Thank you for selecting Sarah Cropper Photography!
I strive to provide you with a wonderful and pleasing photography experience, classic images, a timeless photo gallery, and friendly photo services.
Please read through this Welcome Guide thoroughly and be sure to contact me with any questions.
THE STUDIO
My studio is located in my home at:
3830 Louise Court
Grove City, Ohio 43123
How to Prepare
Following these instructions as best you can will greatly improve the chance of a relaxed and wonderful session with your baby being happy and content.
Pack a bag with essentials - Wipes, diapers, formula or pumped milk as back-up, soothies/binkies, favorite lovey, bobby pins, hairbrush/spray and any other essential items you might want or need.
Shoes - I generally ask everyone to take off their shoes at the door to avoid spreading germs and dirt throughout the house and white studio floors. If I feel your shoes will be seen in any photos I’ll ask you to keep them on.
Added guests - I ask that only those being photographed (and parents) during our session be present for our time together. I find this helps to avoid distractions for everyone involved and allows me to connect with those being photographed. Also, my space isn’t that large and I find it can make it hard for me to move around freely with added guests.
Drive time - Please allow enough drive time to arrive promptly at my home. If you feel like could get lost, please don't hesitate to call me beforehand and we'll discuss directions.
Sleepy Time - Please try to plan for baby to arrive rested and fed. This means we will usually schedule your session time either early morning or right after one of their naps.
Cake Smash - You may want to try and introduce your baby to cake or a simple cupcake prior to their session. See how they do getting messy and eating on their own.
Expectations - Please be aware that not all babies are bubbly and full of smiles. I work hard to get baby happy but please understand that some babies won’t smile for every photo and that is ok. I like to provide a variety of expressions for your photo gallery including smiles, serious expressions, playful photos and more.
COVID/Health Safety Measures
At Sarah Cropper Photography, safety is my top priority. Here is what you can expect from me and what I will be asking of clients to prevent unnecessary contamination.
Sick Symptoms - Please notify me immediately if you or anyone in your family become ill. This is not limited to Covid symptoms but any type of bug, cold or flu as well. I will also notify you if myself or my family should fall ill. Your session will need to be postponed until further notice if any one of us are sick. Please don’t arrive ill in any way. I will send your family home and your retainer fee will not be refunded.
Masks - The Columbus mask mandate has ended as of 3/2022 but if you would like to wear a mask you are more than welcome.
Cleaning - Please know I have always cleaned my studio before and after each session. However I am taking extra precautions by laundering all items regardless if they are soiled or not and sanitizing all hard surfaces with Lysol after each session to ensure everyone’s safety. These hard surfaces also include the guest restroom and the entryway/doorway in my home.
Trash bin - I will ask that any wipes, diapers, trash, bottled water and other trash items be immediately discarded in my studio trash bin.
What to Expect
Every newborn photographer has a different photo-taking style and personality. Here is what you can expect from me during our time together.
Arrival - Once you arrive to my home studio for our scheduled session I'll show you the best outfits and looks from my collection based on your questionnaire that I've carefully put together to compliment your baby. I use a lot of neutral colors in my sessions but keep other , timeless colors on hand. I offer comfortable seating with refreshments. Feel free to bring lunch, snacks, bottles or anything else that your baby might need. I also have a changing table with wipes handy for baby.
Baby Led - You should know that I allow for some play time during your baby’s session. I have a selection of wooden toys for babies to explore and play. These photos are more lifestyle and fun.
Photo Time - I begin with any family or parent photos (if you purchased a studio family session), then baby portraits, an outfit change for baby with more portraits and play time, then if you’ve decided on a cake smash that will be at the end. This ends up being about three outfits total for your baby.
Break - Your baby may or may not need to feed or eat a snack during the session - which is absolutely fine. If your baby needs to feed or eat we will simply take a break for them to eat.
Baby Clean Up - I have towels and wipes on hand but you may prefer your own to clean up your baby.
Your Gallery - You'll receive your online gallery in three weeks.
What to Wear
Here are a few wardrobe tips to help you look stylish. Please be advised that parents only need one outfit and babies can have up to three outfits.
Primp - I suggest taking a little extra time to primp your hair and make-up for any parent or family photos (if you’ve purchased family photos.) Please contact me if you need hair/makeup artist referrals!
Timeless - My baby milestone photos are timeless - so simple, neutral/solid colors and fabrics are a must. Solid, soft colors really photograph better, especially on my white bedding setup. I offer a beautiful selection of baby clothing for newborns through 24 months in my studio wardrobe collection. We can chat about what options I have that will work best for your little one!
Groom - Groom your little one if it’s needed. Sometimes their nails, skin and hair can get out of control. Try and wipe their nose to remove any boogies (no other way to put it haha). Trim their nails, keep them moisturized, and keep a baby brush on hand to fix any baby hairs.