best houston newborn photography

What Happens During a Newborn Family Session? Steps to Expect with Sarah Borchgrevink

Steps to Expect During Your Posed Newborn Photoshoot with Sarah

Houston Newborn Photography
Sibling Images with Newborn Baby

Congratulations on your newest addition! I have been photographing newborn babies full-time since 2013 and genuinely adore capturing earthside cherubs in their brand new nature. Besides having 4 (spirited!) little ones myself, I have invested in mentoring and workshops and have formally trained in posing, handling, lighting, post-processing, and more. I utilize top-of-the-line professional gear, a custom-built PC, and both natural and studio light. My husband, Kevin, and I work together and enjoy being a team. Please note we are fully vaccinated and insured as a safeguard to promote newborn safety. All props and textiles are sanitized between uses. Daily cleaning service also visits.

If you haven’t added your due date to our calendar, feel free to do so here: Due Date Placeholder Scheduling Link.

Importance of Transparency

Baby  Portraits in Houston

The prep guide is essential because this is the key to having quality images. Keeping Baby asleep during several setups, poses, and wraps are much different than putting Baby to sleep at home in a crib or a swing. Your baby is handled with love, care, respect. I acknowledge this is a great deal of information, and you're right: it is! However, this removes stress during the session process, so you’re up to date on everything that will happen.

Studio Address and Office Details

 
Classic and minimalist newborn photography

and is fully stocked with luxury items reflecting the vintage-inspired, dreamy, and timeless branding. The type of setups and designs you may expect is the style displayed in my portfolio. (www.sarahborchgrevinkphotography.com) Your styling questionnaire has you share colors you like and perhaps would like to avoid. I request no props from home except for a few heirloom pieces, if this is of importance to you. If there is a specific setup from my website you would like, please let me know in advance so I may prepare. We will cycle through all of our setups. If Baby shows signs of distress, I will move on from that portion, though we can return if there is time after we have completed other setups. Please remember your gallery will be lovely, and that is important to respect Baby. If Baby is crying and uncomfortable, I will never force Baby into a position, no matter how much a parent begs me to do so. I cannot ethically do this and request you not pressure me to do so. It makes me extremely uncomfortable and can hinder the atmosphere of the session.

What to wear? Family, Sibling, and Parent Images

Family Outfits for Newborn Photoshoot Ideas
sibling and new baby outfit inspiration

I have a client wardrobe mothers may use for their session. It includes gowns that photograph well in the space, typically in small-large sizes. They are flowy and timeless. You are welcome to use one for our session though if you have an outfit from home, you prefer that's fine, too! If you would like to use the client wardrobe, please wear a nude bra and bring an underslip to prevent undergarments from showing.

There is also a sister wardrobe, too, in sizes three months – 5t.  For siblings and Dad: please stick to neutrals, if possible, or muted pastels. Avoid neon colors. Orange, yellow, bright greens or pinks are not favorable. Colors that photograph well are light grey, tans, creams, white, and ivory.

Seafoam, mauve, and colors of this sort are lovely, too! The baby will be wrapped for their session in a coordinating color.

Dads look lovely in a pair of jeans or khaki pants, simple button-up, or even a polo shirt without distracting labels. Moms can do a long maxi dress if they would like or cardigan, tank top, whichever you're comfortable.  Children look precious in jeans or khaki pants with a solid or neutral colored top. Little girls look darling in a simple cotton dress without any cartoon characters or distracting labels.

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dad and newborn baby boy posing
family photography with new baby
mom and newborn baby boy posing
adorable sibling photos with newborn sister
Family Portraits in Houston TX

Hair and Makeup: Professional Airbrushing and Artistry

Best Newborn Photography in Houston TX
professional hair and makeup at Sarah Borchgrevink Studio

If you’re interested in adding professional hair and makeup to your photoshoot, the preferred vendor we use is Annie Williams. If you prefer your hair and makeup be done at the studio, we’ll photograph Baby while your hair and makeup are completed. Read all about how to add hair and makeup to your package.

