Newborn
There are few things in life as amazing as a newborn baby. Their tiny little features that you can hardly believe are part of an actual person. Their goofy little facial expressions. Their awkward movements.
Even though you're exhausted, all you can seem to do is stare at them. Trying to soak them in.
And then you blink.
The newborn stage is so precious and so brief. Those tiny features grow and change and soon you can hardly remember what they were like when they were that tiny.
That's why I take the photos.
My newborn sessions are generally taken in the comfort of your own home! If you are not looking for an in-home session, there is a studio option available for an additional fee.
I'm based in Sioux City, Iowa. I also frequently travel to the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. I work in both locations and the surrounding areas.
Pricing & Packages
Newborn Session
$350
My newborn sessions include the whole family. There will be a wide variety of family shots, sibling shots, baby with each and both of the parents, and of course, just baby.
A maternity session can be added for $225
Milestone Package 1
$750
Newborn, 6 months, & 1 year
A maternity session can be added for $225
Milestone Package 2
$800
Newborn, 6 months, & 1 year
This package includes a family photoshoot in place of a milestone shoot for either 6 months or 1 year
A maternity session can be added for $225
Milestone Package 3
$925
Newborn, 4 months, 8 months, & 1 year
A maternity session can be added for $225
These prices include the sessions themselves, plus ALL of the edited digital images.
No hidden fees, no watermarked photos, no choosing between your favorites.
*Sales tax does apply
One thing that I do for all of my newborn sessions that I don't do for my other sessions is deliver every photo in both color and black & white. Newborn photos are always so special and have so much emotion in them that they all just look beautiful in black & white. So instead of trying to choose, I just make a black & white version of every image!
If you don't want an in-home session and would prefer to have your photos taken in a studio, there is a $100 fee. This fee includes the studio rental and many props and baby outfits available for you to use.
My portrait sessions don't have a time limit. We'll shoot until I feel confident that I have enough good photos to deliver you a full and beautiful gallery of images that we are both happy with. Sometimes this takes 30 minutes - sometimes it takes closer to an hour.
A $50 non-refundable retainer is required to book each session, and the remaining fee is due the day of.
*Please note that full price for each session will be due before every session, and the discount will be applied to the final session(s). For example, for the Milestone package 1 + maternity - $300 will be due before the maternity shoot, $350 before the newborn session, $150 before the 6 month session, and the 1 year session will be free.
*If you would like any props or accessories for any of the milestone sessions, you will be responsible for providing them.
FAQ
Do I have to clean ahead of time?
A. Don't you dare. You just had a baby. Once we figure out a good spot to start shooting, I'll get any distracting clutter out of the way. No one ever has to know.
What if my house isn't well lit?
A. Don't worry! I'm here to capture you and your family, and that is what you will see in the photos. All I need is one decent window, and we'll make it work! If you're worried about it, let me know what we're working with and we can make a plan. I can make most lighting situations into beautiful photos! What's most important is documenting your beautiful family in this stage of life, and that's what we're going to do.
If you would rather have your photos taken in a studio setting, there is a $100 fee that includes the studio rental and many props and baby outfits that will be available to you!
Side note: I've also seen some beautiful images of outdoor newborn sessions, so if it's warm out and you want to give it a go, I'm game.
How do I book a session when I don't know when my baby will be born?
A. Just let me know your due date so I know we'll be doing your session sometime in that time period. Once your little one arrives, let me know, and we'll pick an exact date and time!
When is the best time for newborn sessions?
A. In general, we will want to aim for the first 10-14 days. However, it is never too late to get photos of your baby. They are always changing, and they will never be as little again as they are right now. If you're reading this now and your baby is already out of that time frame, don't worry. Send me a message and we'll get you booked as soon as we can.
How do I prepare for a newborn session?
A. Turn up the heat! Babies are more at ease when they are warm, and we want your baby to be warm and comfortable in any outfit (or lack thereof) we put them in.
Make sure their tummy is full right before the session. We can also take breaks during the session if baby needs to eat.
Ideally, baby will be sleepy for their session, so if possible, try to keep them awake for a little while beforehand. However, newborns are predictably unpredictable, and we'll work with whatever state your little one chooses to be in.
Booking process
Once we choose a date and location for your photoshoot, I'll send you my free newborn session guide which includes a style guide (in case you're looking for some guidance), an invoice for the initial retainer fee, and my contract. Make sure you read through it carefully before signing it and sending it back.
And that's it!
If you have any questions or ideas after that, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm here for you!
"I am in love with the photographs she captured. We will definitely be using Emma again to capture our family grow!!"
-Monica & Nick
