean bag. I ensure baby is completely supported through the use of posing beans, which are the must have safety tool for all photographers.

Tips to ensure baby is sleepy:

• White noise machine playing (mimicking the sound of the womb)
• Warm environment - typically around 77 - 80 degrees 
• Lots of patience and soothing
• Pacifier is a huge help

Step One: Hands supporting baby's chin from beneath

The baby you see here is Sebastian. He was very laid back and easy to work with; because he was also very new and flexible, we were able to quickly pose him into the froggy pose perfectly. As you can see, he is sleeping peacefully and my hand is holding him in place. At no point did I ever remove my hand from the baby. I took two images here. He is supported on my bean bag and then has posing beans beneath and behind him to ensure he does not slide forwards or backwards.

Step Two: Hands Supporting Head From Above

After baby is in a very deep sleep, I place my hand on his head from above. I am holding his weight and he is supported beneath through the posing beans I linked in an earlier paragraph (above). 

Merge your images in processing through photoshop composite

Switch up the angles for more interest

When working with a newborn baby, it's fun to do a profile angle of baby during froggy. If they're very laid back, I am often able to  do more than one angle, such as straight on or side view. I like side view, however, because it shows off baby's face better and is more interesting, in my opinion. However, I do like front on, too, and this is the preference of most parents so I include both if possible. 

Check out other recent froggy poses that I've done in studio.

Thanks for stopping by the blog to read how to safely pose a newborn baby in the perfectly precious froggy pose! I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about the magic of Photoshop and how we achieve these fine art looks! While froggy is a stunning image and makes for gorgeous portrait of your baby, please remember this is an advanced pose and should never be attempted without taking a workshop and hands on training. Parents: also remember this looks easy when you see behind the scenes photos, but it's not anything you should attempt at home. Do not ever risk your baby's safety for a DIY photo shoot. Always trust professionals like myself! :-) 

If you liked reading about newborn safety, these posts may pique your interest, too!

• Tricks to Implementing  Bean Bag Posing into your Workflow
• Striking a Pose: How to Add Vibrancy to a Newborn Color Scheme 

Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.

 

Set Your Business Apart | 9 Top Notch Tips for Customer Service

Houston Portrait Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, shares how to set your business apart through the best customer service driven experience. 

9 Effective tips For Creating An Amazing Client Experience. Be the top ranked photographer in your service area.

Greetings and good morning to you! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read how I create a top notch customer service driven experience for my portraiture clients. My name is Sarah Borchgrevink and I'm a Houston Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn baby sessions. While I love working with dreamy newborns and sweet parents, I recognize this is the "fun" part of my job and running a successful full time business has a lot more to do with customer service than it does with taking pretty pictures.

I've been in business for over 4 years and have worked full time during this time. I average around 20 clients per month, year around, and truly enjoy my interactions with them! This customer service flow is how I retain clients long term and provide a fantastic experience for everyone! It's all about managing clients, their expectations, and answering questions and concerns before they're ever asked. From start to finish, your client should be comfortable, at ease, and know exactly what's going to happen. It's your job to do so. 

Please note this is how I personally like to run my own portraiture business. You're free to take this advice with a grain of salt or even implement it into your own work flow. If you notice this works for you, I'd love to hear your own results.

Customer service is important because:

• This is the best way to promote word of mouth referrals for your photography business
• Creates balance in your business
• Creates a superior business plan
• Builds successful relationships with clients

I am happy to say I am the top rated newborn photographer in Houston, via Google, and I set my business apart by providing an amazing experience for my clients.

Nothing puts a smile on my face more than receiving a fantastic review! As a small business owner, these are the ultimate feedback and help you know what you're doing right, wrong, or perhaps can tweak. For example, many of my clients are long term customers and I delight in working with them throughout family milestones such as celebrating their baby bump through a natural light, maternity session, posed newborn portraiture in studio, updated family photos, or a baby plan membership for little one. Reviews like the following are the greatest joy!

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“Sarah has photographed our family 7 times in the last 10 months." 

