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.
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 sleepy and content.
Declutter - I usually use the nursery, and then a bedroom and/or living room depending on lighting. Please declutter as much as you can, even if you just need to toss a few things in a spare room. Its definitely important to have a few rooms free of clutter and toys so your photos look polished and beautiful. I don’t remove clutter in photos when editing.
Added guests - I ask that only those being photographed 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.
Warmth - Bump the temperature a little bit in your home during the session as baby won't always be swaddled and it will help keep them cozy and sleepy. I do ask that we keep a comfortable temperature in the home, meaning if it is mid-summer and very hot outside I’ll ask that your AC be on in the home.
Awake Time - Please try to keep your baby awake one hour prior to your session. I recommend giving them a sponge bath or some tummy time as it can help keep them awake.
Pets - I’ll always try my best to include family pets into a family portrait, but please understand I believe in safety above all else. If at any time I feel unsafe or feel baby is unsafe I’ll skip any portraits with pets. I also ask that your pets be kept in another area of the home when I’m taking photos that don’t include them. This keeps everyone safe and prevents pets from accidentally damaging any props or equipment.
Feeding - Please feed your baby right before I arrive (usually the 10-11 am hour), after their awake time and/or bath. This should help ensure they are sleepy and content when I arrive.
Soothies - Soothie binkies can work wonders to soothe your baby in between photos and setups. Even if your baby doesn't normally use a binkie it can be helpful for these few short hours if needed.
Health and 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.
Arrival - I will remove my shoes on the front porch/front door upon entering your home.
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 let me arrive to your home if your family is ill in any way. I will need to leave your home and your retainer fee will not be refunded.
Hand-washing - I will wash my hands or use sanitizer before starting the session.
Cleaning - Please know I have always cleaned all my studio items I bring to your home before and after each session. However I am taking extra precautions by laundering all studio items I bring with me to your home regardless if they are soiled or not and sanitizing all hard surfaces with Lysol after each session to ensure everyone’s safety.
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 - When I arrive I'll check out the house for the best possible spots to shoot. Sometimes the areas I’ll use may not be what you would automatically choose - but I always pick areas with the best natural window lighting for your portraits. Please trust that I will do my best to use areas you like but I may give better suggestions that will give more pleasing portraits.
Bags of Goodies - I bring along items from in studio like a few swaddles, a few cozy blankets, up to two studio baby outfits, up to three props, my studio space heater, headbands for girls, hats for boys and more. I also bring hand sanitzer and will clean my hands before ever touching your baby.
Baby Led - You should know that I allow newborns to lead our photo session. If I notice they don’t like a certain pose, I won’t force it. Each pose I use is natural and safe for your baby. I don’t offer all of my traditional posing of your baby on my posing fabric setup as that is for in studio sessions only, but I will take photos of them on their back and 1-2 tummy poses (assuming they are content) on fabrics from my studio collection. I also typically bring up to three props(bowl/basket) and wraps for baby to lie in while swaddled.
Photo Time - I'll begin by taking family, parent and any sibling photos of baby in an outfit. If you prefer that I wrap your baby for family photos just let me know. After that portion I'll begin taking photos of your baby by themselves. All poses are natural but I do have a set of poses and a flow I use for every session so we get a nice variety of looks for your gallery.
Family Photos - If you prefer a newborn session with only baby photos, this in home session is not the best choice for you. In home sessions are 50% family 50% baby. If you prefer only baby photos you would need to choose my Petite Baby Session option which is baby only in my studio.
Break - Your baby may or may not need to feed during the session - which is absolutely fine. If your baby needs to feed we will simply take a break for them to eat.
Baby - Your baby will not be naked during our photo session. We'll keep your baby in their romper and/or a swaddle.
Your Gallery - You'll receive your online gallery in three weeks. During that time I'll post sneak peeks to social media and take my time choosing the best photos for your art gallery.
What to Wear
Here are a few wardrobe tips to help you look stylish. Please be advised that parents and siblings only need one outfit each.
Hair and makeup - Please contact me if you need hair/makeup artist referrals!
Timeless - My newborn photos are timeless - so simple, neutral/solid colors and fabrics are a must. Solid, soft/lighter colors really photograph better. Fitted tees, polos or button-ups (with jeans or slacks) for the guys & maxi dresses or tank tops, blouses and cardigans (with jeans or slacks/leggings) for ladies really allow your baby to be the center focus of family portraits. I ask families to go barefoot in home so no need to stress over what shoes to wear.
Newborn Outfits - I can provide 1-2 outfits for your newborn session unless you have something simple you want them to wear. I keep things timeless with soft wraps and small headbands (for girls) to compliment your baby.
Discuss - I love helping families coordinate outfits to get the most timeless look in your photos and would be happy to help you select the best possible outfit for each family member. Please email me if you want help!
|| Check out clothing ideas on my Newborn Pinterest boards! ||