Newborn Photography: The Process
Newborn Photography in Cary and Raleigh | SMA Photography with Stacey Adams
This post is part of a new blog series, through which I’ll be answering several of the questions many people have about newborn photography in Cary, NC. Find links to read more from this series below.
You’ve signed your contract and paid your deposit for your Newborn Photo Session, but what comes next? In this article, I’ll lay out everything you need to know about SMA Photography’s process for planning and creating gorgeous photos of your newborn baby, as well as the timeline for receiving your images.
Our Newborn Photography Process
1. Planning Meeting
A few weeks before your due date, we’ll set a time to get to know each other a little better and chat about the moments that are most important to you during this newborn stage. Over my 8+ years in business, I’ve found this 20-30 minute in-person meeting to be a vital part of creating meaningful and beautiful photos for my clients, as it allows me to focus on your individual plans for your photos and gives you a chance to meet me before I show up with a camera in hand! You’ll also have the opportunity to see each element of the Collections and add on a video of your sweet baby, if you haven’t already.
2. Your Baby’s Arrival
When your baby is born, you’ll get in touch with me by text, email, or phone call to let me know he or she has arrived. (Hooray!) From there, we’ll schedule a day and time for your Fresh 48 and/or Newborn Photo Session that works for you. Typically Fresh 48 Photo Sessions take place 12-48 hours after your baby's birth, and Newborn Photo Sessions occur around 7-10 days after your baby arrives.
While that is the optimal situation, if you are booking your Newborn Photo Session after your baby is born, or if your baby is already a few weeks old or has spent time in the NICU, don’t worry. We can schedule your newborn session around your baby’s needs. Typically, we still consider it a Newborn Session, if the photo session takes place within one month after your due date.
3. Photo Session Day
For both the Fresh 48 and Newborn Photo Sessions, we’ll spend 1-1.5 hours together, to capture beautiful, unposed images of your precious newborn and your family in this fleeting stage of life. The Fresh 48 will take place at the hospital, or your baby’s place of birth, and the Newborn Photo Session will take place at your home. While I’m there with my camera, your baby might sleep, cry, get hungry, want cuddles, or intently watch all the activity around. I’m ready for whatever the moment brings.
4. Your Photos Are Ready!
After your session, I’ll spend about 2 weeks editing and preparing your images and film. When everything is ready, I’ll send you a special link to view and download all of the beautiful photos in your newborn’s gallery. If I’ve created a film during your photo session, this will be when you get a front row seat to view it for the first time.
All of my newborn photos sessions also include an optional ordering appointment, for which I’ll return to your home (with your gallery image box all ready!) to help you place your order for your prints and album. You’ll have the opportunity to see and touch all of the different album covers I offer in linen and leather. I also have a special method that makes it easy to choose the photos you’d like as the wall prints you receive with the Essential and Timeless Collection without overwhelm. If your family would rather choose your prints on your own - no worries! You can always email me your choices and skip the ordering appointment.
5. Print & Album Delivery
Your prints and album will arrive within 2-3 weeks of your order, beautifully wrapped and hand-delivered by me. It’s an honor to capture these moments for you, and I’m so thrilled that your family will be able to hold onto this special time, forever, through photos and film.
As always, if you have additional questions about our process for Newborn Photography Sessions, the Collections, or please contact me by email or through my contact form at SMA Photography | Cary Newborn Photographer. I’ll look forward to chatting with you more!
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SMA Photography with Stacey Adams is a Newborn Photographer in Cary, North Carolina, specializing in Fresh 48, Newborn, Baby Lifestyle Photography, and Family Video Stories.