We LOVE Sarah! She is phenomenal to work with, so amazing with kids AND our entire extended family! Even at times when I am stressed to the max trying to get our twins to cooperate, Sarah always keeps her cool and gets beautiful shots of our girls. We love Sarah’s style, and her laid back sessions translate into breathtaking digital memories that we will have forever. I cannot say enough positive things about Sarah, we look forward to having Sarah document our family’s milestones for years to come. She is the BEST!

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However, you may be wondering, "How do you retain a client for numerous yearly sessions? What makes them return? How do you set yourself apart?" Customer service is key, my friends! Do so with a joyful, giving heart. Love what you do. 

1) UP FRONT & TRANSPARENT PRICING 

One of the number one things my clients tell me is they love how open and transparent I am about my portraiture investment and collection options. Photography is a luxury service. However, parents often make a decision based on the collections you offer and how open you are with your pricing. For instance, my sister in law is currently pregnant and asked a few questions about booking her own newborn photographer. She lives in another state; while I would love to photograph her sweet baby, I am not able to travel since I myself am about to have another baby, ha! However, I explained a few things she can ask such as if the session fee includes digital files or heirloom prints. Many photographers will list their initial session fee on their website, however, they do not list the cost of products such as full resolution digital files or heirloom prints and products. While every photographer *should* run their business how they see fit, I can attest many of my parents book simply because they know exactly how much their session is going to cost up front. It helps them plan for the investment and know exactly what to expect. I like to make the booking process as easy for parents as possible and knowing what I offer, how much the sessions cost, and if I offer payment plans is a great way for parents to connect with me. 

2) PHONE CALL & CHAT TO HEAR ABOUT THEIR NEEDS

Once the client has contacted me through my session inquiry form, I respond to them typically within a few hours or so, however, 24 hours or less is fantastic turnaround time! I invite them to set up a phone chat and consultation so I may hear about their family, child, pregnancy, or what they're looking for. This helps me see if I'm a good fit for them and also allows me to hear their needs. Are they looking for digital files? Are they perhaps interested in heirloom wall art? Do I have availability for them? All of this works together as a song and dance so they're able to select the best option for their portraiture needs. Moreover, it's okay to not be the perfect fit for each inquiry that you encounter. Sometimes you do not offer what they're seeking and that's okay. A quick phone chat immediately lets you know if your client should move forward with booking. If you're not a good fit, it is also great customer service to refer them to another local who you know encompasses what they're looking for. Not only does this promote community over competitetion within the photography field, but best serves the potential client. 

3) Studio space tour  

After the phone chat, at the very least, show your client photos of your studio space or better yet invite them in for a studio tour. These take about 20-30 minutes and is a great way to connect with your client! It puts a face with a name or voice and helps you get to know them better. I offer this to my newborn clients so they may see the props I have on hand, the types of wall art and prints I offer as an option, as well as getting to know me a little better. Don't forget how nervous your client may be about commissioning someone. It's a big step for them and this helps put your client at ease and make the experience better for them. It also gives them the opportunity to ask any questions, voice concerns, or look over your contract in person. Ultimately, you are providing the best customer service by listening to their needs.

4) FULL GALLERY SAMPLES

Whether you do an in person consultation or e-mail consult, be sure to show your clients full gallery samples of what they're booking. For example, I specialize in three newborn collections: the mini, petite or full session option catering to different budgets. Clients are shown a full gallery before they ever sign a contract. It's important your client see the exact product they're receiving. They should not just see a gallery of pretty newborn images, but instead, a specific collection so they're able to make an informed decision. Your client should never book without full disclosure of what's included. My sample galleries are my way of providing amazing customer service because it removes all doubts from their mind. The clients needs to know what to expect at every stage. 