Houston Newborn Photographer

If doing your own hair and makeup, please stick to a matte color palate. Avoid dark eyeliner, neon highlighters or shadows, and harsh lines. Think classic, soft, feminine, and chic. Nudes and peachy tones are stunning. I also recommend filling in your brows and using a primer so that the skin pores look soft. A translucent powder is excellent for smoothing out complexions, too. Even a store such as Ulta or Sephora is a great place to stop by for a quick touchup. These are just tips and tricks I recommend as I have four young kiddos and have had many photoshoots myself.

Before You Arrive at the Studio

photographing a newborn session
  • Feed Baby very well before you leave for the studio. Your session time allots time for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and more, so have no fear: we’ll have a great session!

  • Please dress baby in a loose-fitting outfit to avoid too many lines on their skin. A zip-up sleeper or footed pajamas are a great idea. Avoid pulling anything over the head so as not to disturb your baby too much.

  • If you're comfortable doing so, please bring a pacifier. If you're not using one, I completely understand and respect your parenting wishes. A pacifier is a great soothing tool, especially for prop shots like Baby in a bucket or the naked beanbag posing.

When You Arrive

  • I promise I am excited to meet you! We’ll go right into our session. Family photos take place in my all-white, lifestyle room and your Baby’s individual setups take place in the newborn room. Family photos take place first, followed by Baby as the star! If, however, you are interested in using my motherhood wardrobe, you’re welcome to try on gowns and see what you like. In this case, we’ll start with Baby’s individual photos first and then go into the family, parent, and sibling portion.

  • The newborn room is set to 84 degrees, white noise is turned on, and all setups are prepared in advance. This cozy environment emulates the womb and helps Baby sleep through many designs, poses, and being moved.

  • Remember: at home, your baby is covered and often clothed, but in a studio environment, they're naked or have less clothing. For family photos, I will wrap Baby in a coordinating color and make sure they’re a snuggly bundle of joy. I’ll give plenty of direction and ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

Family/Sibling/Parent Images | Setups You May Expect

Houston Family Photographer

If you’ve selected a package with family, sibling, and parent images, you may expect us to spend 20 - 25 minutes on this portion. We cover setups such as each parent with Baby, parents together, immediate family, and sibling (if applicable) with Baby. If you would like the majority of your appointment to be family-based, let me know in advance so that I may plan our session setups accordingly. We can do less with Baby and more with family.

During Your Session Appointment

Baby Photography in Houston
  • Feel free to sit back and relax. You’re welcome to hang out in the newborn room or the lobby, too. I won't need any assistance, so if you'd like to rest, think of me as your babysitter. You're welcome to bring a tablet or laptop to work, or maybe even your Kindle to read (a luxury, I know, ha!).

  • I am very comfortable working with newborns. Don't worry if Baby goes potty or spits up on anything. After you leave, everything is cleaned, as this is simply part of newborn photography.  Always feel like you can ask a question. Once your session time is up, you are welcome to stay and feed Baby in the mothers' room.

After the Session: What’s Next?

All of the following information is automatically sent you to 24 hours after our session occurs; however, I include it at the end of our prep guide, too. Feel free to read all about soft-proofing and how we share, receive, and download full-resolution JPEG files.

  • Parents select the full-resolution, non-watermarked JPEG digital files via a private online proofing gallery. The proofing gallery is delivered to your preferred e-mail address, and you choose images from the comfort of home.

  • All portrait packages include props, time and talent of Sarah/Kevin, the number of full-resolution JPEG digital files, listed in your package, plus matching black and white edits of those selections, unlimited released printing rights, as well as a list of curated labs, so you’re sure to have excellent options for display. If you're interested in professional prints/products, however, you're welcome to shop in your online gallery to see an array of professional-grade options.

  • Your online proofing gallery is delivered 14 days after your appointment.

  • Your gallery showcases the top images. Galleries are soft-proofed, which means a light edit is applied to your selections, though your final copies will be professionally enhanced; this is when the skin smoothing, eye sharpening, etc. is done. Once you select your final images, the retouching will be completed in three business days, M-F.

  • Upon logging into your gallery, instructions are given on how to choose the images in your session. At that time, if you’re interested in additional digital files, your gallery will share how to upgrade though there is no obligation to do so.

