What Happens During a Newborn Family Session? Steps to Expect with Sarah Borchgrevink

Steps to Expect During Your Posed Newborn Photoshoot with Sarah

Congratulations on your newest addition! I have been photographing newborn babies full-time since 2013 and genuinely adore capturing earthside cherubs in their brand new nature. Besides having 4 (spirited!) little ones myself, I have invested in mentoring and workshops and have formally trained in posing, handling, lighting, post-processing, and more. I utilize top-of-the-line professional gear, a custom-built PC, and both natural and studio light. My husband, Kevin, and I work together and enjoy being a team. Please note we are fully vaccinated and insured as a safeguard to promote newborn safety. All props and textiles are sanitized between uses. Daily cleaning service also visits.

If you haven’t added your due date to our calendar, feel free to do so here: Due Date Placeholder Scheduling Link.

Importance of Transparency

The prep guide is essential because this is the key to having quality images. Keeping Baby asleep during several setups, poses, and wraps are much different than putting Baby to sleep at home in a crib or a swing. Your baby is handled with love, care, respect. I acknowledge this is a great deal of information, and you're right: it is! However, this removes stress during the session process, so you’re up to date on everything that will happen.

Studio Address and Office Details

 

and is fully stocked with luxury items reflecting the vintage-inspired, dreamy, and timeless branding. The type of setups and designs you may expect is the style displayed in my portfolio. (www.sarahborchgrevinkphotography.com) Your styling questionnaire has you share colors you like and perhaps would like to avoid. I request no props from home except for a few heirloom pieces, if this is of importance to you. If there is a specific setup from my website you would like, please let me know in advance so I may prepare. We will cycle through all of our setups. If Baby shows signs of distress, I will move on from that portion, though we can return if there is time after we have completed other setups. Please remember your gallery will be lovely, and that is important to respect Baby. If Baby is crying and uncomfortable, I will never force Baby into a position, no matter how much a parent begs me to do so. I cannot ethically do this and request you not pressure me to do so. It makes me extremely uncomfortable and can hinder the atmosphere of the session.

What to wear? Family, Sibling, and Parent Images

I have a client wardrobe mothers may use for their session. It includes gowns that photograph well in the space, typically in small-large sizes. They are flowy and timeless. You are welcome to use one for our session though if you have an outfit from home, you prefer that's fine, too! If you would like to use the client wardrobe, please wear a nude bra and bring an underslip to prevent undergarments from showing.

There is also a sister wardrobe, too, in sizes three months – 5t.  For siblings and Dad: please stick to neutrals, if possible, or muted pastels. Avoid neon colors. Orange, yellow, bright greens or pinks are not favorable. Colors that photograph well are light grey, tans, creams, white, and ivory.

Seafoam, mauve, and colors of this sort are lovely, too! The baby will be wrapped for their session in a coordinating color.

Dads look lovely in a pair of jeans or khaki pants, simple button-up, or even a polo shirt without distracting labels. Moms can do a long maxi dress if they would like or cardigan, tank top, whichever you're comfortable.  Children look precious in jeans or khaki pants with a solid or neutral colored top. Little girls look darling in a simple cotton dress without any cartoon characters or distracting labels.

Hair and Makeup: Professional Airbrushing and Artistry

If you’re interested in adding professional hair and makeup to your photoshoot, the preferred vendor we use is Annie Williams. If you prefer your hair and makeup be done at the studio, we’ll photograph Baby while your hair and makeup are completed. Read all about how to add hair and makeup to your package.

If doing your own hair and makeup, please stick to a matte color palate. Avoid dark eyeliner, neon highlighters or shadows, and harsh lines. Think classic, soft, feminine, and chic. Nudes and peachy tones are stunning. I also recommend filling in your brows and using a primer so that the skin pores look soft. A translucent powder is excellent for smoothing out complexions, too. Even a store such as Ulta or Sephora is a great place to stop by for a quick touchup. These are just tips and tricks I recommend as I have four young kiddos and have had many photoshoots myself.

Before You Arrive at the Studio

• Feed Baby very well before you leave for the studio. Your session time allots time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and more, so have no fear: we’ll have a great session!

