Session Styling Questionnaire | Best Houston Newborn Photos

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography shares the newborn styling questionnaire and how she creates stunning baby portraiture sessions by keeping your preferences in mind.

Designing Gorgeous & Unique Photography for New Babies

Hi, gang! Good morning to you! Today's blog post is all about what you can expect when it comes to newborn styling and session design. If you've ever taken a quick peek at my Houston Newborn Photography Studio, you'll see that I have a huge array of props and items on hand just for you. Part of booking a newborn collection with me includes having full access to all of the amazing, custom and handmade items for new babies.

However, sometimes it can be overwhelming to parents when they try to consider all the different options. They see the buckets, bowls, crates, headbands, wraps, backdrops, etc., and it becomes what I call "analysis paralysis" where it's just too much and overwhelming. Since most parents do one newborn session and these truly are once in a lifetime photos, I have developed a great newborn styling and stat questionnaire tailored to each baby to ensure you have the most beautiful, breathtaking and gorgeous photos possible!

For example, the questionnaire covers things like skin tone, baby's weight, and your feeding preferences. These type of questions are really important to ask because it helps me know what colors will look good against baby's skin, which props they'll fit best into, and also if I should bring you in earlier since a formula fed baby eats quicker than a breastfed baby. It helps with scheduling and planning. 

Moreover, your questionnaire covers things like the type of colors in your home or baby's nursery or if there is a prop you love on my website and you'd like to make sure it makes your way into the nursery.

What You May Expect from the newborn questionnaire

• What is baby's birthday?

• How much does baby weigh?

• Is baby jaundice?

• Is baby bottle fed or breastfed?

• Does baby take a pacifier?

• What colors are found in your nursery?

• What are a few colors you would like to avoid?

• Is there a prop you love?

• What are your favorite poses?

• Is there a pose you'd like to avoid?

• Do you have any concerns I may assist with?

These questions are a fantastic starting point for me so I know how to design something you're sure to love, treasure and adore for generations to come. Remember: these photos will be passed down as heirlooms and you're not just taking these for yourself, but for your little one, who will then show them to his or her own children (many years from now, ha).

Creating the Best Houston Newborn Photography

Each session is an individual - just like your family and baby. I take your answers to the styling questionnaire and creating a unique session just for you. It removes the guesswork for you and takes stress away from parents. Everything is provided by me. Please do not feel like you must bring any props from home. :-) 

For example, for this session I am going to preview, Mom relayed answers to all of these questions listed above. She explained baby weighs just under 8 pounds, is not jaundice, is breast fed, does not take a paci, and that she really would like to see only mint, sage, pink, blush, neutrals and purples in baby girl's session. She was also open to all sorts of props. Mom and Dad did not want any naked bean bag posing - just simple, cozy and sweet newborn styles of wrapping for a more modest session.

Here's what I came up with for Baby girl R. 

I am so excited to have worked with this family again, too! They're some of my favorite clients and we've had a wonderful time getting to know one another. :-) 

Girl Newborn Photography Session Color Scheme Ideas

Baby R's session was filled with all things girly, sweet, timeless and classic. Soft, muted colors such as lilac and blush pink; sage and mint also made an appearance as well as organic neutrals. Check out some of my favorite images. She is truly one of the most stunning newborn baby girl's I've had the honor of photographing!

As always, thank you for visiting my little creative corner of the earth in which I share fun details about my professional Houston newborn photography! If you enjoyed reading about the newborn styling questionnaire, you may like reading about these topics, too:

• Favorite newborn poses during baby's first photo shoot

• Cozy & unique styles of newborn wrapping

• Why Sarah is the Best Houston Newborn Photography Choice for You

When is the Ideal Time to Schedule Your Posed Newborn Session?

Houston Newborn Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares important details about the ideal time to schedule your baby's first professional photography session.

Age Matters | Posed Newborn Appointments

When you first see the + sign on a pregnancy test, you're probably not thinking about when you should book your custom posed newborn portraiture session. That's perfectly okay! Awaiting the arrival of a new baby is full of excitement and many important details. There's numerous (and sometimes lengthy) doctor appointments, baby showers, nursery decor, prenatal classes, breastfeeding classes, and several other items that contend for your attention such as scheduling your maternity leave, etc. Pregnancy is a wonderful time but it's filled with hustle and bustle! 

In addition to the above, you're also thinking about your health and the responsibility of growing a new life: drinking plenty of water, sleeping enough, taking your prenatal pills, trying to get through morning sickness, figuring out when and how to announce, touring hospitals, etc. It's no wonder newborn photos are often put on the back burner.

Before I specialized in newborn portraits, I figured photographers took photos of babies at pretty much any time. I assumed that because baby is only a few months old, it did not matter. However, it does: age is one of the most important parts of having a successful newborn session.

