houston maternity photography

2021 COVID-19 Update: Standard Studio Safeguards and Procedures to Protect Our Petite, Precious Clients

2021 COVID-19 Update for Sarah Borchgrevink Photography’s Houston Newborn Portrait Studio

UPDATE: As of April 19th, 2021, we are vaccinated against the COVID-19 Virus.

We are keeping our studio and office workplace safe.

Today's blog post is about tips and tricks for creating a safe, healthy, and responsible work environment when photographing young infants, expecting mothers, and grandparents. At Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, we're a husband and wife team! Together, we work cohesively to create a luxury experience for Houston area parents. Part of the experience is ensuring safety at all times. It is best to act with caution, perceive risks, and maintain a scheduled set of habits, resulting in a safe workplace for all visitors. We are committed to work arrangements and schedules designed to protect everyone.

As we pass the first anniversary for social distancing, quarantine, and all the terms such as "CDC Guidelines," we are very grateful for the parents who entrust us to document milestones in your life.

The following are standards and expectations we uphold throughout the year, no matter the season. We share these to create transparency, though also educating our clients on the lengths we go to exceed safety and sanitary expectations.

  • Please note, as of March 2020, masks and gloves are required for all photoshoots. Moreover, on March 10th, 2021, our Governor (Greg Abbott) removes the mandatory mask. However, our studio requires macts. We will not be removing our masks or gloves. We plan to be vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to us, based on our age and health status.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography COVID-19 Update

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography COVID-19 Update


REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE BUILDING

  • The Building bars from entry any individual with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been exposed to someone with the virus.

  • Individuals are required to practice social distancing wherever feasible. This includes the building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli, and restrooms.

  • Face masks are required when entering the building and in all common areas (building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli, and restrooms). Face masks are not a substitute for proper social distancing.

Daily Commercial Grade Cleaning Service

Our studio and office are located within a commercial office space at 4550 Post Oak Place Drive. Part of our lease includes a regular commercial-grade cleaning service that visits each evening. We also have a service visit between sessions such as cake smashes, family photoshoots, and newborn appointments. Our daily cleaning service includes vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, emptying trash, wiping all surfaces, dusting, and cleaning our doorknobs, handles, changing tables, and even the furniture.  The professional cleaning service will even visit between our sessions if requested.

With COVID-19, however, the cleaning crew is implementing CDC guidelines.

Razor Antimicrobial Cleaning | CDC GUIDELINES 2020

 

The building includes RAZOR Micro-Biostatic Surface Protection in all areas such as doors, handles, elevators, restrooms, common areas, light switches, keyboards, desks, changing tables, and more. The RAZOR chemical adheres to the surface and provides a protective shield against germs. The RAZOR technology is a fog-applied antimicrobial coating for porous and non-porous surfaces.

RAZORTM IS A PATENTED, EPA REGISTERED, INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT. • THE RAZORTM TECHNOLOGY IS A FOG-APPLIED ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR POROUS AND NON- POROUS SURFACES. • RAZORTM ANTIMICROBIAL COATING GIVES SUBSTRATES AN ADDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION AGAINST DAMAGING MICROBES SUCH AS BACTERIA, MOLD, AND MILDEW.

Separate Newborn Photoshoot Room

Newborn+Photography+Studio+Houston.jpg

Our studio is 1,300 square feet. Part of a spacious studio keeps our newborn clients separate from the other parts of our studio, such as the lifestyle maternity, family, or baby milestone rooms. Our newborn room is for new arrivals only and is only used for brand new babies.

Houston's+Best+Newborn+&+Infant+Baby+Photos.jpg
Family+Photography+in+Houston.jpg

Sanitizing Props and Wardrobe

Every single prop is sanitized between use. This means that any item that is touched or worn during a photoshoot is cleaned appropriately. Our motherhood gowns, for example, visit the dry cleaners after each use. Our newborn wraps, backdrops, and other textiles are washed in Dreft between sessions, too. We never use the same prop two times in one day. All buckets, bowls, baskets, and other floor props are wiped down between soap and water. Our more delicate pieces, such as bonnets, are hand-washed along with flokati rugs.

Photoshoots are by Appointment Only

To protect our clients and keep traffic to a minimum, we photograph sessions by appointment only. This safeguard allows us to have fewer visitors and ensures that each prop has time to be cleaned before use. We set up a day in advance; after the session, the accessories are immediately prepared for cleaning. Appointment only is a great way to reduce germs by not accepting too many people at one time. This also allows our cleaning service to be used as needed without any surprises.