5) LET THEM KNOW EACH STEP IN ADVANCE

Now that you've established trust and a sense of ease with your client, start guiding them through each and every step in advance. The client should know where you're shooting if you're on location, how to find your studio, where to get their hair and make up done or if you offer this service, what type of clothing to wear or if wardrobe is included in your fees, etc. They should also know all of your policies, standards, and expectations in advance. This is where a new client welcome packet is absolutely invaluable! You can cater the packet to your business needs but mine, for instance, covers these topics:

• How/where to sign portraiture contract
• How/where to pay non-refundable retainer
• How/when final payment is due
• What to expect before/during/after session
• Digital file usage + print release
• Social media sharing
• Rescheduling policy at Sarah Borchgrevink Photography
• Tardiness policy
• How to order professional heirloom prints and products
• Retouching and editing policy
• Outdoor, natural light locations from which they may select
• Hair and make up recommendation
• Vendor list for wardrobe as well as sample galleries of nice options
• Contact form inviting them to voice concerns or ask questions

6) GUIDE Throughout SESSION AND ENCOURAGE CLIENT

It's important to remember your client is human and they may be a little unsure during the session itself. They are probably not a professional model. Don't be afraid to encourage your client and give clear direction. Show them what you're asking of them; ask if you can adjust their hair, or give positive feedback. Your client should never feel uncomfortable or awkward. Part of offering the best customer service driven experience is ensuring they have a positive interaction through each moment of the time with you. 

7) KEEP TIMELY COMMUNICATION THROUGH CLEAR, CONCISE DEADLINES

This is by far the most important tip: keep timely communication through clear, concise deadlines. Your client is going to be excited about the session, so feel free to let them know the next steps at every point in the session. This is applied to the initial phone consult to when they hang their prints. It's important to let them know your business hours, when you'll be available for calls, when their images will be retouched, how to reach you, when they can expect to see their final product, etc. Keeping deadlines and having awesome communication will clear up any miscommunication before it occurs and will result in fantastic customer service because you're meeting their needs before they even realize they need something. Go above and beyond for each client! This is how you become the best at what you do!

8) FOLLOW UP E-MAIL AFTER SESSION TAKES PLACE

The follow up e-mail does go hand in hand with the clear concise, deadlines but this does warrant it's own explanation. After the session, it's helpful to your client to send a follow up e-mail. I typically do this the morning after the session takes place. It includes the following information:

• Thanking them for their business
• Expressing happiness/joy at working together
• When you can expect a sneak preview and what social media platform it may be found
• What exactly their session includes
• When gallery will be complete
• What you may expect in the gallery
• When you can order prints/products
• Invite to ask questions or voice concerns
• Give a direct link to their contract in case they have any additional questions
• Thank client again for their business and end with your business hours

Since implementing this e-mail, I have really enjoyed my client interactions and have served my clients as well as I possibly can. It clears up any issues that may arise and lets your client know you care. 

9) WRITE THANK YOU NOTE AFTER FINAL PRODUCT IS DELIVERED

After the final product is delivered, whether it be digital or prints, write a hand written thank you note. I include this when my clients pick up their prints. Since all of my collections do include a professional set of prints, this is my way of expressing my gratitude and writing about any highlights from our session together. It takes a few minutes only and is a wonderful way to add an intimate gesture to their customer service experience. You can also invite them to come back for another session and perhaps let them know how much you value them! Our clients are everything - the back bone to our business and they deserve to be treated very well. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog to read 9 great ways to provide the best customer service! You may also enjoy reading about:

• 8 Ways to Have an Amazing Outdoor Family Session
• Top 14 Families from the 2017 Fall Season
• Why Sarah is the Best Houston Newborn Photographer
• Preparing Parents for a Posed Newborn Portraiture Session

 

Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.

Creating Meaningful Pregnancy Portraits | Houston Maternity Photographer

Serving the Houston area, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a maternity photographer offering connected, meaningful and romantic pregnancy portraits for expecting couples and mothers to be.

Preserving your pregnancy with authentic and meaningful maternity portraiture

Greetings, friends! Howdy to you! Today's blog post talks about how to create meaningful maternity portraits for your expecting clients. If this is your first time visiting my blog, welcome! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Borchgrevink and I'm a Houston Photographer offering gorgeous, dynamic and lovely natural light pregnancy portraits. I adore working with couples, especially first time parents, because as a mother, I know how special this time is in your life. You're preparing to meet the greatest love: the unconditional bond you have with your child. From the moment you hear their heartbeat, or even see the positive pregnancy test, you're in love and cannot wait to meet baby! You envision their face, imagine who they'll look like, and cannot wait to hold them in your arms!

Before we begin, you may be interested in reading about the newborn collections I offer, too! These are a wonderful option once baby is here and most of my maternity clients choose to move forward with one of these collections. 

Sarah offers the following newborn collections consisting of high resolution, retouched digital files + a print release. These take place in the first 14 days of life. Click each link to see a sample gallery + more information on the newborn collection. The flat rate listed pays for time, talent, and your  high resolution digital gallery + released printing rights you may treasure forever.

• Full Newborn Collection | $850
• Petite Newborn Collection | $650
• Wrapped Mini Newborn Collection | $450

This couple, for instance, ended up choosing the "petite" package, so you'll be seeing their baby boy on the blog in just a few short weeks. :-) 

The Importance of Pregnancy Portraits

Pregnancy portraits are a lovely option for new parents because this time is sacred! An outdoor and natural light maternity session is a beautiful way to honor and preserve your pregnancy while also celebrating your gorgeous baby bump! Through the use of radiant, natural light and breathtaking locations, I create dynamic yet meaningful photographs you're sure to treasure forever. You will never regret commissioning your portrait artist for these images. You'll fondly look back at the time in which you're expecting and remember feeling baby kicking and looking down at your belly, knowing you're carrying precious life. 

How to create meaningful portraits

In order to create meaningful pregnancy portraits, it's important for the photos to be timeless, classic and natural. These create a sense of validity, purpose, and significance. It's a time to connect with your spouse or partner and shows the love, commitment and bond you share. My favorite way to create dynamic images is to use an amazing location! When booking a maternity session, I have several options you may select from, all of which are located in the Greater Houston Area. They typically feature naturalistic elements, as this lends a softness to your images, but there are more urban options if you prefer the skyline or perhaps a trendy and hip location such as brick walls, busy streets, ect. 

Naturally Pose & Encourage Connections

Taking beautiful maternity images has much more to do with how you interact with your clients than simply pushing a button on your camera. Part of connecting with your clients is creating stunning portraiture and I do this by naturally posing the parents to be and encouraging them to interact together. Sometimes they're a little unsure of the camera and that's okay! It's my job, as a Houston Maternity Photographer, to ensure they feel at ease. I do this by complimenting the client, showing them specifically what to do, and speaking to them throughout the entire session. I will reference exactly what I'd like them to do, but I will also take a step back and tell them to maybe think of their wedding day or how it will feel to meet baby for the first time. By being patient, you will create lovely images through authentic connections and natural poses in which no one looks stilted or awkward. 

Let there be light

Lighting is another important aspect when creating dynamic or meaningful maternity images because this sets the tone. All of my sessions exclusively take place at either sunrise or sunset, in a natural light setting, to ensure the photos are softly lit and exude a sense of warmth and peace. During the session, I place you where the light is typically lighting your from behind, or back-lit, and this makes sure your eyes are open. I don't like couples facing the sun because it's harsh and not very flattering. After all, these photos will be an important reminder of your motherhood journey so you should feel beautiful when you look back on them. :-) 

Here are some of my favorite images from the rest of my time with this sweet couple! I hope you enjoy viewing more of their session. If you perhaps are expecting your own baby, I am currently booking for 2018 and onward; most maternity sessions take place when you are around 30-35 weeks along. This is when you have a cute baby bump, but are also comfortable enough to still walk and be posed. As a Houston mama, I can tell you I completely understand that pregnancy can seem daunting, but these photos will beautifully preserve this time for you. I have my own pregnancy portraits scheduled for just a few weeks from today so I am also looking forward to sharing these on my blog. :-) 

If you'd like to connect and schedule your own maternity session, feel free to get in touch. I'd love to work with you and chat about the maternity collection I offer, with digital files beginning at $550 + tax.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.

Here's Where Sarah's Studio Is Located