Booking and Planning.

As soon as baby comes, it's non-stop late nights and hard work for Mom and Dad. Coordinating a portrait session seems like the last thing on your list of priorities. This is why we recommend booking your session at least 2-4 months in advance of your due date to make sure everything is lined up ahead of time and you don't have to worry! Once your little bundle of joy arrives, please contact Erika Hopkins Photography to let us know the news. We will work closely with you or a family member to find a day and time that works for everyone. Newborns are best photographed under 2 weeks of age; the ideal timing before 7 days.

Before the Session.

With a new baby - everything is new! It takes time to get into a rhythm with your little angel, and predicting when nap time will happen is generally difficult. However, if you can manage to have baby fed and changed before the shoot, this will increase chances of sleep! If you have any outfits or props you'd like included in the portraits, please lay them out ahead of time in a place easily accessible.

During the Shoot.

The golden rule of newborn photography: babies are unpredictable! At just a few days old, a regular feeding, sleeping, and potty schedule is out of the question. We understand this, and as a result require a minimum of 2 hours blocked out for posed family sessions. Although we have our bag of tricks to make the process efficient and fun for everyone, it really all comes down to how baby's feeling. 

For posed sessions, we ask that parents wait in another room while we pose and photograph your sleeping newborn. Parents are wonderful, but can be distracting for baby. We will call you in immediately if baby needs something - which he or she probably will! Of course, parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in lifestyle images. Shots with Mom, Dad, and Baby are beautiful reminders of the emotion and excitement of this special time in life.

In-Studio Ordering Appointment.

The portraits have been taken, individually retouched with great love and care, and now it's time for you to see the end result of all our hard work and planning! One of our clients' favorite parts of the entire Erika Hopkins Photography experience is getting to see their beautiful portraits presented at our studio.  At this point in time, you'll have the opportunity to choose the photographs you would like to have as prints, albums, canvas, or a variety of other handcrafted portrait products we offer. We'll make recommendations for portrait products we think would enhance your living space! This is your time to ask questions, place orders, and get excited about your portraits.

Maternity & Newborn Sessions are our passion & we are super excited for the opportunity to meet your family!

We understand your time is precious, thank you for taking the time to read over this information. If you believe we are a great fit for your family, we would love to schedule your complimentary consultation appointment. At which point, we can discuss details, clothing, portrait ideas and answer any questions you may have.