Fully Vaccinated and Insured

Aside from being the mommy to four young children, I have taken multiple newborn safety workshops in addition to professional mentoring. These courses train photographers on how to safely and beautifully pose precious babies. Workshop topics also cover editing, lighting, soothing, flow, strategies, and creative methods to provide breathtaking setups and styling. A reputable baby photographer has invested thousands of hours into honing their craft.  Moreover, to provide a further network of newborn safety, the studio is fully vaccinated and runs an entirely legal, tax-paying insured business.

Breaks Between Appointments

Our online scheduling calendar is set where a break is scheduled between sessions to reduce traffic in the studio. A break allows Kevin and me to tidy up and sanitize anything needed. The cleaning service also visits during this time, too.

Ask to see sample products for professional prints and heirloom pieces.

As of 2020, all of our heirloom albums, prints, and other professional product samples are kept on a separate shelf and are wiped down between use. While you’re always welcome to browse the beautiful options available for purchase, the heirloom and archival products are stored on a shelf to prevent the spreading of germs.

No Shoes or Strollers in the Shooting Rooms

Studio policy states that shoes and strollers are allowed in the lobby only and not in the areas in which young infants are photographed. We ask you; please remove your shoes upon arriving. Feel free to wear a comfy pair of socks. Strollers are left in the mothers’ room or our studio playroom and lobby.

Handwashing and Disinfectant

Studio policy requests parents to wash their hands upon arriving. Kevin and I do so, too. We also have hand sanitizer in each room of our studio and welcome you to use it as much as you would like.

Masks and gloves are now required as of May 2020.

Sick Child Rescheduling Policy

Studio policy states we reschedule your session, without penalty, to another available date if you or a member of your family is ill. We are very flexible and understand illnesses happen last minute. We appreciate your time, though we also respect your well-being and look forward to seeing you on a day when everyone feels their best. It's best that little ones who feel unwell stay home. We can always add your session to a later date, and it's best to act with caution and perceive risk than risk the health of other infants, parents, or loved ones.

As always, we welcome any questions or concerns! We hope to see you soon and have a wonderful session!

Warmly,

Sarah and Kevin



Standard Studio Safeguards and Procedures to Protect Our Petite, Precious Clients

We are keeping our studio and office workplace safe.

Today's blog post is all about tips and tricks for creating a safe, healthy, and responsible work environment when photographing young infants, expecting mothers, and also grandparents. At Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, we're a husband and wife team! Together, we work cohesively to create a luxury experience for Houston area parents. Part of the experience is ensuring safety at all times. It is best to act with caution, perceive risks, and maintain a scheduled set of habits, resulting in a safe workplace for all visitors.

***Update: as of May 1st, 2020 gloves and masks required for all sessions.***

The following are standards and expectations we uphold throughout the year, no matter the season. We are sharing these in hopes of creating transparency, though also educating our clients on the lengths we go to exceed safety and sanitary expectations.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE BUILDING

  • The Building bars from entry any individual with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been exposed to someone with the virus.

  • Individuals are required to practice social distancing wherever feasible. This includes the building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli and restrooms.

  • Face masks are required when entering the building and in all common areas (building lobby, elevators, corridors, deli and restrooms). Face masks are not a substitute for proper social distancing.

Daily Commercial Grade Cleaning Service

Our studio and office located within a commercial office space at 4550 Post Oak Place Drive. Part of our lease includes a regular commercial-grade cleaning service that visits each evening. We also have a service visit between sessions such as cake smashes, family photoshoots, and newborn appointments. Our daily cleaning service includes tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, emptying trash, wiping all surfaces, dusting, and also cleaning our doorknobs, handles, changing tables, and even the furniture.  The professional cleaning service will even visit between our sessions if requested.

With COVID-19, however, the cleaning crew is implementing CDC guidelines.

Razor Antimicrobial Cleaning | CDC GUIDELINES 2020

The building includes RAZOR Micro-Biostatic Surface Protection in all areas such as doors, handles, elevators, restrooms, common areas, lightswitches, keyboards, desks, changing tables, and more. The RAZOR chemical adheres to the surface and provides a protective shield against germs. The RAZOR technology is a fog-applied antimicrobial coating for porous and non-porous surfaces.

RAZORTM IS A PATENTED, EPA REGISTERED, INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCT. • THE RAZORTM TECHNOLOGY IS A FOG-APPLIED ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR POROUS AND NON- POROUS SURFACES. • RAZORTM ANTIMICROBIAL COATING GIVES SUBSTRATES AN ADDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION AGAINST DAMAGING MICROBES SUCH AS BACTERIA, MOLD AND MILDEW.

 

Separate Newborn Photoshoot Room

Newborn+Photography+Studio+Houston.jpg

Our studio is 1,300 square feet and part of a spacious studio is keeping our newborn clients separate from the other parts of our studio, such as the lifestyle maternity, family, or baby milestone rooms. Our newborn room is for new arrivals only and is only used for brand new babies.

