NEWBORN SESSION
Learn more about the art of newborn photography and a Newborn Portrait Session at the SCP studio in San Jose.
When to book a newborn portrait session:
Please book your newborn portrait session before your baby is born whenever possible. Many clients choose to reserve their due dates during their second trimester or early in their third. This ensures that space is allotted in Shailee’s calendar to photograph your baby during the ideal age (between 5 and 12 days old). This also allows extra time to plan your session and make it exactly what you dream about.
Shailee understands that your due date is only an estimate. She will reserve time on and around your due date, ensuring you have a spot in her schedule. Upon your baby’s arrival, you or someone you trust will contact Shailee to arrange your actual session date.
*To give each client the best service possible, Shailee books a limited number of portrait sessions per month. It is recommended that clients book newborn sessions as early as possible to ensure availability of dates and avoid disappointment. Shailee will make every effort to accommodate late bookings whenever her schedule permits.
Age of newborn:
Your baby will ideally be less than 2 weeks old. Shailee makes every effort to photograph newborns between days 6 and 12. During this window of time, babies are very sleepy, easily posed, less fussy, and have become accustomed to nursing. As newborns get older (12+ days), they tend to be more challenging to pose and settle, may develop baby acne, and have longer wake periods. For these reasons, it’s absolutely essential that the newborn session be scheduled early.
Session Location:
All newborn sessions will take place inside the SCP studio in San Jose. You’ll have access to Shailee's extensive collection of blankets, wraps, buckets, headbands, and other accessories to make your newborn session a success. Newborns photograph best in their natural state, so there’s no need for you to worry about outfits or anything at all. This is a time for parents to relax! Shailee also usually works with the help of her assistant and they take care of everything so you can sit back on the comfy couch, have a coffee and snack, watch a show on Netflix or even take a nap!
Session Duration:
Shailee always takes her time with newborns and never rushes a session. We’ll be working around the cues of your baby, which can be unpredictable. She allows up to 4 hours to complete the session, although most sessions last about 3 hours. Much of that time is used for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing the baby.
A note about health and safety:
Newborn health and safety is Shailee's top priority.
With two children of her own and years working with children as a teacher, Shailee understands a newborn’s vulnerable immune system and takes every precaution to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of her tools and props. In cases of photographer or client illnesses, sessions will be rescheduled.
Shailee will never jeopardize a baby’s safety during a session. Shailee usually works with an assistant to ensure baby is always safe and supported and she will not pose your baby in unsafe ways or in unstable props. Poses are always simple and comfortable for your delicate new baby.
Contact Shailee to discuss your custom newborn session using the contact tab at the top of the page or send an email to [email protected]. Session fee and a signed contract are required to officially book your date.
Upon booking, all clients receive a pre-session consultation to customize the session and have access to private client information with tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and what happens after your session.