The Best time to Book is the second trimester

Scheduling your baby's first photo-shoot in the second trimester is the most ideal time to book because this ensures you have an appointment on the photographer's calendar. Just because babies come on their own schedule does not mean photographers book babies once they're actually earth side. Part of offering a luxury service is having a calendar full in advance, but also taking a limited number of appointments so each client can have the attention to detail they deserve. This includes consultations and designing a beautiful, timeless baby session for your little cherub. By booking in advance, you're sure to have an appointment when your baby is the right age.

For example, I take 15 due dates per month as of 2018. This keeps me very busy. In addition to my photography sessions, I also have many business tasks, as I am a full time business owner, and I cannot take last minute appointments typically since I usually will have a deadline or consultation already scheduled for that day.

Furthermore, finding the right newborn photographer can take time. It's a lot of research and many important factors to consider, such as the 9 Questions You Should Always Ask.

When do newborn sessions take place?

Newborn sessions at Sarah Borchgrevink Photography take place when the baby is 5-8 days new if they're a full term baby. Premature babies have more flexibility in scheduling, however. I will take newborns up to 30 days if needed, though I rarely go this old since the older baby is, the less the cooperate. Around 14 days old, the baby becomes very alert and does not sleep through the posing, wrapping and all of the set ups.

For scheduling, I have parents notify me when baby has arrived. Afterward, parents are sent 3-4 dates from which they may select. By booking early, your due date secures the appointment on the calendar and makes sure I don't book too many newborns in the same time frame as you. 

Newborns have top priority on the calendar. Babies come when they come.

By booking in advance, you're sure to have an appointment during the optimal time listed above, which is 5-8 days new. For instance, I have four young children myself and with my last baby, I booked his newborn session with a professional photographer when he was 16 weeks new. It was very important to me I have my preferred portrait artist and I made sure I secured her talent so we can have her stunning work on our walls. :-) 

What can you expect?

At my photography studio, expect to have an absolutely stunning newborn session! I delight in working with brand new babies + their darling parents. This time in life is beyond special and precious; there is something almost sacred about the first few weeks as parents bond with their new baby. You can expect the most lovely posing, organic wrapping and textile, hand made and custom props, as well as baby to be at peace. Baby's session should evoke a sense of tender, unconditional love. 

Sample Images of Babies Who Visited at 5-8 Days New

As always, thanks for visiting my blog! I hope you enjoyed reading about when is the best time to schedule your little one's first professional photography session! If you liked reading about this topic, you may find the following blog posts to be helpful, too!

• 22 Babies who Rocked Their First Photos

• How to Work With Alert Newborns in Studio

• How I use Artificial Lights to Create Natural Light Look in Studio

Dads: Push Presents are a Real Thing | What You Need to Know for 2018

The Push Present Trend: Everything You Need to know + some sweet, fun, and memorable ideas to get you started. 

What's A Push Present? 

Around 2010 a new trend began: the push present. If you're a first time Dad, you may be wondering, "what exactly is a push present?" A push present, you see, is exactly what it sounds like: a gift your partner gives to Mom to mark the special occasion of her giving birth to your child. Of course, the push present also applies to mamas who had a c-section. While a new bundle of joy is truly the ultimate gift, the push present is a tangible way for Dad to say thank you to Mom for carrying baby and also a way to shower Mom with attention. She just rocked her labor and delivery so impress her with a thoughtful, memorable and sweet gift that is sure to make her swoon! 

My husband gave me a push present

My favorite part of receiving a push present from my dear hubby was not the actual gift itself, though it was a lovely locket of three hearts intertwined as one, but it was knowing he planned something special that truly made me happy. For instance, upon returning home from the hospital with our first baby named Emma, he helped me get settled into my favorite comfy chair and get our daughter to sleep. I was totally surprised when he pulled a small box from his pocket and told me he had a special surprise for me. 8 years later, I still completely treasure that locket because I know how much time he had to put into selecting it. It was a simple gift with a huge meaning.

We had our first baby at 20 years old and when I look back at where we were in life it was just us, being married, bringing this tiny little baby home to our first apartment as college students. It was a little scary because we were so young but looking back I remember thinking how special the locket was because when you're working full time, going to college full time and a newly wed it does take some major work to find the time to shop for a pretty locket for your new wife. 

While the baby is the ultimate present and as parents, we cannot wait to meet our little bundle of joy, I equate push presents to be similar to days like Christmas or Valentines Day. It's a tangible way to show our partners we planned something special for them. It feels nice to be thought of - to know someone took the time to plan something special for you, to think of how much you would enjoy being surprised. It's not the budget that counts but the thought so below you'll find my favorite gifts, things that new Moms are sure to love.

Sarah's Top Recommendations for Dad's 

Jewelry is the most popular gift choice, however, there are some truly unique and awesome ideas to set yourself apart. Don't get me wrong: a few jewelry pieces did make the list of top push present recommendations for Dads, but I did keep sentimental value in mind.

