Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Newborn Sessions

1. When is the best time to schedule my Newborn Session?
   The ideal time for a newborn photoshoot is when your baby is between 5-10 days old. During this stage, babies are typically sleepier and more easily posed, allowing us to capture those precious early moments. However, we understand that every situation is unique, especially for NICU babies or those born earlier. In such cases, we schedule sessions individually to accommodate your baby’s specific needs and development. Please give us a call, and we will gladly consult with you to determine the best time to schedule your session.

2. What is included in the Newborn Session package?
   The session includes a preliminary styling consultation (via Zoom or in-person), access to our luxury studio wardrobe and unique props, 2-4 hours of photoshoot time to accommodate the baby's needs, and a private gallery reveal session to choose and order your favorite images and products.

3. What styles can I choose for my Newborn Session?
   We offer a range of styles for newborn sessions to create the perfect look that aligns with your vision. For a classic and timeless approach, we can pose your baby on a soft beanbag with solid color backdrops to reflect the pure beauty of your newborn. If you prefer a more styled session, we can add delicate accents, props, and adorable handmade outfits to match the theme or mood you envision. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or creative touches, we’ll work with you to design a session that captures the essence of your newborn in an elegant and memorable way.

4. How do you handle newborns during the session?
   Our team is highly trained and experienced in safely handling newborns. We prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety, using gentle posing techniques and creating a warm, cozy environment to keep your little one relaxed throughout the session.

5. What if I am late for my photoshoot?
   We offer a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals. After that, we kindly ask that you arrive on time to allow yourself plenty of time to relax, feed your baby, and take breaks as needed. This ensures a smooth, enjoyable session. If you are more than 40 minutes late, we reserve the right to cancel the session without a refund.

6. How many outfits or setups can I choose?
   You are welcome to choose as many outfits or setups as you like. Each additional setup requires a minimum order of 10 beautifully edited images and will add time to your session to accommodate outfit changes and posing.

7. Where do newborn sessions take place?
   All sessions take place at Nova Fine Art Studio, a full-service photography studio located in the heart of Nova. Our studio is equipped with professional lighting, a curated collection of props, and a comfortable setting with amenities such as a cozy sofa, bathroom, and refreshments. We also provide a fully equipped changing table with blankets, diapers, and burp cloths to ensure your baby’s comfort throughout the session. The temperature in the studio is set to a warm level to keep your baby comfortable, especially during naked poses. We recommend that parents wear light and easy-to-remove layers to stay comfortable during the session.

8. What atmosphere should we expect in the studio?
   At Nova Fine Art Studio, we create a warm, welcoming, and relaxing atmosphere for your session. The studio is designed to feel comfortable and homelike, with cozy seating areas, soft music playing in the background, and refreshments available to keep you at ease. We offer a warm environment, ideal for keeping your baby cozy and relaxed during the session. We take care of every detail to make your experience stress-free, and our goal is for you to feel relaxed and enjoy the session while we capture beautiful, timeless images of you and your family.

9. How do you ensure safety during newborn sessions?
   We take safety very seriously at Nova Fine Art Studio. Our team is Infant CPR certified, and we operate as a licensed and insured business to provide a secure and professional environment. All props used during sessions are thoroughly sanitized, ironed, and properly cleaned before each use to ensure your baby’s health and comfort. Additionally, upon request, our team can wear masks and gloves while working with your newborn to provide an extra level of care and protection. Your baby’s safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we strive to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for every family.

10. Can I get my makeup and hair done before the session?
    Yes, professional makeup and hairstyling can be included for one person. You can share your preferences ahead of time or allow our artist to create a fresh, polished look for your portraits with your newborn.

How to prepare for makeup and hair:

• Hair preparation: Please arrive with clean, 100% dry hair without any oily products. If you have textured hair, we recommend a blowout and flat iron to achieve the best styling results.

• Makeup: Please come with a clean, makeup-free face to allow our artist to start with a fresh canvas.

