belly & baby combo session
$300 | just baby session fee
$500 | belly & baby combo session fee
maternity sessions are only offered as a combined belly & baby custom photography package. a combined session includes a one-hour maternity session (15-20 images presented for review in an online gallery) and a two to four-hour newborn session (25-30 images presented). the belly & baby combo session fee includes up to four people ($30 per additional person) and 60 miles round trip travel from of 92869. the session fee does not include any photographic prints or digital images. please refer to lilyblue photography's investment page for all fine art print pricing and featured collections. session fee payment is due within five days of reserving session and is non-refundable. additional travel is available at a rate of $3.50 per mile.
maternity sessions are best done between 32 to 36 weeks pregnant; however, it really depends on each individual woman. the goal is a large, round belly, yet still comfortable. incorporating your spouse and/or child(ren) is not only acceptable, it is encouraged.
while newborn sessions are more controlled than standard portraiture, my goal remains the same--to capture the essence of your new baby--new, pure, innocent and amazing. the best time to photograph a newborn is 4 to 7 days old. this is very important. i know this time is a delicate time for mom, dad and baby, but it is also the time when babies are more inclined to sleep, are less disturbed by movement, are significantly easier to position and curl and don’t have baby acne flare ups yet. you can expect your newborn photo shoot to be a comfortable, unhurried experience, typically lasting from two to four hours.
RESERVING YOUR NEWBORN SESSION DATE AND TIME
when your baby arrives, it is important to contact me as soon as possible to determine a date and time for your baby’s photo shoot. again, newborns are best photographed within the first 7 days of life. please have someone arranged in advance that can call or email, to notify me of baby’s birth and can make newborn session date and time decisions for you.
LOCATION
maternity: orange county weather provides for the optimal outdoor studio settings, e.g. fields, parks and beaches. because I am a natural light photographer, the only requirement for an on-location indoor session is an abundance of ambient light (but not direct sun light). windows or glass doors that open directly to the outdoors, away from awnings or other shade, often provide the best light for in-home sessions. we can discuss the mood you’d like to achieve with your maternity photos and determine the best location together.
newborn: lilyblue photography’s small residential studio is ideal for your newborn photo shoot, where I am able to closely control the climate conditions and have excellent lighting in almost all weather conditions. both are essential for a successful newborn session. i understand what it is like to have a newborn, so if you prefer to have your newborn photographed in your home, the primary requirement is an abundance of ambient light (but not direct sun). large windows or glass doors that open directly to the outdoors often provide the best light for in-home sessions.
WHAT TO WEAR
maternity: no matter what your clothing choice, simple is best. remember that the goal is to show off your beautiful belly. for tops, think tank tops, swim suit, tube top, lingerie, camisoles, and front buttoning shirts or sweaters. for bottoms, jeans are perfect (but avoid the belly-covering variety). skirts and dresses also work well. if you’re struggling with what to wear, feel free to bring multiple clothing changes.
newborn (and parents): newborns are best photographed in bare skin. if you love skin-to-skin photographs but are a bit uncomfortable, you may want to bring a nude-colored tube top. additionally, there might be times when a parents chest is used as a black backdrop, therefore, it is requested that both parents bring black short sleeve shirts. casual pants, especially jeans, are ideal. no matter what your wardrobe choice, simple is best. lastly, please be sure that both parents have change of clothing since newborn accidents happen frequently and unpredictably.
MORE ABOUT BABY
diapers and clothing can leave red marks and impressions that take time to fade. to avoid marks and lines, it is very important to apply a loose fitting diaper and clothing to your baby an hour before the session. during a newborn session, your baby’s comfort is paramount. to encourage your baby’s relaxation, the session location should be kept cozy and really warm. if the session is held in your home, please help accommodate your baby’s sensitivity to temperature by turning up the thermostat, to around 75 degrees, 30 minutes prior to your session. you will feel extra warm but your baby will be perfect. also, if possible, feed your baby prior to the session. a content, sleepy baby is our goal.
COMBINED SESSION PRINT PRICING
with the belly & baby combination session, photographs from both sessions can be combined into one gallery, allowing you the option of purchasing prints from both sessions at once. with some lilyblue products, it is possible to purchase all photographs from both sessions for an additional charge ($350-$500, depending on product). please refer to the investment tab foralllilyblue photography fine art print and product pricing.