Many clients have questions about the different newborn session packages and what's included. Every client is different as to what they personally want/need for their newborn session, so I've tried to have options for each family's needs (and budget). Here I will go through all of the different newborn packages and explain what's included as well as how it might be a good fit for different families with different expectations. Please note that I do most newborn sessions weekdays(Monday through Thursday) at 3pm unless arrangements are made in advance for a weekend appointment.
Package #1
Newborn Swaddle Mini Session (baby only)
$200
This session is designed for the individual baby only, it does not include family or sibling photos. It's called a swaddle session because baby will be wrapped up during the entire session. Clients choose three colors as well as three different set-ups for their newborn's individual photos. This is a great option for families that are not interested in family and/or sibling photos, and only want some photos of their baby while they are this little. This session is also a good option for clients that don't want to spend 3+ hours in the studio, as the swaddle session keeps baby content longer with minimal disruption. Here are the details of the session:
Package #2
Individual Newborn Full Session (baby only) $280
The full individual newborn session is for photos of baby only, but with wrapped photos as well as photos in newborn outfits (all provided by me) as well as modest nude photos of baby (baby's private areas are always covered, and this is only included in the session if parents are interested). This session depends exclusively on baby cooperation, so we take much time to make sure baby is comfortable and settled and also take as many feeding breaks as necessary to keep baby calm and content. Each newborn is different, and I take great care with making sure to move at baby's pace and never force a pose. This session can take some extra time, but is worth it if parents have the patience to sit through it.
Package #3
Family Swaddle Mini Session
$300
This session is a great option for families that don't want to commit a lot of time to a session and also might have other young children that they'd love to include for the session but also know that toddlers have zero patience for long sessions. Your newborn will be swaddled in one color wrap of your choice the entire session. This session includes family photos, sibling photos, and parent/child photos as well. This session is unique in that it is focused mostly on the family unit; it only includes one set-up with individual baby (in the same wrap that was used for the family photos) as opposed to the 3 set-ups that are included for Option #4 (Family Swaddle Session).
Package #4
Family Swaddle Newborn Session $350
This session is the full version of the family swaddle mini session (which only has one set of individual baby photos included). This session includes family, parent,and sibling photos (with baby wrapped in color of your choice) as well as three individual baby set-ups in different color wraps. This session is a good balance of family photos as well as different colors/set-ups for individual baby photos. Family and sibling photos are typically done at the beginning of the session (unless arrangements are made otherwise) and then individual baby photos are done after the family portion is complete. Younger siblings under the age of 5 can get bored/restless during the individual baby photos, and parents are more than welcome to have a relative pick them up or bring activities to keep them busy for the remainder of the session. It's possible that baby will need a feeding after the family portion, and that could slow down the session, but I always let babies lead the session based on their stimulation level.
Package #5
Family Full Newborn Session $400
This is the longest and most in-depth session that I offer, and it is not for the weak(although it's been well tolerated by the sleep deprived aka most parents). Some parents have the time and patience to get family photos, sibling photos (if applicable), family/parent photos with baby in outfit/nude (if desired) and then also get wrapped individual baby photos as well as baby outfit and modest nude photos. Is it worth it for those that have the time and budget? Yes. Is it also a labor of love and patience and you will need to pack snacks and full diaper bag and maybe bring extra quarters for parking? Also yes. (Except the quarters for parking part, parking is always free at the studio). Keep in mind that older siblings may not appreciate the length of the session, and I always advise a family member to pick them up after their photos are done if able. They're always more than welcome to remain for the individual portion of the session, but I promise you, you have not been truly tested as a parent until you are dealing with a newborn and at least one toddler that is bored/tired/hungry in an enclosed area for four hours. This session everything there is to offer in newborn photography if that's what you're looking for (and have the time, patience, and budget for it).