STUDIO
My studio is located in Mission Valley (92108).
WHEN TO BOOK?
Please pre-book while still pregnant and adjust your date once the baby arrives.
I strongly suggest booking your newborn session while you are still pregnant as newborn sessions must be done in the first 14 days of life. I limit the amount of newborn clients I take per month to ensure the highest quality of product and service to you. In order to lock your appointment I collect the $200 deposit at the time of booking.
THE 14 DAYS RULE
The age of babies makes big difference in what type of poses you are able to position them in and whether they will like it or not.
Babies younger than 2 weeks are more likely to curl up in “womb-like” poses, stay asleep longer, don’t mind being unclothed, and usually have their feeding schedules set to at least every two hours.
Babies of course arrive on their own terms so we will book a “tentative” session date. From there we can adjust the date once the baby is born.
If your baby is born prematurely it is possible to photograph them a little bit older but I try to stick to the 14 days rule whenever possible.
BEFORE THE SESSION
Try and keep baby up 1-2 hours prior to their session so they are sleepy for the session. Without this, we spend too much time getting the baby to sleep and not as much time photographing them. Plan to feed them once you arrive. Bring them in just a diaper or any loose fitting clothes to avoid lines on skin - a simple button-up sleeper is best. Bring a pacifier, it can help settle babies that suckle for comfort.
Please make sure your little one has a full belly for the session, babies that are full will sleep better. If nursing, please try to avoid eating anything spicy (i.e. pizza, hot sauce, etc) that might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session.
Please avoid drinking coffee the day of the session if you plan to breastfeed.
When you arrive please leave the baby in their car seat when bringing him/her in the studio.
DURING THE SESSION
A typical newborn session ranges from 3 to 5 hours, please plan for that. This allows time for the baby to eat as needed, clean up any messes and hopefully get the baby into a nice deep sleep for posing. Newborn photography requires patience and not to be rushed. The studio will be toasty to keep baby warm, so I strongly recommend dressing in layers for your comfort.
During the session just sit back and relax, I won’t need much assistance so take advantage of this time to rest.
If you have older siblings that you would like included in the photos we’ll do those and family shots either first or last. I suggest either bringing two cars so the Dad can take other sibling (s) back home after we are done with family shots or have Dad take other sibling (s) out to lunch or park while we take baby’s pictures.
AFTER THE SESSION
Within 2 weeks after you have selected your favorite images for editing I will send you an email with the link to an online gallery of fully edited high resolution images. I am also happy to meet with you back in my studio if you’d like to discuss the products I offer - wall art, keepsakes and albums.
You are not required to order but I encourage my clients to consider ordering through a photographer instead of using poor quality print services.
PLEASE READ!
It is very common for newborn photographers to use the term “session fee” on their websites (normally between $200 and $300) and they intentionally “forget” to mention the fact that that session fee only gets you in the door, no products or even digital images are included in this price. I think that practice is misleading and unfair to clients. My packages include all the digital images in highest resolution, no hidden fees.
Whether you decide to go with me or a different newborn photographer, please do your research and hire someone with experience and high quality work and someone who isn’t trying to lure you into their studio only to present you with a completely different “a la carte pricing” AFTER you have had your session.
Inquire about COMPLETE pricing when shopping for newborn photography, and make sure the digital images you are going to be getting are HIGH RESOLUTION images (some will give you low resolution so that you have no other option but to go back to them when you decide to order prints or wall art and trust me, you will overpay big time).
Newborn photography is pricier than a regular family session for a reason - newborn photographers invest into training on how to pose the baby safely. Your baby is going to be just a few days old and during the stylized session your photographer will be the one handling, posing, wrapping, soothing, lifting, etc. You cannot trust just anyone to do that. Make sure you trust your newborn photographer with your baby - I am happy to meet with you for a no-cost consultation before your session for you to make sure you feel comfortable.
I always do what’s best and safest for your baby. I take time to gently pose your baby so that not only does your newborn look peaceful but actually comfortable. I am patient. I pay attention to the little details because in the end the little things make a huge difference. I take the time to make sure each pose is perfected before capturing a picture. I know and understand light, angles and posing. I understand Photoshop and only use it to enhance, not change your image. Your newest addition to the family will only be this little once and there are no re-does, the window to capture those tiny fingers and toes is so small.
WHAT ELSE GOES INTO THE COST OF NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Licensed & Insured
This is very important especially when it comes to newborns. Olia Photo LLC is registered, licensed and insured in the state of California. There is no greater responsibility than handling your baby who has just came into the world. I take your newborn's safety extremely seriously, I have studied and trained to work with babies, and I insist that some poses be composites (one image made up of multiple images in Photoshop, keeping baby's safety as the top priority).
Accreditations and Memberships
I am a member of Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) and Clickin' Moms, the groups focused on safety, growth, community and learning.
Education & Training
I am constantly striving for progress, investing into additional training, online classes and tutorials.
Props
That adorable toy bear/felted fur/textured wrap/teeny tiny newborn outfit was handmade specifically for newborn photography. Due to their one of a kind nature, they are often expensive, and us photographers need to occasionally refresh our collections to offer variety.
