FAQs
As early as you can! Since you’ll have a general idea of your due date, it’s best to book as soon as possible to ensure availability of that timeframe. (Ideally by the second trimester). Booking early is also beneficial as I offer only a limited number of newborn sessions each month in order to provide the best possible service to each of my clients before, during, and after their sessions.
The session fee reserves your spot on my calendar (around your due date). Then, after baby arrives, we schedule a morning for your session- typically 1-2 weeks after baby's birth day.
When should I book a newborn session?
The "ideal" time to hold your session is when baby is around 2 weeks old. This is normally when they've established a feeding pattern and still sleep a LOT, but it's conveniently before the more unsightly occurances of baby acne or hair loss- which often seem to happen around 3 or 4 weeks of age. (Our son lost the hair on the top of his head around 3 weeks- just after his newborn photos- phew!) 🤭
However, this doesn't mean it's too late to photograph your newborn when they're several weeks old. In fact, I've photographed countless babies that are one (and even two months!) old. Baby is more likely to be awake in most images than to be sleeping, but I can still create a gorgeous gallery! Every baby is beautiful and I can successfully make portraits of babies at ANY age. 🙂
When do you actually shoot a newborn's session?
It might seem like a long time, but for most of that time you'll be relaxing on the couch, kicking back with our wi-fi, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and snacks! (Or even taking a well-deserved nap!)
I just plan for about 3 hours because it's important to allow time for feeding, diaper changes, snuggles, soothing, etc. I NEVER rush the session and always follow baby's lead and comfort level. Sometimes my little subjects will fall right asleep. Other times they prefer to be held more frequently. Either way, I adjust my shooting to meet their needs- taking time to compose beautiful shots, while progressing through various set-ups to have a well-rounded, beautiful gallery.
Why do newborn sessions take 2-3 hours?
Please know that I have extensive experience with strong-willed children, as I one of my own! And I was a public schoolteacher. 😆 I promise you: not only does wild or "difficult' behavior not faze me at all, it won't prevent me from capturing beautiful photos of your family. So, parents: Please don’t worry about how your children are behaving. Because truthfully, a parent trying to get their child to behave/sit still/look here is far more likely to "ruin" a shot than the child! 🫣 (Honestly- I've seen it happen SO many times!)
So, it really is best for you to let go and let ME direct them. 😉Just take a break, parents- I've got this!
The most important thing for you to do is to JUST. HAVE. FUN. Enjoy your session as the memorable time with your family that it is- shenanigans and all- and we’ll make photos that you love.
My 2 year old is really strong-willed. What if he doesn’t cooperate?
It sounds like a “mini” session or petite session might be perfect for you! Limited-Edition Mini sessions may be periodically offered throughout the year. Typically, they will be around 15 minutes long, and will include a number of digital images. And Petite Family Sessions are offered year-round! They're a shorter session, shot at my chosen location, and are perfect for updating family photos for Christmas cards or celebrating milestones! Click HERE for more info on Petite Family Sessions.
To be the first to hear about mini-sessions and other events, sign up for the e-mail list! I'll send out newsletter emails once or twice a month with infor on upcoming specials. Sign up HERE!
What if we only want a few photos to update our family photo for Christmas cards?
My home studio- where I shoot all newborn and baby sessions- is in East Rockford, across from the Midway Village Museum. I serve families from Rockford and northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and the greater Chicagoland area.
For outdoor family and senior sessions, I travel to on-location sites within the greater Rockford area and can travel beyond 30 miles of 61107 for an additional travel fee. I'm a born & raised Michigander, so I'm always up for a travel session at the lakeshore!
Where are you located?
However you’d like! You can call or text me at: (815) 694-4722, email me at: sarah@sarahlakephotography.com, or drop me a quick msg through the contact page HERE!