Houston's+Best+Newborn+&+Infant+Baby+Photos.jpg
Family+Photography+in+Houston.jpg

Sanitizing Props and Wardrobe

Every single prop is sanitized between use. This means that any item that is touched or worn during a photoshoot is cleaned in an appropriate manner. Our motherhood gowns, for example, visit the dry cleaners after each use. Our newborn wraps, backdrops, and other textiles are washed in Dreft between sessions, too. We never use the same prop two times in one day. All buckets, bowls, baskets, and other floor props are wiped down between use with soap and water. Our more delicate pieces, such as bonnets, are hand-washed along with flokati rugs.

Photoshoots are by Appointment Only

To protect our clients and keep traffic to a minimum, we photograph sessions by appointment only. This safeguard allows us to have fewer visitors but also ensures that each prop has time to be cleaned before use. For each session, we set up a day in advance; after the session, the accessories are immediately prepared for cleaning. Appointment only is a great way to reduce germs by not accepting too many people at one time. This also allows our cleaning service to be used as needed without any surprises.

Fully Vaccinated and Insured

Aside from being the mommy to four young children, I have taken multiple newborn safety workshops in addition to professional mentoring. These courses train photographers on how to safely and beautifully pose precious babies. Workshop topics also cover editing, lighting, soothing, flow, and strategies and creative methods to provide breathtaking setups and styling. A reputable baby photographer has invested thousands of hours into honing their craft.  Moreover, to provide a further network of newborn safety, the studio is fully vaccinated and runs an entirely legal, tax-paying insured business.

Breaks Between Appointments

Our online scheduling calendar is set where a break is scheduled between sessions to reduce traffic in the studio. A break allows Kevin and me to tidy up and sanitize anything needed. The cleaning service also visits during this time, too.

Ask to see sample products for professional prints and heirloom pieces

As of 2020, all of our heirloom albums, prints, and other professional product samples are kept on a separate shelf and are wiped down between use. While you’re always welcome to browse the beautiful options available for purchase, the heirloom and archival products are stored on a shelf to prevent the spreading of germs.

No Shoes or Strollers in the Shooting Rooms

Studio policy states that shoes and strollers are allowed in the lobby only and not in the areas in which young infants are photographed. We ask you please remove your shoes upon arriving. Feel free to wear a comfy pair of socks. Strollers are left in the mothers’ room or our studio playroom and lobby.

Handwashing and Disinfectant

Studio policy requests parents to wash their hands upon arriving. Kevin and I do so, too. We also have hand sanitizer in each room of our studio and welcome you to use as much as you would like.

Masks and gloves are now required as of May 2020.

Sick Child Rescheduling Policy

Studio policy states we reschedule your session, without penalty, to another available date if you or a member of your family is ill. We are very flexible and understand illnesses happen last minute. We appreciate your time, though also respect your well-being and look forward to seeing you on a day when everyone feels their best. It's best that little ones who feel unwell stay home. We can always add your session to a later date, and it's best to act with caution and perceive risk than risk the health of other infants, parents, or loved ones.

As always, we welcome any and all questions or concerns! We hope to see you soon and have a wonderful session!

Warmly,

Sarah and Kevin



Last Week in Studio: Little Sitters, Siblings, Parents, and New Arrivals

Offering adorable baby milestone sessions as well as posed newborn photography featuring sibling, parent, and family setups, Sarah shares highlights from last week's sessions! 

Howdy, friends! Today's blog post is a fun one because you get to see last week's sessions + what makes them special. Welcome! Let's get started!

Big Brother Link | Newborn Photography with Sibling

This sweet big brother, named Link, could not have been sweeter during his sibling portion of little sister's newborn session. Link is not even two years old, yet, either, so this is a great posing idea for sibling. These images are included in the "full' newborn collection, but are also available as an add on in every other collection I offer, such as the wrapped mini, bean bag mini, and petite sessions. My favorite part of this setup is how clean and classic all the colors are; I adore timeless and vintage inspired sessions, so the lace headband, ivory wrap, cream flokati rug, and simple white shirt and dark wash jeans are the perfect outfit for a sibling and newborn baby girl setup. Link was especially special to me because he was so tender and soft with his baby sister.

newborn photos with older sibling

Mia at nearly 3 weeks new

mini newborn session houston tx

Mia is a brand new arrival who visited my Houston Newborn Baby Portrait Studio at just under 3 weeks old. Her session is special because she's the first baby who's mama booked my brand new session offering, called the newborn wrapped mini! Featuring gorgeous textiles, antique and rustic floor props, and full styling such as bonnets and dainty tiebacks, this is a great option for babies who are 30 days or newer. This is designed for parents seeking just a few stunning and unique images of their new cherub. These sessions are also special because they're under an hour long so you're in and out of the studio really quickly! 