How Many Images You Will See in Your Private Proofing Gallery?

  • Wrapped Newborn| 40 images

  • Bean Bag Newborn | 30 images

  • Petite Newborn Session | 50 images

  • Full Newborn Session | 65 – 70 images

Digital Files Available for Instant Download

The final image selections are shared through an online gallery in which you may instantly download your non-watermarked, full-resolution digital images JPEG images. You are responsible for downloading these images within 30 days and archiving them into the cloud.

I will include a few consumer-grade labs, so you have an idea of where to purchase albums,

prints, canvases, etc. If you are interested in professional-grade prints & products, however, let me know! The gallery has a store attached so you may shop and select the highest quality products. Products are shipped to your home, and there are no in-person ordering appointments or need to pick up products from the studio. Thank you for choosing me to photograph your baby's session! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to notify me immediately. I want you to have a fantastic portraiture experience. I know this feels like a lot of information, and I do not want to overwhelm you; however, newborn photography takes planning. They're once in a lifetime, and you will treasure them forever! I look forward to our time together!

Warmly,

Sarah & Kevin

Updated Due Date Placeholder | Accepting 2020 Arrivals

Specializing in studio infant, baby, and newborn portraits, Sarah Borchgrevnk is joyfully accepting 2020 due dates! See more information below.

Hi, gang! Welcome! As 2019 winds down, the studio is gearing up for a great upcoming year! We are thrilled to share we’re accepting due date placeholders for 2020. A due date placeholder is a beautiful way to commission our studio as your baby’s portrait artist. A due date placeholder means your estimated due date is added to our calendar. This lets us know how many babies to expect each month so we may plan accordingly.

Newborn sessions occur in the first 14 days of life, preferably when your Little One is 5-9 days old. This timeframe is the optimal time when new infants are curly, sleepy, flexible, moldable, and able to be posed in those oh-so-darling images you see via our Houston Newborn Photography Portfolio page. Adding your due date to the calendar gives you instant access to the scheduling options once your baby is born. You are most likely to have your preferred date and time not to miss the fleeting newborn window. The weekend dates are also highly sought after, o keep this in mind, too!

The best time to add your due date to our calendar is when you’re either in the second or third trimester. Your due date is simply an estimation for when the Baby is expected to arrive. Some little ones are early, late, and even right on time. No matter when your cherub is earthside, you already have access to the calendar.

  • Package pricing is upfront and eareadilyvailable to you to make things simple for new parents! The studio's focus is selling full-resolution digital files, along with a print release. There are no in-person sales appointments, minimum print orders, or separate session fees. One rate pays for your entire session from start to finish. However, professional prints and products are available for purchase as a perk to parents seeking the highest quality.

  • 14Fourteenays after your session, you receive a private online proofing gallery showcasing the best images from our time together! Parents select the number of portraits that come in the chosen package. At that time, those selections are fully and professionally edited. They’re polished up and ready for you to print, share online, and treasure forever!

  • The chosen images are delivered three days later via instant digital download. A print release is also included. You may print your photos as many times or large as you would like forever.

  • Sessions are available seven days per week in the studio between 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., M-F, and 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The standard turnaround for proofing galleries is 14 days, year-round.

  • Motherhood wardrobe is included for all sessions.

Other helpful details:

  • The studio is fully vaccinated and insured to provide newborn safety for our most petite clients, such as Tdap, MMR, and the yearly flu vaccine.

  • Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is centrally located in the Uptown/River Oaks area of Houston.

  • Sarah and Kevin are a full-time husband and wife team dedicated to offering a wonderful experience for new parents.

  • Highest rated newborn photographer in Houston (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021)

Add your due date to the calendar below

After adding your due date to the calendar:

·         As soon as Baby is here, please select your preferred date/time/package from the scheduling link below. The sooner you pick your date, the more likely you are to have your preferred session date and time.

·         The scheduling calendar will have you fill out a styling questionnaire so you can answer helpful questions about Baby, share colors you like or dislike, and also anything you’d like me to know in advance.

