newborn & maternity photography session F.A.Q’s

Maternity specific answers are marked with a ➡️ emoji within each respective section

 

What can I expect from the Session?

Newborn sessions are relaxed and slow-paced. I would like you to feel at
ease and as relaxed as possible. I’m sure you are lacking sleep and somewhat tired. At the photo session during which I will be focusing primarily on your baby, you can relax in the studio, watch me work (or Netflix), have some juice (or tea). I am not in a rush or hurry.
Ideally, baby will be awake when you arrive and ready for a big feed so they are ready for a nice long sleep.

➡️ Maternity sessions are also relaxed and are done calmly. I know that every moment where you are able to relax and take a deep breath for a bit, is much appreciated. Basically, I would like you to have more energy once you’ll leave the studio after our photoshoot, not less!


Should I bring any props?

I have all the props and setups that I will be using during our photoshoot. Based on our conversations beforehand I will create the scene that will best suit your wishes and surroundings. If you would like to have some specific object inside the photo (a toy or something similar) you are more than welcome to bring it with you. If it is safe, I will try my best to include it.

➡️In our pre-photoshoot conversation we will talk about what will be best to wear for the photoshoot itself as this depends on many differet factors. I do have some props that I’d like to use to give the photos that warm and cosy feeling. If you have some special dresses you would like to wear, please do so.


Do I have to bring something with me?

For mothers that are breastfeeding, I have a special breastfeeding cushion that you can use. I also have a cushion for a nappy change, however, in order for the baby to feel their best, I always ask, if possible, to do the nappy change on your knees. A bottle warmer is also available. Please bring extra nappies from home. In case you will forget, I should have 1 available.


What should I/We wear?

My style of photography is on the minimal / modern side. I usually ask the parents to wear some calm colours. For example a combination of white with light brown (creamy), darkish blue, black. We will go over it during our pre photoshoot talk and if you feel like you would like to have some more colour in the photos together with your baby, please do so.

➡️ Anything that makes you feel and be comfortable. We will go over this in our pre-photoshoot conversation. Important is that your clothing fits your overall character and home ambience. Also here though, just as in my newborn photography, my style is on the minimal / modern side. The focus is on you and your amazing pregnant stomach. Not the props themselves.


Will you hold my baby?

During the posing, whether on a beanbag or on one of the props, I will have to position your baby and to make sure that the fingers are not closed and the head or feet are in position etc. Sometimes, when the baby doesn’t settle after the feed, I’m used to holding it until he or she is calm. My studio is not very big and you are always near your child. You can take it and hold it at any moment, should you wish to do so.


What will I do while you are looking after my baby?

Hopefully, you will be able to relax! Probably, it will be the first time after you gave birth that you can just sit back and relax. It is not unheard of to fall asleep during the photo shoot. If the weather is nice outside, you are more than welcome to sit on my large terrace and enjoy the view of the Rigi Mountain and the surroundings.


What if my baby doesn’t settle or cries?

Well, as you probably already read the page about me you know that in 2018 my daughter was born. If I’ve learned anything from the “preparation to what to do when babies are born” is that nothing is sometimes as planned when we talk about Newborns :). As described on my photoshoot page, I usually plan for up to 4 hours session. This is done in order not to be stressed, not to stress you, and most importantly not to stress your newborn. Sometimes the baby is deep asleep within 20-30 minutes after the feed, sometimes it can take up to 2.5 hours. Sometimes they just don’t sleep at all, all of a sudden. It is still possible to take great photos if the baby is awake. If after 2.5 hours we see that the baby doesn’t settle at all, we will reschedule at no extra price for some days later.


Can the siblings be included in the photos?

Yes, of course! The siblings can always be included in these unique moments! We will be able to talk during our pre-shoot conversation as to when the best time for them to join us would be.

➡️ Yes, of course! Please let me know about it in our pre-photoshoot conversation. It is important for me to know the age of the siblings as well as how many will be joining us so we can decide on the best time for them to join our photosession.


What if I or We don’t want to be in the photos?

That is not a problem at all! However, please consider that these photos are just for you. After the photoshoot, during the viewing session, you are not obliged to choose all the photos available to print. What I mean by that is the photo with you and your child is only for your eyes to see, should you choose to do so. I won’t pressure you, ever, to do any photos you don’t want to do. You decide afterwards, which photos to show to your friends and family, and which to keep just for yourselves.

➡️ If your partner or friend doesn’t want to be included in the photos, it is not a problem at all. However, please remember that all the photos are for you first and foremost. You can always decide afterwards if you prefer not to order this or that exact photo, but at least you have a choice of doing so.


Best time to book:

The best time for us to start being in contact would be after your 20th week scan. During our first contact, you can ask me any questions that you might have and we can put the planned session in our diaries. No worries, we will be in touch before your due date and the actual birth.

➡️ Around the same time as for the Newborn session explained above.


Best time for the Photoshoot:

Please let me know as soon as you know an approximate due date, so that we can plan a more definitive date. Ideally the session should take place within the first 10-14 days after birth. I usually suggest planning from around day 7 after birth.

➡️Normally between weeks 32 to 36, the beautiful stomach is ready to be captured in a photoshoot. As the full pregnancy is considered to be ~40 weeks, this gives us enough time in between these weeks to plan a session.


How do I book?

You can book either online, using my booking form, or you can just call me (my preferred way to be honest) and we can talk about your photo session and expectations.


What happens if I must postpone/cancel?