• Please dress baby in a loose-fitting outfit to avoid too many lines on their skin. A zip-up sleeper or footed pajamas are a great idea. Avoid pulling anything over the head so as not to disturb your baby too much.

• If you're comfortable doing so, please bring a pacifier. If you're not using one, I completely understand and respect your parenting wishes. A pacifier is a great soothing tool, especially for prop shots like Baby in a bucket or the naked beanbag posing.

When You Arrive

• I promise I am excited to meet you! We’ll go right into our session. Family photos take place in my all-white, lifestyle room and your Baby’s individual setups take place in the newborn room. Family photos take place first, followed by Baby as the star! If, however, you are interested in using my motherhood wardrobe, you’re welcome to try on gowns and see what you like. In this case, we’ll start with Baby’s individual photos first and then go into the family, parent, and sibling portion.

• The newborn room is set to 84 degrees, white noise is turned on, and all setups are prepared in advance. This cozy environment emulates the womb and helps Baby sleep through many designs, poses, and being moved.

• Remember: at home, your baby is covered and often clothed, but in a studio environment, they're naked or have less clothing. For family photos, I will wrap Baby in a coordinating color and make sure they’re a snuggly bundle of joy. I’ll give plenty of direction and ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

Family/Sibling/Parent Images | Setups You May Expect

If you’ve selected a package with family, sibling, and parent images, you may expect us to spend 20 - 25 minutes on this portion. We cover setups such as each parent with Baby, parents together, immediate family, and sibling (if applicable) with Baby. If you would like the majority of your appointment to be family-based, let me know in advance so that I may plan our session setups accordingly. We can do less with Baby and more with family.

During Your Session Appointment

• Feel free to sit back and relax. You’re welcome to hang out in the newborn room or the lobby, too. I won't need any assistance, so if you'd like to rest, think of me as your babysitter. You're welcome to bring a tablet or laptop to work, or maybe even your Kindle to read (a luxury, I know, ha!).

• I am very comfortable working with newborns. Don't worry if Baby goes potty or spits up on anything. After you leave, everything is cleaned, as this is simply part of newborn photography.  Always feel like you can ask a question. Once your session time is up, you are welcome to stay and feed Baby in the mothers' room.

After the Session: What’s Next?

All of the following information is automatically sent you to 24 hours after our session occurs; however, I include it at the end of our prep guide, too. Feel free to read all about soft-proofing and how we share, receive, and download full-resolution JPEG files.

• Parents select the full-resolution, non-watermarked JPEG digital files via a private online proofing gallery. The proofing gallery is delivered to your preferred e-mail address, and you choose images from the comfort of home.

• All portrait packages include props, time and talent of Sarah/Kevin, the number of full-resolution JPEG digital files, listed in your package, plus matching black and white edits of those selections, unlimited released printing rights, as well as a list of curated labs, so you’re sure to have excellent options for display. If you're interested in professional prints/products, however, you're welcome to shop in your online gallery to see an array of professional-grade options.

• Your online proofing gallery is delivered 14 days after your appointment.

• Your gallery showcases the top images. Galleries are soft-proofed, which means a light edit is applied to your selections, though your final copies will be professionally enhanced; this is when the skin smoothing, eye sharpening, etc. is done. Once you select your final images, the retouching will be completed in three business days, M-F.

• Upon logging into your gallery, instructions are given on how to choose the images in your session. At that time, if you’re interested in additional digital files, your gallery will share how to upgrade though there is no obligation to do so.

How Many Images You Will See in Your Private Proofing Gallery?

• Wrapped Newborn| 40 images

• Bean Bag Newborn | 30 images

• Petite Newborn Session | 50 images

• Full Newborn Session | 65 – 70 images

Digital Files Available for Instant Download

The final image selections are shared through an online gallery in which you may instantly download your non-watermarked, full-resolution digital images JPEG images. You are responsible for downloading these images within 30 days and archiving them into the cloud.

I will include a few consumer-grade labs, so you have an idea of where to purchase albums,

prints, canvases, etc. If you are interested in professional-grade prints & products, however, let me know! The gallery has a store attached so you may shop and select the highest quality products. Products are shipped to your home, and there are no in-person ordering appointments or need to pick up products from the studio. Thank you for choosing me to photograph your baby's session! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to notify me immediately. I want you to have a fantastic portraiture experience. I know this feels like a lot of information, and I do not want to overwhelm you; however, newborn photography takes planning. They're once in a lifetime, and you will treasure them forever! I look forward to our time together!

