FAQs have been broken down by Newborn Sessions and General Information.
Corie Walker Photography – Cleveland Ohio Newborn Photographer
Newborn Sessions:
When should my newborn session be scheduled?
Newborn sessions are best scheduled between 5 and 21 days. I typically shoot for the 8 to 16 day range as I have had the most success in this time-frame. During this time period the babies feeding and sleep patterns have been established but they still easily curl up into those sleepy little bundles of goodness. At about the 3 week mark, many babies start to stretch out more and do not sleep as soundly. Little boys who are circumcised need at least 3 days to heal before their session. If your baby was premature, then this time frame can usually be pushed out. Please contact me to discuss further.
If I have scheduled a newborn session, when should I let you know the baby has arrived?
ASAP! Shoot me an email and let me know so we can get your precious little one on the books with in the first 21 days of life.
How long will my newborn session last?
Newborn sessions usually last around 2-3 hours, depending on the temperament of your little one and if you’re doing parent or sibling photos with the baby. This allows time for feeding, changing and comforting baby.
How far in advance do I need to book my session?
Sessions can be booked at any time, however, I encourage you to book your sessions at least 1-3 months in advance to make sure you get a spot. I am a part-time photographer, so spaces are quite limited. Newborn sessions are booked according to the due date, with ample time allotted before and after the date in the event your little one can’t wait to arrive or takes their sweet time.
What are the benefits of a studio newborn session versus shooting in my own home?
Yes, a good photographer can create amazing images most anywhere. But having your newborn captured at a studio specifically designed for newborn photography (versus in your home) has many advantages. A studio environment has everything you could ever desire to create a perfect session: ideal lighting; access to all studio props, accessories and blankets; and custom-designed setups and backdrops that cannot be recreated.
By coming to a studio, you don’t have to stress about someone coming into your home (which may or may not be as clean as you’d like … since you just had a baby). You are also forced to sit back and truly relax and enjoy the session, rather than getting things done around the house.
What should I do if my baby is more than 3-4 weeks old?
First of all, don’t worry! While some babies aren’t as sleepy and flexible at this age, there are still plenty of poses we are able to do. Contact me and we can discuss your options. You could also choose to wait until the next milestone age. This could be 3-4 months when your little one is able to push up on their tummy and hold up their head, or 6-7 months when they can sit up on their own. This will yield some beautiful photos of your alert, smiling, giggling little one that you will love just as much as the newborn photos!
Who can participate in my newborn photo session?
Anyone is welcome to participate in the newborn photo session, but please do let me know your plans because there may be an extra fee. It is recommended that you arrange for someone to leave with siblings once their photos are done. I ask that only people participating in the session come to the studio, unless you are the only adult and need one extra helper. Extra fees may apply.
What should we wear for our newborn session?
For your family images, I love when my families are willing to photograph with their bare shoulders. This entails dad removing his shirt, and mom will be wrapped in fabric. Your skin, next to your brand new baby’s skin photographs so beautifully. This isn’t for everyone’s taste however, so I usually suggest solid white or neutral tops with sleeves paired with jeans for your family images. Whatever you decide to wear, stick to a color palette (everyone the same) and avoid any patterns or logos. Sleeveless, long or 3/4 sleeves look best (short sleeves are not so great). Solid colors will keep the attention to you rather than your clothing. Whatever you wear, keep it lightweight as it is quite warm in the studio and preferably dress in layers so you don’t get too hot. Don’t forget to have a spare outfit for yourselves in case of accidents! Please feel free to visit my Pinterest Board for more ideas.
What do I need to do to prepare for my newborn session?
In the weeks leading up to your session, I will send you a “How to Prepare for your Newborn Session” list. If you would like it before that, just shoot me an email.
What do I need to bring to my newborn session?
You and your newborn! All props, backdrops, and accessories are provided by CWP. Please make sure to bring enough baby supplies (bottles, formula, diapers, etc) to last 4-6 hours. I also highly suggest bringing a pacifier. Even if you do not plan to use one or baby isn’t using it yet, it can be very helpful in the posing process.