·         Upon selecting your date and time, your posed newborn prep guide PDF is sent to your preferred e-mail address. The guide is a helpful and recommended list of instructions to ensure we have a great session together!

·         I would like to see you in the first 14 days of life, preferably at 5-9 days new, if possible.

·         When picking your appointment time, ignore the portion about signing a contract/deposit as you've already done this in advance.

 

 Babies are often early or late, so no worries if this happens. 

 

The link to schedule your newborn session is here:

 

https://sarahborchgrevinkphotographyschedulingcalendar.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=category%3ANewborn+Packages 

  

Thank you for choosing my studio! If you have any questions in the meantime, please let me know. I look forward to working with you! In the meantime, please let me know if anything changes!

The following information is everything you need to know about our time together.

Studio Expectations and Standards for Sarah Borchgrevink Photography

The following information is helpful and lets you know exactly what to expect.

Studio hours are as follows:

Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday are 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

 



23 Too Cute for Words Floor Prop Setups Sure to Give You Baby Fever

Buckets, bowls, beds, crates, and more! Sarah shares 23 precious photos that will make you swoon!

There is something absolutely adorable about a brand new baby sweetly nestled into a floor prop! Perhaps it is their curly nature or how much, as parents, we marvel at the beauty in new life, but one thing is for sure: these precious setups will totally make you smile! Cozy up and check out my favorite images from the last few weeks!

Miniature Newborn Bed Props

vintage newborn bed prop

Of all the vintage-inspired floor props in my Houston Newborn Baby Studio (believe me: there’s over 100, ha!), mini beds are basically my favorite props ever! I have several on hand that are wire, wooden, cream, brown, natural, etc. There are many amazing options, too! Part of being one of the best Houston baby photographers is providing unique, timeless, and breathtaking options for new parents. Floor props, for instance, are a great way to share your creativity. Textiles, texture, hats, bonnets, layers, wrapping, I could go on and on! Floor prop sessions are also the most popular with parents because they are the timeless and sweet images that you’ll treasure forever.

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adorable sleeping baby in newborn bed
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cute props for newborn baby photoshoot

Wooden Bowls & Rustic Flooring

newborn girl photography ideas

When it comes to a newborn studio, every baby photographer needs an amazing rustic bowl. The perfect bowl can be used for both girl or boy babies; it can be styled to be masculine or feminine. The bowl should gently cradle the earthside cherub and be the perfect vessel for showcasing an adorable little one! This bowl is one of my favorites and I often pull it for many different session types.

wooden bowl posed newborn portraits
neutral inspired baby boy photography session

Woven Basket for texture

newborn photography basket ideas

Baskets are also a cornerstone to newborn photography prop stashes because they provide much needed texture. When you have a new baby, the baby is brand new and so sweet; the baskets are needed to add contrast. They can be styled in many different ways and also are versatile!

There are many vendors that provide awesome baskets, but sometimes I luck out and find one in the states that’s available for immediate shipping.

Baskets look best with a wrapped baby and they’re nestled so sweetly!

baskets for newborn baby photography

Babies in buckets | oh my

newborn bucket props

Of all the setups during a posed newborn session, the bucket set up is always a favorite of mine! I have a huge variety of them from wooden to wire; pastel to bold; neutral to muted; textured to smooth. This gives endless creativity and also many options depending on the size of the baby. After all, a 5 pound baby will need a different bucket or pail than a 10 pound little one.

how to pose newborn in a bucket
neutral set up newborn boy in bucket
sage green newborn boy in aged pail
baby in a bucket setup with bear bonnet
mint green newborn girl bucket pose
unique baby photography ideas for newborns
newborn girl photography mint bucket and headband

Flokati rugs

flokati rug newborn photography posing

Ahhhh, flokati rugs - the ultimate texture in newborn images! I love love love love these and adore using them in many parts of the session. However, this cream one is such a treat because it’s so fluffy, ha! In fact, my husband teases me because I buy dog brushes to brush the flokati rugs so they stay nice and full. I can’t help it; I love all of my props and like to take care of them!

lamb bonnet and newborn flokati rug

If you enjoyed reading about how I create interesting and unique newborn setups, you may also enjoy reading these topics, too!

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.