What happens after the session?
Within TWO WEEKS after your session you will be notified that your personal online gallery is available displaying 25 or more images. Your gallery will remain on our site for TWO WEEKS. This is when you or family members will be able to order prints and products. Please allow TWO WEEKS for delivery of your prints. Specialty products like custom frames, canvases, and albums will take longer.
How old should my baby be when we take pictures?
Newborns are best photographed within the first 4-10 days of life. We want the baby to still be itty bitty and mostly still be sleepy and moldable. They start to wake up to the world after that first week. Contact me before your baby is due and let’s schedule a tentative date for the photo shoot to make sure you get on my calendar. Those on my calendar get priority.
During a little one’s first year of life I recommend doing pictures around 6-8 months (when able to sit up) and 12 months (when able to stand on their own).
What do I need to do to prepare for my newborn photo shoot?
If you’re coming to the studio…
If you live in town and somewhat nearby the studio (studio is near Riverpark shopping center) then put baby in a simple onesie that’s easy to take off. Feed baby before you leave home and hopefully she will be sleepy after the car ride here.
For a photo shoot at your home…
Put your baby in just a diaper and then swaddle her in a simple blanket (blanket will be in some pictures). Feed baby and fill her tummy so she’s satisfied. Then try to get baby to sleep. Hopefully when it’s time to begin we will have a sleepy, full tummy, almost naked baby ready to take some beautiful pictures.
Some other things you need to know for your newborn shoot…
- Please bring a pacifier along just in case. They are often helpful.
- The morning of the session keep baby awake the best you can. Play and interact with baby so they’ll be good and tired when it comes time for our photo shoot.
- Be prepared to nurse or bottle feed a couple of times if baby needs it during the session. We want to keep baby content and sleepy.
- Newborn sessions usually take about two hours but can last up to three hours if baby needs more nursing and snuggling time. Please be prepared for this amount of time and let dad know that it will take this long.
- If you’d like pictures of an older sibling with the new baby I will request that if at all possible another adult bring the older sibling near the end of our session. Maybe dad, grandma, or a friend can bring the older sibling later. It’s better for everyone if the older children are not there waiting the whole time and are fresh when it’s their turn for photos.
- I will make the room nice and toasty warm for our naked baby. So please be prepared for warmth. Layering clothing works well.
What about all the little hats & bows for the newborn shoots?
I have some hats, bows, flower headbands, and diaper covers that we can use. But I always love something new and then it’s unique to your little baby! So, yes please, buy some that fit your tastes and bring them along. You can find a ton of different choices of hats, bows, and diaper covers at www.etsy.com. Just type in the search for newborn hat, newborn bow, or newborn flower headband and then you can go crazy with the choices. My only tip is don’t get things where the flowers are too big or the colors are so bright that it takes away from your baby’s newborn perfection. Delicate is better. :) Ga Ga Chic in Fig Garden Village has some gorgeous stuff too if you want something classy but unique.
Where do you take the pictures?
For those newborn babies, I have a small studio space in North Fresno near Riverpark or we can shoot them at your home.
For little ones who are one year old or younger, we can do them at the studio, at your home, or outside somewhere lovely. All pictures including siblings and family are done outdoors (with the exception of during newborn shoot).
For everyone older than one year, I really prefer and love taking photos out on location. As far as where? It’s really up to you. Whether it’s the buildings downtown, an interesting looking wall, your home, some orchards, vineyards, or the beautiful foothills it’s sure to be a fun adventure. If you don’t feel like you have any great ideas, then I would love to offer up a few.
What if my little ones don’t sit perfectly still and smile?
Many moms are a bit stressed as they prepare their families for pictures. Then the actual moment comes and they are worried that everyone will just “fall apart”. Don’t stress. Don’t worry. We’re just going to “play and explore” if there are little ones. Please relax and know that no….all will not be perfect, but…we will get some fantastic shots of your children playing and interacting. They may not be the Olan Mills type of shot where everyone is looking perfectly at the camera and smiling just so. But I prefer the ones where everyone is expressing a bit of themselves anyway and I hope you do too! Just remember, if you’re stressed, your children can feel it, so relax and let’s have fun with it.
What should we wear?
For newborn babies -
Naked! Gotta love that little tiny body. Just swaddle them up in a sweet blanket to keep them cozy. Little bows or hats are great accents to have around. I will have a few diaper covers if you’d rather have them keep their diaper on, both knitted and with ruffles.
For siblings or family shots with your newborn -
It depends on the look you prefer. Click here for a few ideas.
For family shoots -
I have some ideas and some pictures to help. Click here and hopefully it will help you.
For expecting moms -
I love being creative outside with an expecting mom. Wear something that reflects you. Wear a fun, sweet dress that shows off your growing belly. More of a jeans kind of girl? Wear a flattering top and your favorite jeans. If you like the exposed belly look, wear a thin top that you can pull up and expose your belly comfortably.
For older children -
Go for color. Whether the color is mellow or bright, solid colors photograph great. Stripes and plaids are good as well but don’t go too busy. If you’re feeling a little bold or funky, go for bright, bold colors. Think about the walls that you will be displaying them on. Feel free to add colorful accessories to spice it up: bows, beanies, hats, rain boots, scarves, etc. Pay attention to the weather and keep your child comfortable so that they are happy during the shoot.
How do I place my order?
Email me your order at cori@derksenphotography.com. Feel free to ask any questions if you have any.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, credit card, or paypal. Make checks payable to Derksen Photography. The session fee is due at the time of your appointment.
Ready to book a session?