Grady's Little Sitter Session at 7 Months Old

six month milestone photos

Handsome Grady absolutely stole my heart! From the moment his mama brought him into the studio, he was all smiles. His captivating blue eyes and strawberry blond hair had me wanting to snuggle him the entire time! We did several setups, 5-6, and really showcased adorable outfits that are available to all of my clients. Full styling and accessories are provided for all little sitter sessions, including baby milestone photography. You may be interested in reading about 14 New Outfits in My Client Closet + everything you need to know about sitter milestone baby sessions. These sessions set themselves apart because there are (3) pricing tiers you may select from; this caters to different budgets and also offers affordable Houston Baby Photography to new parents. There's a mini, standard, or deluxe package.

First time parents Rachel & Brian | Family + Newborn Photography

Rachel and Brian were such a treat to photograph in studio! They visited when their little girl was just under a week old. I was completely impressed with them, too! Mom is a pediatrician and just finished her residency, right when having a new baby! They even were in the middle of closing on their house and moving just a few short days later. Talk about super parents, huh? For their parent portion, Mom wore a stunning blush top that looks lovely against the white light; Dad wore a classic blue button up. Adorned with an ivory wrap and soft, muted pink headband, their little lass is the perfect bundle of joy. Mom and Dad booked the 'petite' option on my pricing guide. This is the perfect collection for first time parents who would like lovely images such as mom with baby, dad with baby, and parents together with baby.

family newborn photography

Aria at 7 Days Fresh | New Earth side Arrival

newborn girl in bucket

It's no secret that Houston Newborn Photography is my specialty and where I thrive! Nothing gives me as much joy as working with babies who are less than a month old; preserving this time for parents is incredibly rewarding and I cannot believe I call this my full-time job! Parent of being one of the best Houston Newborn Photographers (2016-2018) is offering beautiful setups that are not only unique and timeless but also showcase baby in the most precious of ways! Baby in a bucket is part of every session I do. Aria weighs just over 7 pounds and has a head full of gorgeous dark brown hair. Her tiny fingers, button nose, and sweet lips truly are stunning. You may be interested in also reading 7 Tricks to Rock Baby in a Bucket Pose, which also focuses on newborn safety and training.

Heidi | 8 Days old at 6 pounds

aquamarine newborn girl colors

Beautiful Heidi visited at 8 days old and her session featured tons of naked bean bag posing, which was Mom's preference. The main color in her session was aquamarine with teal accents. Her session is special because all of my newborn props are hand-crafted by incredible vendors all over the world! This headband, for instance, is from the UK and is from a great gal called Created by Carli. Her items are impeccable; while they are an investment, they set newborn sessions apart through creativity, unique looks, and also they're dainty and petite. My preference is for all the styling to fit my brand which is rustic, classic, dreamy, timeless. 

Lily Rose | 8 pounds & 7 days old

newborn photography cypress tx

Lily Rose is a completely gorgeous baby girl! At over 8 pounds, technically nearly 9, she was so squishy and chubby! Her cheeks and beautiful features are perfection! I adore this setup of her, which features cream, ivory, lace, and a wooden rustic bowl because we're able to see her face, hands, toes, and she looks completely at peace. When working with new arrivals, such as precious newborn babies, the sessions are very laid back and serene. Your baby should never be in distress or crying. I have years of experience and pride myself on finishing my sessions in 2 hours or less. 

Baby girl M | Lovely Lilac & Lavender 

newborn photography spring tx

Baby girl M came for her newborn session at just over a week old. Weighing 6 pounds and having a breathtaking head full of hair, this little lady was the perfect newborn session! She slept beautifully for me and rocked each and every one of her poses. Her color scheme showcases many purple tones such as lavender and lilac. Soft, muted, classic. The quintessential colors for a dainty little lady! Her session was also a favorite of mine because her parents are long time clients! I've been working with them for years, so it was really fun to catch up with them during their fall family session, Mom's outdoor, natural light maternity session, and then see them again for the posed newborn appointment. 

Michelle & Jeff | Baby Plan Membership Clients

Michelle and Jeff were great to have in studio! On top of being wonderful and sweet, they're also baby plan membership clients with a maternity session add-on. This means they secured an outdoor, natural light pregnancy portraiture session, posed in-studio newborn photos, and I'll also see them for their little girl's 7 month sitter session and even a 12 month cake smash & splash! You may enjoy seeing their maternity session featuring two adorable fur siblings!

mom and newborn photography
father and newborn photography

Are you currently looking for a portrait photographer who specializes in stunning belly to first year sessions? Let's chat! I am always happy to answer any questions you may have. 

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.

Here's where Sarah's Houston Photo Studio is Located: