Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ideal age for a newborn session?

The ideal age is between 5-12 days. When babies are that tiny they spend a lot of time sleeping and still curl up into very sweet poses similar to the positions they were in when they were in the womb. After two weeks babies go through a growth spurt and they will not be as amenable to curling up for a picture or sleeping as soundly.

How far in advance should you book your session?

You should book your session as far out as possible, as early as your second trimester. I usually book sessions 3-4 months in advance. I’ve received phone calls from parents who have just given birth who want to book an appointment and I have no availability. Then they get very sad because its such a short window of time to take those special portraits and they missed it.

After you pay your booking fee, I hold time before and after your due date so you will be guaranteed a space, no matter when your baby arrives.

To pay your booking fee and ensure a photo session during those first precious days click here.

How do I schedule a session when I don't know exactly when my baby will arrive?

What will my pictures look like?

All babies will be photographed in their birthday suit! Clothes don't fit babies very well, and they tend to take away from your baby's portraits. I do, however, use a variety of props and backgrounds to enhance your baby's pictures. I like to talk before about your session to find out what exactly you are wanting. These are questions you can be thinking about:

-Are there specific poses you are looking for?

-Do you have some props in mind that you would like to use? If you see a prop you like in my photographs, that doesn't necessarily mean I have it. Many of my props are brought in by clients. Always ask to make sure I have a certain prop on hand!

-Do you have props of your own to incorporate? I have many props on hand from you to choose from, but feel free to bring other items. For example, if your husband is military, would you like your baby to be photographed with his uniform or dog tags?

I do offer a discount if you purchase a prop from my wishlist to use during your baby's session and then donate to me. Please let me know if you're interested in this discount opportunity.

How long will the session take?

The length of the photo shoot is completely dependent on your baby. Some babies sleep more soundly than others, and some need lots of cuddling to calm down between poses. Please know that I am extremely patient and I have allotted plenty of time to get the shots we need. Don’t get stressed out. Some newborn sessions can take up to 4 hours- and that’s perfectly fine!

I do ask that you not feed your baby before you come over. He or she will have already started their sleep cycle while in the car seat and will be woken when transferred to the appropriate prop. We will have plenty of time for you to feed him or her when you arrive. Feel free to bring along bottles or I will gladly provide an area for you to nurse your baby in as well.

Please make sure that your baby does not have any clothing on or has on a loose zip sleeping pajama set. Having your baby in their diaper only will eliminate the need to undress them, thus waking and/or upsetting them. If a zip sleeping set is needed for warmth, this will be easier to take off than a onesie, once again reducing the risk of waking or upsetting them. Please have diaper loosely applied as well. This will decrease the need to photoshop out skin wrinkles made by the diaper edges.

Please make sure to bring along a paciffier to soothe the baby between poses.

What should I do before a session?

The most common questions asked by clients are below. If you have any questions that aren't answered below, please do not hesitiate to contact me.

Can I bring my other children?

I am okay with siblings coming if you'd like a photograph of them with their newborn sibling. However, especially with young siblings, I ask that you have someone else come along who can take the toddler and leave right after their shots. Newborn sessions tend to take a while, and the little ones get bored and restless in the studio that is not equipped to entertain young children.

What happens after the session?

I go through the images from your session and select only the best. Once I have the best images selected I go through and edit each individual picture. I will post a sneak peak on my Hollee Spears Photography Facebook fan page within a couple of days. If you have “liked” my page then I will be able to tag you into the image as well. As soon as I’ve finished the editing process (usually around one week), I will send you your gallery to view. At that time, you can choose a package and any add-ons you may want. After than, your order should arrive in less than two weeks!