Can I bring my own props or ideas to a newborn session? Can I send you ideas?
My studio is full of props and accessories for use at your session. They are all items that I know will work well, are sized right, and are safe for your baby. If you have something you really want to use, please email me and we can discuss it further.
Do you offer Maternity Sessions?
I do! We offer a couple different Maternity Session options, so contact us for more information. The ideal time frame to have maternity photos taken is usually between 30-34 weeks when you will have a nice sized baby bump, beautiful curves, and good mobility/flexibility.
General Information:
Where is your studio located?
I have a fully-dedicated studio space in my home in Hudson, Ohio.
What do I need to do to book my session?
If you are interested in booking a session, please contact me using the Contact link above. We will discuss the type of session you are interested in, as well as my availability. Once we have decided on a date, I will send you a link to pay your non-refundable session fee and to sign your contract. Once the fee is paid and the contract is signed electronically, you will officially be on my calendar. My spots are first come, first serve, so if your fee is not paid in a timely fashion, I will give your spot away.
When should I book my session?
As soon as possible. Newborns are scheduled year-round. I only schedule 3-4 a month, so I tend to fill up quickly. Please try to contact me 1-2+ months before your due date. For children/family portraits, my weekend availability is very limited. These spots tend to fill up the fastest. Fall is also a very busy time, so make sure to schedule your session a few month beforehand.
How can I pay for my session?
For your session fee, I accept check or paypal. At your ordering appointment I can accept check, paypal or credit card.
What if it rains on the day of my outdoor session?
We will do our best to re-schedule your session as soon as possible.
What is your current turn-around time with edits?
Approximately 1-2 weeks. During peak seasons (late summer & fall) edits may take longer. I typically will email you when I am wrapping up your gallery to schedule your ordering appointment. I can usually get you back in within a few days.
What is your availability?
I am a part-time photographer and only take 3-5 sessions per week (1-2 of which are newborns). My spaces are very limited and tend to fill up quickly, so please contact me as soon as possible. During the school year, I am available 2-3 mornings per week. I also do some shooting on the weekends (milestone or maternity sessions only). And during outdoor season (May-October), I also shoot in the evenings. My summer hours vary.
What if I need to cancel my session, do I get a refund?
You pay a non-refundable retainer/session fee when booking your session. Should you need to cancel, this fee is non-refundable. However, I am happy to work with you to reschedule.
Do I get to look at all the photos that you have taken during our session?
No. I do not share all the images taken during your session. During your session, I capture lots of frames simply to be sure that I have the shot I was aiming for … the one that is in focus, composed properly and best shows your child. I spend quite a bit of time narrowing down your gallery so you get only the best images.
I bought my digital files, but where should I print my images?
I highly suggest getting your prints through my lab. With the many hours that go into behind the scenes editing of your beautiful photographs, it is highly recommended that you do not print your photos at your local drug store or big box store. The printers used at these establishments will color correct your photos, thus making the hours of edits and enhancements to your photographs useless, and will change the look of your photographs. While you do receive a print release with your purchased digital files, it is not intended for use at big box stores like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc.
What if my kids don’t cooperate or I don’t like the way they look?
We all know that most little kids, especially from age 1-3, like to do whatever they want … which isn’t always sitting and smiling at the camera. You’ll find that I’ll typically spend a few moments in the beginning of the session chatting with your kids and getting to know them a bit better. I like to get down on their level and make sure they know how important I think they are. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to warm up to me, and that is totally fine. Other times, they are on the go for the entire session. I don’t mind this at all and love to just follow them around and see where they take me. Do not stress about it and know that my sessions are very relaxed.
Now I know from my own two kids, that they have great smiles and they have goofy smiles. Typically I can figure out the difference, but don’t hesitate to speak up if their smiles are not genuine.
Can I take my own pictures during the session?
I don’t mind if you snap a few “behind the scenes” pictures during the session as long as it is not distracting. I’d actually love it if you shared them with me as well!
Read what some of my clients have said about their CWP experience