Knowing myself that not all can always go according to plan, especially with newborns, of course, we can come up with some solutions:

  • If your due date is postponed and we must reschedule, this is not a problem as long as you let me know more or less at the same time as you know it.

  • If you and/or your baby get a cold etc, we can postpone it as well. If you would like to cancel though, this is also possible, accompanied by a letter from your doctor or pediatrician.

  • If you wish to cancel the photo session for any other reason, the cancellation 31 days before the date of the photo session is free of charge. The session fee paid by you at the time of booking will be reimbursed to you by bank transfer - excluding any bank transfer fees that may arise.

    Cancellations made 30 days or less before the photo session will result in a fee equal to the full cost of the session. Fees can be viewed on the - Prices page.


I would like the froggy pose, can you do it?

No. There are some poses I am not doing. Froggy or Potatoe sack for example. These are just not safe for any newborn and there are so many reasons for it. To name one, the froggy pose puts too much weight (the head) onto the small wrists of the newborn. The wrists have so many small bones which are not yet fully developed at 7 or 14 days. The damage that this pose can cause, is not going to be visible for many years to come. Even with an assistant, this pose wouldn’t be 100% safe as someone would have to hold the head of your baby quite firmly during the whole time.


But I’ve seen it on websites of newborn photographers…

Well, as I’ve written at the top of my photoshoot page:

“Each successful photoshoot starts with a personal connection between yourself and I”.

What I mean by that is: I would love to photograph your baby for you, however, perhaps, we are not a match and I strongly stand behind my principals, especially when it comes to security.

Just because someone does it, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. The safety of any newborn child is of utmost importance to me and is not worth any risk-taking, no matter the price.


Have you had training with Newborns?

Most notable training was with Melanie East who is a leading Newborn photographer based in the UK with numerous International awards. Melanie is a specialist and one of the safest if not the safest Newborn photographer out there. You can see my safety certificate issued by her under details and information on my photoshoot page.

You are also welcome to see my previous work in my gallery.


Do you have a bathroom in your studio?

Yes, of course I do! Besides that bathroom I also have a coffee machine, a kettle for your tea and other things.


Do you offer newborn and/or maternity sessions on location?

If you had a difficult birth or are for other specific reasons unable to come to my studio, we can talk about me coming to your house. The travel surcharge will depend on your location based on km distance from my studio. I will need some extra time as well to set up at the start and packing at the end of my lighting equipment, beanbag, and any other props.


How many photos will I get?

If during our viewing session, you will decide to purchase the photos, the minimum amount of photos you will have is 15.
However, as I’ve explained on my pricing page under “session fee”, after our photoshoot I’m going through all the photos that I did and choose all the photos that I will edit. I don’t keep any maximum number of photos that I will edit. During one session, I can have 50 photos that I’ve decided to post-process, during another 42. I will always post-process all the photos I’ve chosen so that you have more to choose from. Or you just order them all :).


Am I getting the RAW images as well?

No. The RAW files that come out of the camera are never included in any photography studio.


Session Fee + Photos fee. Why & How does that work?

Personally, I think everyone should have the chance to see what they are buying, before paying for it. Wouldn’t you agree?

The session fee doesn’t include any photos, but all the work and time connected to the photoshoot itself. Please see in detail on my pricing page what is included.

The viewing session, also included in the session fee, is when you come to my studio again, ca. 2 weeks after the photoshoot, in order to see all the photos I’ve created for you. Then, and only then, you will be able to order the photos and products I’m offering. You are under no obligation to order anything at all, should you choose to do so.


Do I have to order all the photos?

No, as stated above. You only order what you really want to have. If you are happy with 15 photos, I will not do a hard sell and convince you that you must have 25. I never like it happening to me so why should I do it myself to anyone else?


How do I order the photo art/album I’d like to have?

During our viewing session, on my large, correctly calibrated retina screen, you will be able to relax and indulge yourself with all the photos I’ve created for you. If you liked my art and work, I will go with you through all the album and wall art I’m offering. You will be able to choose the materials of the outside of the album and all the way down to the ribbon colour you would like to have.

When you have decided exactly what you’d like to have, you will fill out my order form. Once that is done and the payment is received, I will place your order to my suppliers.

Each and every order is handmade and is created especially for you.


Payment methods

At the moment I accept the following payment methods:

  • Paypal - QR Transaction +1.20% or Normal Transaction 3.40%

  • Bank transfer

  • Twint

  • Cryptocurrency (ETH converted at the current price + gas fees at the expense of the client).


How does the payment work?

  1. Session fee - On the day of the booking or within 3 working days from the day of the booking. Only after the receipt of the funds, your booked date is reserved and confirmed. If after 3 working days no funds have arrived, the date will be free for others to book.

  2. Viewing session and ordering - At the end of the session or until the end of the day.
    As the viewing session is going to be on Saturday and if you choose a bank transfer - Monday evening.


Order cancellation

As every order is handmade specifically for you with all your specifications and materials, once it is placed I can not cancel it or refund any funds.


Delivery duration and method

Normally it takes between 2-3 weeks to arrive. If you live in Zug or close surroundings, I will personally bring it to you. If you live further away, I will mail it to you as soon as I receive it.


Viewing session? Is it needed?

I believe it is. We can see museum paintings on our phone or uncalibrated screens of course, but if you think about it, visiting a museum is a different kind of experience. My screen is frequently calibrated in order to offer you the best viewing experience. Besides, I wouldn’t want you to view and have to choose your photographs in a hurry. In my studio, also during the viewing session you will be able to relax and enjoy my art.