Warmly,

Sarah & Kevin

12 Reasons to Choose Sarah & Kevin as Your Houston Newborn Photographers

Husband and wife team share what sets their studio apart. See more below!

Hey, there! Thanks for stopping by the blog to see 12 reasons why Sarah and Kevin are an excellent choice for your little one’s first professional portraiture session. When searching for a photographer, or team of talented individuals, it’s great to do research and see who is the right fit for you. Customers choose Sarah Borchgrevink Photography for various reasons, though the list below is what we’re most proud of.

Number 1: Centrally located inside 610 Loop

Houston is a huge city! Aside from the enormous population and vast array of suburbs, geographically, it's a metro giant. Strategically located in Uptown, right inside the 610 loop, our office and studio is the perfect place for your sweet cherubs photoshoot. With easy access to all major freeways such as, but not limited to:

 

•   I-10 East: Baytown-East Freeway

• 1-10 West: Katy Freeway

• I-45 South: Gulf Freeway

• I-45 North: North Freeway

• 1-69 / US 59 Northeast: Eastex Freeway

• 1-69 / US 59 Southwest: Southwest Freeway

• I-610: “The Loop” or 610 Loop

• Sam Houston Tollway: Beltway 8

• Fort Bend Tollway: Fort Bend Parkway / Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road

• Hardy Toll Road: “The Hardy”

• Westpark Tollway: “The Westpark”

• US 90: Crosby Freeway

• US 290: Northwest Freeway

• Spur 5: Spur 5

• Spur 330: Decker Drive

• Spur 527: The Downtown Split

• SH 99 / SH 99 Toll: The Grand Parkway

• SH 146: Baytown Freeway

• SH 225: La Porte Freeway

• SH 249: Tomball Parkway / Tomball Tollway

• SH 288: South Freeway

• FM 1764: Emmett F. Lowry Expressway

Being centrally located is vital because no matter where you're traveling to or from, it's easy to find us. Our address is 4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 203, Houston, TX 77027. 

The studio has the following features:

• 1,300 square feet inside the 610 loop in the River Oaks/Uptown neighborhood of Houston

• Portraiture appointments are available six days per week.

• Ample surface parking, security guards, and an on-site eatery

• All white lifestyle room with big, white bed and stunning floor to ceiling lighting

• Posed newborn room with comfortable seating, so grandparents are welcome

• Private mothers room for nursing and feeding

• Lobby and children’s playroom

• Prop room filled with hundreds of custom and luxury baby items for breathtaking and unique sessions

• See more about our Houston TX Photography Studio & Office

Number 2: The Studio is Fully Vaccinated

As adults who come into daily contact with newborns, the studio takes newborn safety seriously. The three primary vaccines a newborn studio should maintain are (1) Tdap, (2) MMR, and (3) flu vaccine. Staying up to date on these crucial vaccinations protects little ones, such as new babies, as this helps not pass dangerous diseases to vulnerable immune systems.

Number 3: Experienced Parents | Familial Dynamics

As parents to four young children named Lucy, Emma, Amelia, and Jack, we're well-versed in patience and moving with the flow. All children have their personalities and dynamics. Parenting four children has taught us patience, compassion, kindness, and also how to be flexible. We know those sibling photos are of the utmost importance to you and work our absolute best to achieve the top results. Whether your family is serious or shy, animated or reserved, bashful, or spirited, we are ready for a photo adventure and excited to serve you!

Number Four: Fully Transparent Pricing Guide

The studio joyfully showcases fully transparent pricing and package guide, so there are no hidden fees or surprises. The studio offers fully inclusive pricing, which means there are no separate sitting or session fees for obtaining your final product. Our office also does all the proofing online. There is not a single in-person sales appointment, minimum print order, or stipulations in obtaining your full-resolution, retouched digital files of completed images, along with a print release, you may enjoy infinitely. Parents select the package with the number of digital files they would like to receive. All props and styling are provided from start to finish.

