Baby’s First Year

The first year of life marks many changes in a baby’s life and goes by so quickly. The long lashes and sparkle in their eyes, the movement of their mouth and the funny faces, the wiggle of the toes and the dimples on their bottoms; are all are parts that we never want to let go of. Those precious moments should be preserved for years to come. There are a few times in that first year that you should schedule your photo sessions. Within the first 15 days, at three months, at six months, and at the first birthday. Each of these times document the unique stages that your baby will be at. Typically, for the first session, we try to capture the naturally sleepy baby and sometimes have to wait to get what we want. The third month session is where we will start to see some real smiles, more bright eyes, and fun giggles. The sixth month session will show some go-go-go as those fantastic smiles have gotten bigger and have now turned to scoots, rolls, and crawls. The one year mark is where we will do a smash cake and see some real personality. Depending on your style and what you are looking for as an end product, any of the sessions can be done fully in the studio or outdoors.

It is hard to be a new mom. The way you see the world is now totally different now. You are in charge of another human’s life! When having your baby’s photos done, you need to relax. Any tension that you bring into the studio, your baby feels. Infant sessions usually take up to two hours, sometimes more, depending on how everyone is feeling. After the the first few days, you will start to notice a pattern in baby’s sleep schedule as well as when they seem to sleep the deepest. We should schedule the session for that deep sleep time. This first session should be done within the first ten to fifteen days. For this session, our goal will be simply to document the tiny, sleepy, infant time, including all of the parts of fingers and toes. We don’t need to go in to this expecting big smiles; just baby. I feel that newborns look best photographed nude, or in just a diaper, or in a plain white onesie. Most baby clothes are way too big for newborns and just don’t photograph very well. Keeping the clothes extremely simple keeps the focus on the baby. Cute hats and props that define you as parents are a wonderful addition to add interest to the photos. Army boots and firemen helmets are still my favorite! I suggest adding both Mom and Dad in on these photos, too. You may not feel like you should be photographed at this point, but you should. Years down the road, your child will love to see you as you were when they were first born.

Feel free to bring a few different outfits for your three and six month photos, or you may use the options I have in the studio. You can have a little fun with style, but still stick to the basics of solid, similar tones. This would also be a good time to add in any siblings or pets if you’d like. I feel it is better to wait a few months to add in the “bigs” and “furries” as they sometimes have a hard time being calm around a newborn and can overstimulate the situation. For the first year birthday session, plan on having some fun and getting a little sticky. Bring at least 2 outfits, one for the “sitting pretty” photos and one to play with cake in.

We can set all of the appointments ahead of time if you would like to have a full first year package or you can schedule them as they come along. If you would like to document every month; we can do that too. There are some cute ideas out there for both of these packages and we can get really creative. If you have a particular idea that you would like to set up, just let me know ahead of time so I can gather any props we may need. Please feel free to be creative. I make most of the props and clothes that are offered in-house; so if you have any ideas or things you would like made, please just ask.

Standard Sitting

$450

Location of choice within 60 miles of Traverse City
Unlimited proof set in a bound softcover magazine
10 5×7 (or equivalent) prints
Online proofing available for three months

First Year Package

$1000

Individual sittings at newborn (10-15 days), 3 months, 6 months, and first birthday
Location of choice within 60 miles of Traverse City or in the studio
Unlimited proof set in a bound softcover magazine
10 5×7 (or equivalent) prints
Online proofing available for three months

12 Months of First Year

$1500

Individual sittings at newborn (10-15 days), 3 months, 6 months, and first birthday
PLUS mini-sessions for all months other than newborn, 3 months, 6 months, and first birthday
Location of choice within 60 miles of Traverse City
Unlimited proof set in a bound softcover magazine
10 5×7 (or equivalent) prints
Online proofing available for three months

This package includes about an hour at the location of your choice or in the studio. Your family, small or large, can order their own prints or books through the online proofing system. Creative treatments, black and white, and selective color options are available for all images.

Basic editing for color, contrast, and overall content, is done for all images in your proof set. Extensive editing for hair, clothing, or head swaps are available at an additionally quoted cost.

All sittings will require a signed contract and non-refundable $100 retainer fee to secure the requested date and time. This fee will be subtracted from your total at the time of final payment. Sitting dates and fee may be transferred for inclement weather. No-shows will forfeit retainer fee. Parties later than 15 minutes to the set sitting time will forfeit retainer fee and may be forced to reschedule.

Dresses & Rompers

things you can borrow

No idea how to dress the baby for their sitting? Don’t worry about it. I’ve made a full line of classic simple things for you to borrow in various colors and am continuously adding to the list. If you have a specific look you are wanting, just ask. Depending on the time of year, I may be able to whip something up just for you.

Reversible Smock

6 Month Sitter & 12 Month Walker

Four color options, totaling eight dress choices, in a variable length shoulder tie smock. Great for sitters and walkers, alike. These are super cute with just a plain diaper cover or ruffle-butt undies.

Shoulder Tie Romper

9 Months to 12 Month Walker

These ended up being my favorite base pattern, although I changed all of the detailing and added the shoulder tie for easy wear. The smocking and shoulder ruffles are just darling on the beach, anywhere in nature, or even just the studio.