• Body preparation: Avoid tight clothing on the day of your session, and wear easy-to-remove outfits when arriving at the studio. Please refrain from using strong fragrances and avoid applying any oily products to your skin.

1. How long does it take to receive the images?
   Two weeks after your photoshoot, we will schedule a Zoom or in-person gallery reveal session. During this meeting, you’ll view and enjoy your fine art images and select those you wish to turn into large prints or exclusive fine art albums.

2. Do I have to order prints?
   We strive to offer an enjoyable experience and products that you truly love. You can choose to go with fine art high-end edited digital images or create a full collection. With a new baby at home, you may not have the time to think about printing canvases, creating albums, or decorating your living room with beautiful images. Capturing the early days of your baby’s life deserves thoughtful preservation. We offer stunning wall art and luxury albums that will beautifully adorn your home and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

3. What if I want to go for it and create a collection?
   You can choose from beautiful wall art, luxury albums, and framed wall art. If you select products from step 1 through 3, you can apply your session fee of $450 towards your collection of printed products.

4. What if I want a cohesive look from maternity to newborn sessions?
   We offer Signature Bump to Baby Portraits, where we create a cohesive look by setting up the same style and themes for both your maternity and newborn sessions. This allows you to capture the beautiful journey from pregnancy to your baby’s first days in a seamless, artistic style that tells your story.

5. Should I schedule for a later time if I had a C-section?
   No, it's best not to delay your newborn session, as babies grow quickly, and the session can take longer as they get older. For moms recovering from a C-section or any complications during labor, we’ve designed our studio with comfort in mind. We have a cozy sofa, pillows, and blankets where you can rest during the photoshoot. You can even have your makeup and hair done while reclining or lying down. You’ll only need to stand up for a few special photos with your baby, and those cherished memories will be well worth it. Your comfort and recovery are our priority while capturing these precious moments.

6. When should I reschedule the session?
   If your baby has a rash, there’s usually no need to reschedule the session. Most newborns experience minor rashes, and we are skilled at editing and removing them in post-processing. However, if you are unsure or concerned, feel free to send a photo to the photographer for guidance. On the other hand, if your baby is experiencing a gassy belly, discomfort, or feeding issues, it may be best to reschedule. A baby who is struggling with tummy problems or discomfort may not settle well for the session. In these cases, we recommend consulting with your pediatrician, trying some gas drops, and waiting until your baby feels more comfortable.

7. Will there be a place to breastfeed or pump?
   Yes, absolutely! Our studio is equipped with a comfortable, private area where you can breastfeed or pump as needed. You’re welcome to take breaks during the session to feed your baby or pump while makeup is being done or whenever necessary. We prioritize your comfort and your baby’s needs to make the session as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

8. What should I bring for the Newborn Session?

   • Blanket: Bring a cozy blanket that your baby is familiar with to keep them comfortable during the session.

   • Diapers: Make sure to have enough diapers on hand for the duration of the photoshoot.

   • Pacifier: A pacifier is highly recommended as it can be very helpful in soothing your baby between poses.

   • Extra Pumped Milk or Formula: Only well-fed babies sleep and pose well. Bring extra bottles of pumped milk or formula to ensure your baby stays content throughout the session.

   • Cream or Lotion: If your baby has specific skincare needs, bring their usual cream or lotion to keep their skin soft and moisturized.

   • Comfortable Clothes: Avoid tight or hard-to-remove clothes, as we want to make outfit changes easy for your baby.

   • Socks: To keep your baby’s feet warm during transitions between setups.

   • Favorite Toy: A familiar toy can help comfort your baby and keep them relaxed during the session.

9. How do I book my Newborn Session?Booking is simple! You can schedule a consultation through our website or contact us directly via phone or email. We recommend booking during your pregnancy to secure a two-week slot around your due date, ensuring we can prioritize your session once your baby is born. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific requests you may have, so we can create a personalized experience for your newborn session. We’ll guide you through the entire process, making sure every detail is tailored to meet your expectations.