Number 5: Online Booking and Scheduling

To provide a modern and convenient booking process for parents, all bookings and schedules are made online through our booking page. The booking page showcases every session type we offer, such as studio maternity, posed newborn, studio family, and even baby milestone sessions for infants. Parents select their package, date, and time from an easy-to-use online calendar. Your deposit of $100 and a portraiture agreement are given through the online booking page. This commissions us as your photographer and secures your appointment. The online booking page also has nifty styling questionnaires, too, and sends text message reminders as well as e-mail reminders, so you're always up to date on your session time. You may expect to follow up e-mails, too, so you're sure of each step in our portraiture process together.

Our due date placeholder page is trendy!

Number 6: Complimentary Studio Tours and Consultations

We also set our business apart through complimentary, easy to schedule studio tours and consultations. Many parents like to tour our office in advance. Moreover, commissioning a photographer is a big decision! We are excited to meet with you and chat further about anything questions you may have. Customer service is of the utmost importance.

Update: as of April 2021, consultations are available to booked clients only due to COVID-19 Guidelines.

Studio tours are 30 minutes long. You are welcome to schedule them seven days per week.

Number 7: 7 Day Per Week Availability

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is the only newborn, infant, and baby photographer in the Houston area who offers seven days per week scheduling and availability. Business hours are Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Number 8: Motherhood Wardrobe

The studio happily offers a wardrobe for new mothers to consider. Ethereal, light, airy, and timeless pieces accent your session beautifully. Expect to see ivory, creams, whites, and muted colors along with nudes, although there are colorful options, too. These are available in sizes small through 3xl. Ample sister wardrobe is a new addition, too! Available in sizes three months - 8t.

Number 9: Hair and Makeup Airbrush Artistry and Styling

The booking software will have you check ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for hair and makeup styling. If you choose yes, an on-location team of highly qualified and expertly trained artists will visit you, on location, at your home or the studio, if you’re more comfortable. However, the studio recommends home hair and makeup to make things easier for parents of young toddlers and newborn sessions. Annie Williams is our preferred vendor, and the software tells you how to contact her for your glamorous experience.

Number 10: Newborn Safety Workshops & Mentoring

Aside from being the mommy to four young children, I have taken multiple newborn safety workshops in addition to professional mentoring. These courses train photographers on how to safely and beautifully pose precious babies. Workshop topics also cover editing, lighting, soothing, flow, and strategies and creative methods to provide breathtaking setups and styling. A reputable baby photographer has invested thousands of hours into honing their craft. Moreover, to provide a further network of newborn safety, the studio is fully vaccinated and runs an entirely legal, tax-paying insured business

Number 11: Highest Rated Newborn Photographer on Google

The studio is excited to share that of all the newborn, baby, and infant photographers in the entire Houston area, our studio is the highest rated via Google. Showcasing nearly 350 FIVE star reviews, our customers are the kindest, most generous folks who truly make our day. See more reviews here. The studio is also rated as Best Houston Newborn Photographers 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 by BestBabyPhotographers, Expertise, and Hulafrog.

nUMBER 12: 14 Day Turnaround Proofing Time Year AROUND

• 14 days after your session, an online proofing gallery is delivered to your preferred e-mail address. From the comfort of your home, you select the images included in your package. You see all the fantastic images from our time together and select the number of images that are included in the chosen package. At that time, you have the option to add additional images to your package, though there is no obligation to do so. You also have the option to add professional-grade prints and products for parents seeking the highest quality. Prints and products are ordered through your online gallery and shipped to your home address. The gallery may also be shared with grandparents or other loved ones who may like to see the portraits, too.

• At that time, your selections are professionally edited. Retouching is applied to your chosen images, such as skin smoothing, eye sharpening, teeth whitening, and more! Within three business days, the final edits are completed to ensure your pictures are naturally polished. The gallery is yours to download, share, and treasure forever. You may also send the link to family, friends, or loved ones who would like to enjoy the portraits, too!

• All sessions are delivered via instant digital download.

• Read all about the proofing process.

As always, thank you for stopping by the blog! We are honored you took time from your busy day and hope to see you soon! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us below.

-Sarah and Kevin

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.