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 (with your significant other) 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 sleepy and content.

  • Pack a bag with these essentials:

    • Enough milk for multiple feedings

    • Wipes/Diapers

    • A baby brush

    • A binky (even if you don’t plan to give one - this may be a huge, unexpected help)

    • Snacks/drinks/lunch for yourselves

  • Added guests - I ask that only those being photographed (parents are welcome!) 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. Grandparents can be added to a session for $50. *At this time pets are not allowed in studio.*

  • Spouse Support - It is incredibly important that you either go over this guide with your partner or send them the link to read on their own. This way they understand the session length, how the session will go when siblings are involved and more.

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 we’ll head upstairs to my dedicated studio room. I'll show you the best outfits and fabric options from my collection based on your questionnaire that I've carefully put together to compliment your baby. I offer comfortable seating with refreshments during your session.

  • Home Studio - Because my studio is in my home, I ask that you keep that in mind during our session together. Opening my home up to you is so special and definitely personal for me. But I do keep the rest of my home off limits to maintain privacy. You’ll have access to my studio and the main downstairs guest restroom. I ask that all used items like diapers, snacks, drinks, sanitary items be disposed in a bathroom or studio trash before you head home. I appreciate you so much for following these guidelines!

  • 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. Please understand I always try to complete all the cute poses but if your baby is very unsettled in a specific pose I can’t be held responsible for not including it in your gallery. It’s best to go into your session with an open mind because even if we need to change a pose to something else your baby will still be the main focus and your images will be beautiful.

  • Binkies and Feedings - It’s not uncommon for babies to feed more during the photo session or want a binky for soothing during posing because they aren’t used to the extra touching, moving and posing. Sometimes I’ll ask to use a binky to help baby stay calm between poses. If you’re not ok with a binky I fully understand - it may mean baby may need a bit more milk then or more wrapped/less posed photos. Please bring plenty of milk or formula if you aren’t breastfeeding. Sometimes a baby will drink a bottle and then need more before the end of the session. Your baby is burning more calories and energy at their session than they would at home so it is not uncommon for them to eat early or eat more at the session. *If your baby is showing hunger signs and is visibly upset, we will need to feed them. If you are not wanting to feed them at this point we will need to end the session as I won’t be able to pose your baby while hungry/upset.*

  • Photo Time - I'll begin by taking family, parent and any sibling photos with baby (if you purchased a package that includes this). Let me know if you prefer to use outfits from my studio or want your baby wrapped for the beginning family portion. I typically wrap baby for family photos if there are siblings involved. Please dress baby in a zipper sleeper so we can easily undress your baby when you arrive. After the family portion I'll begin taking photos of your baby by themselves.

  • Siblings - Once parent, family and sibling photos are completed **I ask that any siblings are taken home, to lunch or to a guardians home.** This allows us to have a quiet space to photograph your baby and your older children are able to relax at home or at lunch with a parent/guardian. Siblings will not be able to stay the entire session unless they are older (6-7 years and up). Some parents find it helpful to drive separately from their spouse and toddler so they can go home after the family portion. This only works if a mom is able to drive herself home with their newborn after giving birth. No pressure to do this - but its been a successful option for those with toddlers!

  • Baby - Your baby will more than likely not be naked during our photo session unless you request one nakie pose. We'll keep your baby in a diaper and use wraps, fabrics, posing tricks and/or outfits to ensure their diaper is never shown. I find this eases everyone's mind knowing we don't have to constantly worry about an accident. I provide everything in studio from onesies, to wraps, fabrics, outfits and more.

  • Props and Special Requests - If you’re wanting to bring something for baby to wear, a prop or special item please let me know before the session. This way I know exactly how to incorporate it into a setup. Items brought to the session without letting me know may not be able to be incorporated. I am happy to discuss special requests but I ask that you don’t ask me to copy a lot of poses from Pinterest or another photographers’ work. You can definitely request certain looks and props from my own work though before the session and I’ll be sure to include it in your session!

  • Your Gallery - You'll receive your online gallery in three weeks.  

Sick 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 ask that you take your shoes off at the door. You can wear socks or be barefoot in my home and studio space. We will avoid hand-shaking all together. Please know I am still excited to see you and your sweet family!

  • 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.

  • Hand-washing - Everyone will have access to the provided sanitizer upon entering my home and also more sanitizer in the studio. You’ll also have access to the restroom downstairs.

  • 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.

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 colors really photograph better, especially on my white bedding setup. I usually suggest avoiding stripes or black/super dark colors. Fitted tees, polos or button-ups (with jeans or slacks) for the guys & tank tops, maxi dresses, 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 studio so no need to stress over what shoes to wear.

  • Avoid - Bold stripes and patterns, very dark colors, clothing with words, hats, stained or transparent clothing, clothing that is too loose or too tight.

  • Family Styling - Family members only need one outfit for this session. If you would like to request a wardrobe change and extra images please let me know and we can discuss this at an additional cost.

  • Warm- Think about wearing layers. It can get warm in the studio for newborn sessions. You can also bring a change of clothes to get comfy once parent photos are completed if you want.

  • Newborn Outfits - I love to provide outfits for your newborn session. I keep things timeless with soft wraps, knit outfits and small headbands to compliment your baby. All they need is a diaper during our session.

  • 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!