I also chose to not include vacations on this list because the baby moon is typically done while you're pregnant. Vacations are a wonderful way to begin traditions and solidify family memories, however, as someone with several kiddos, I can attest that traveling when you've just had a baby is really daunting. The airport, car rental, lugging around tons of baby supplies and trying to breast feed can be stressful. This in mind, there are many wonderful vacation ideas out there, but they're better for when little one is no longer a newborn and perhaps more of a toddler. :-) However, I'm sure I'll eventually write a blog post on the best vacation spots for young children, ha! There's always next week, right? :-) 

I have four little ones myself so my list is curated and highly influenced by what truly matters: the thought and action behind your husband, partner or significant other doing something special for you.

Sarah's Favorite Pick: The Mombie Box

The Mombie Box is the top recommendation because it encompasses many essential gift traits: not only is it filled with gorgeous, feminine items, but it also is modern, fresh, useful and even  makes postpartum recovery a little less difficult. It has health, mind, and body all in mind with several curated options for new moms. This item is also a super awesome baby shower gift for your best gal pal, so keep that in mind, too, if you're a Mama reading this. 

What makes the Mombie Box the ultimate push present gift is it was designed by experienced mothers and medical professionals to make the first few months a little easier as they recover from labor and delivery. When having a new baby, Moms sometimes worry about things like making enough breast milk, nutrition, recovering, comfort and even healing. 

When purchasing a Mombie Box as your standout push present, there are three custom collections you may select from, all of which are themed:

• Nutrition

• Comfort & healing

• Spa

Inside the Mombie Box you'll find items such as:

• Bath Bomb

• Facial Mask

• Gel Packs

• Lactation Bar

• Lactation Tea

• Lanolin Cream

• Multi-Use Cover

• Protein Shake

• Stretch Mark Oil

• Water Bottle

This luxury push present does retail for $129, though has free shipping and a money back guarantee. 

 Favorite Sentimental Gifts: Photo Ideas

• Idea number one: creating photo album for your wife or partner

This is a sentimental gift that is something Mom is sure to adore! A friend of mine had something similar made for me during my baby shower with baby number 1, and even years later, I still enjoy looking at the photo album and reading all the sweet messages! The premise is very simple: select a photo album from any big box store such as Target, Hobby Lobby, etc. Ask her closest friends, family or loved ones to write messages and notes to Mom; if they have a favorite photo have them submit this as well. This is great way for them to share helpful advice, goodwill and kind messages as Mom enters motherhood! It's also a way for her to see all the support and love she has surrounding her. It does take a village and it will make Mom feel amazing to know she has so many loved ones who are excited for her!

• Idea number two: Invest in a consumer grade DSLR Camera

While we do live in a digital age and many of use our smart phones as our main camera, purchasing an entry level DSLR such as a Nikon or Canon is a wonderful option so you may have higher quality images for those everyday moments in your life! This is great for baby milestones such as baby having their first food, perhaps taking their first steps, and also when you start to go on fun family adventures. 

Here is a great Nikon DSLR option to get you started. If you're team Canon, here's a super great selection, too! These are easy to use and are not too complicated. :-) 

• Idea number three: professional newborn photography session

A professional newborn baby portrait session is a beautiful push present idea because many times, parents are not aware of how fleeting the newborn time is. Newborn sessions do take place in the first 14 days of life, if not sooner, and this is a way to gift mom with an heirloom she'll treasure forever! Moreover, many mothers may not think about being camera ready the first few days after having a baby, and may not want to have photos taken, however, if you chat with your newborn photographer, you will find someone who has a hair and make up recommendation, which is another way to make Mom feel very glamorous! Taking photos with your newborn baby is extremely special and there's nothing like those first few weeks; baby is fresh, sweet and new - and it goes by very fast! Booking the session in advance will ensure you have a wonderful experience in a professional atmosphere while preserving this incredibly special milestone in your life.

Meal or House Cleaning Services:

For Christmas this year, my in law's gifted my husband, Kevin, and I meal and house cleaning services since we had a new baby on 12/23. I have to be completely honest and say it ROCKS! I love how the house cleaner visits and helps keep things tidy; it's also amazing to have a meal service because now that we have four kids, our house is very spirited. The house cleaning and meal service is wonderful because it's two things I don't have to worry about. It's more time with my new baby and family. It takes some stress away from our day. 

• Hello Fresh

• Blue Apron

• Meal Train (great for friends to sign up, too – bring meals to you/arrange it all)

Jewelry: A Little Sparkle for Your Main Squeeze

• "Mama Bear Necklace" at $32

• "One in a million" Initial Pendant Necklace at $58 - perfect gift for your one in a million girl.

• Infinity Necklace for Mom and Baby - $37

Now that you've read some fun ideas to get you started, I hope these spark your own creativity and inspire you to select a gift that is both meaningful and unique for your better half! If you liked reading about push presents, these topics may be a fun read for you, too!

• Perfect Custom Photo Gifts to Display Baby's First Session

• 9 Questions you Don't want to forget when hiring a newborn photographer

• Three Free Cloud Storage Systems to keep your photos safely archived

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.