Top-rated baby, infant, and newborn photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, answers the most popular questions.
At What age should newborn photos be taken?
The best time to photograph a new baby is in the first 14 days of life. There is, however, a "sweet spot" in which 5-9 days is best. Newborn babies have spent nine months growing in a tight space. The sooner they're photographed, the more likely they are to cooperate. For a sleepy, curly, and oh-so-squishy demeanor, try to book as soon as your little one is earthside. The studio offers flexible scheduling through an online booking calendar. The studio also provides different packages catering to newer and older newborn babies. If your baby spent time in the NICU, there are options for you, too.
What is the cost and pricing of Houston Newborn Photography?
Package pricing is transparent and straightforward. Our studio focus is selling full-resolution, retouched JPEG digital files and an unlimited print release you may use infinitely. Newborn packages begin at $550 and range to $1150. See a fully transparent pricing menu.
One flat rate includes studio time, design, wardrobe, proofing, retouching, and your gallery of impeccably edited full-resolution JPEG images available for instant digital download.
We offer six days per week availability as well as a 14 day turnaround time throughout the year. Rush editing is available for purchase.
There are no in-person sales appointments, minimum print orders, separate session fees, or hidden fees. Select the package with the number of digital files you'd like to receive.
Included in all packages is access to our client closet; you may also add stunning airbrush makeup and hair artistry with our featured vendor. Feel free to browse Sarah’s Favorite Dresses Available to You.
What is the best lighting for newborn photography?
The best lighting for newborn photography can be natural or studio lights.
Both options are beautiful and create stunning works of art. At Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, our studio is the premier and highly sought after option for discerning parents to consider because we offer both natural and studio lighting.
Our family photos are light, bright, and airy, occurring in our all-white lifestyle room. However, our posed newborn images arise in our newborn infant room, so you're sure to have soulful and dynamic images featuring shadows, contours, and perfect highlights. Have no fear: our studio lighting is never harsh, though it features ambient lighting. It is a natural and soft light that mimics sunlight from a nearby window. Constant white studio lights are also a practical option and won't cause the baby's skin to look red and warm.
What to bring to your baby’s first professional photoshoot
Our studio provides everything for your session. We have everything for the gorgeous newborn portraits in the Greater Houston Area from motherhood wardrobe and luxury props, accessories, and styling. All you need to bring is your Baby and preferred method of feeding your new bundle of joy. We even provide snacks, diapers, and wipes and have a lovely playroom for your children to use while photographing the new sibling. See more about the Highest Rated Houston Newborn Portrait Studio on Google.
All props are classic, rustic, organic, and vintage. I have a huge selection for you to consider. I have everything from baskets, bowls, buckets, crates, newborn beds, cradles, pails, etc. I also have every color of back drop, hat, bonnet, and a huge selection of gorgeous head bands. There is also a matching wrap for every color of backdrop I have, too.
What does it mean to specialize in newborn photography?
Sarah and Kevin, owners of Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, specialize in posed infant photography within a studio setting.
Specializing in posed newborn photography means you portrait artist has invested time, funds and has experience in one specific niche within the photography market. They're the "go-to" in the area for one genre. You set yourself apart by hyper-focusing on one genre, being one of the top photographers in your area, and continually looking to improve, thus offering an incredible experience and final product to your clients. You photograph what you love and do it well, all while being okay with giving up everything else. For example, I am exclusively photographing newborn babies these days.
I am genuinely excited about this and the opportunity to build and grow my newborn brand. When selecting a newborn photographer, it's essential to choose someone who does specialize because you can be sure they take their job very seriously, are committed, and love the type of portraiture you've commissioned. It's perfectly okay to be a photographer who likes one area. In areas where it's a once in a lifetime session, such as newborn portraits or weddings, it is best to hire a professional who has a firm grasp on the content they're photographing.
vWHAT PRECAUTIONS DO YOU TAKE TO KEEP BABY SAFE?
Feel free to browse our Newborn Safety & Sanitation Policy for a list of daily safeguards implemented to protect our most petite, precious clients. Masks and gloves required for all sessions as well as CDC Approved Guidelines.
Newborn safety, handling, and proper posing are absolute of the utmost importance during our time together! Your baby must be treated with love, care, and respect. While they're very sweet and limber, many precautions must be taken to keep them safe. Keeping baby content is also essential. A few ways I safeguard my sessions are the following:
The studio is kept at a toasty 77 degrees since the baby will be naked for some of our session. They cannot regulate their body temperature as well as an adult, so this keeps them warm.
The studio is sanitized, and every item is cleaned between babies. We mopping with Lysol, wiping out the trashcan, spraying door handles with disinfectant, washing all linens and textiles in baby-friendly laundry soap, such as Dreft, and wiping out all props with gentle soap, so they're clean for the next little one who comes to the studio. Our studio also has a daily professional cleaning service visiting complying with all COVID-19 guidelines.
Composites are always utilized for more advanced posing.
Bottoms of baskets and buckets are weighted down with 20 pounds of weight, so the baby never tips forward and is never in any risk of danger.
Keeping the studio space smoke free
Never leaving baby unattended or taking your eyes off of baby, even for a brief moment. Kevin assists in all newborn photography sessions.
We are mindful to read the baby's queues so as not to strain their muscles or joints.
We are making sure to keep the baby's autonomy in mind. If the baby dislikes a pose, we move on. It is not fair to baby to force them into a position or prop if they're uncomfortable.
Are you vaccinated and insured?
A newborn photographer should NEVER work with infants if they're not vaccinated or insured. As a professional business, you must have business and liability insurance, as well as legal documents showing you're running a legitimate business. Professional standards mean dealing with a true professional and not someone who is doing this as a side business, with zero to little training. Being vaccinated ensures baby is also in a safe environment. Since our little ones do not yet have a developed immune system, every precaution must be taken to keep them safe. Things like the flu are devastating to a newborn, similar to whooping cough.
HAVE YOU TAKEN WORKSHOPS OR MENTORED UNDER ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL?
Newborn workshops typically focus on things such as soothing babies, posing, handling, lighting, retouching, session flow, and how to read baby's queues. As an experienced newborn photographer, safety is my top priority. I have taken workshops and mentored, too. Safety courses are how I learned about newborn photography. Security is one of the most critical elements to consider when you're hiring someone. Workshops ensure your baby is handled correctly with love and care; they're posed the correct way; they're never placed in a dangerous or compromising position.
Why should parents hire a professional for their infant photoshoots?
There are two things; however, a parent should never compromise on: newborn safety and experience. Hiring a true professional is a decision you'll never regret making.
In the world of photography, there are many things you should take note. Because babies can be hurt during a newborn session if an inexperienced photographer mishandles them, you should always use a reputable, experienced, and professionally trained photographer. It's a smart idea to research them. Ask for an in-person consultation. Visit their studio. Look at their reviews. Ask friends about the experience if you know someone who used their services. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Moreover, does this person seem comfortable working with babies, is open and approachable, and someone you can see providing care for your little one in the 2-3 hours they're in the studio?
It's tempting to use a family friend or someone who does not specialize in newborn photography because their prices are so low, but these people are not running legal businesses or are trained to work with babies. My newborn photography is how I feed my family, and I am a full-time business owner. I take great pride and care in my work.
If the pricing is low, it's because they're not paying taxes, and they're undercutting the market for those of us who follow the rules. They have not mentored, taken workshops, or know what they're doing. You get what you pay for, and your newborn session will probably be a disappointment if you use someone who is not qualified to work with the most precious clients. I say this not out of malicious intent, but because many parents have told me they did not do enough research with their first baby and assumed all newborn photography is the same. It's not, and your baby should be handled by someone who knows how to work with newborns, the same way your wedding should be photographed by someone who knows how to work with large events + couples.
What areas of Houston do Sarah and Kevin serve?
Bursting with charm and culture, as the largest city in Texas – Houston is vibrant and diverse, flourishing with young families. And we love it! Recognized as the top-rated newborn photographer in the area since 2016, the Sarah Borchgrevink Photography studio is beautifully equipped and well located in the heart of the thriving Uptown district. We happily serve all major Houston neighborhoods and surrounding cities, including:
· Memorial
· Downtown
· Bellaire
· Rice Village
· West University
· Katy
· The Woodlands
· Pearland
· And more!
Sarah delights in each opportunity to capture treasured maternity, newborn and infant milestone memories with local families. It’s easy to start planning your in-studio photography session or get more details on package memberships that will allow you to preserve each unique phase of your baby’s development.
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OFFICE & STUDIO ADDRESS:
Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, LLC
4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 203, Houston TX 77027
Please note all newborn sessions take place in our studio and we do not offer home newborn photography
STUDIO HOURS & 6 DAYS PER WEEK AVAILABILITY:
Studio sessions, consultations, and gown fittings occur during the hours below. Sarah and Kevin are a husband and wife team with six days/week availability. Sundays are no longer available as our studio's commercial office building is located within stopped offering air conditioning on Sundays in response to COVID-19.
M-F from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
OUTDOOR, ON-LOCATION PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS
Outdoor sessions (maternity or family) are scheduled outside studio hours at sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. Due to the tentative nature of outdoor sessions, these occur at different times throughout the year. Would you please e-mail directly as our online calendar is for studio appointments only?
We offer ten outdoor appointments per month. If weekends are your preference, please consider booking as early as possible.
STUDIO HOURS & 7 DAY PER WEEK AVAILABILITY:
Studio sessions, consultations, and gown fittings occur during the hours below. Sarah and Kevin are a husband and wife team with 7 day/week availability.
M-F from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday are 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
OUTDOOR, ON LOCATION PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS
Outdoor sessions (maternity or family) are scheduled outside of studio hours at sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. Due to the tentative nature of outdoor sessions, these occur at different times throughout the year. Please e-mail directly as our online calendar is for studio appointments only.
We offer 10 outdoor appointments per month. If weekends are your preference, please consider booking as early as possible.