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My baby is already over 3 weeks is it too late?
I'm nervous - I just had a baby and I don't feel like myself yet.
How do you approach safety during newborn sessions?
What happens if my newborn doesn't cooperate?
When should I book my newborn session?
What can I expect during the newborn session?
How long does a newborn session last?
Do I need to bring anything to the session?
Our session includes family photos, what should we wear?
Can family & siblings hangout for the entire session?
Can I take pictures with my cell phone during the session?
Do you retouch baby skin?
How long will it take to get my images?
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My baby is already over 3 weeks is it too late?
Absolutely NOT. Your baby never becomes too big to be photographed. After something as life changing as bringing in a new life to the world it's common for photos not to be at the forefront and that is okay! Older newborn sessions can still absolutely be done. They are a bit tricker and timing them for an opportune sleepy window really helps to ensure they settle during the session but a big baby can absolutely still be swaddled and gently posed and captured beautifully even if they don't want to sleep. Just mention it during booking so I can be sure to keep extra time in case we need it. Alternatively a cozy in home lifestyle session in your nursery and space can be perfect for older babies too!
I'm nervous - I just had a baby and I don't feel like myself yet.
You are not alone in feeling this way. I photograph new parents every week and my role is to guide you gently and create images that feel natural, flattering and real. You don't need to "perform" just show up as you are and I will take care of the rest.
How do you approach safety during newborn sessions?
Your baby’s safety is always my top priority. I am trained in newborn posing and handling so every pose is done gently, slowly and only if your baby is comfortable. I never force poses. Many images are created using composite techniques removed in editing or parent support just out of frame. If your baby isn’t comfortable, we move on, always.
What happens if my newborn doesn't cooperate?
This is completely normal and expected. Newborn photography is never about forcing poses or perfection.
If your baby needs extra time, prefers certain positions or isn’t settling as expected I adapt the session accordingly. Some of the most meaningful images come from these moments. My experience allows me to work gently within your baby’s comfort and still create a beautiful cohesive gallery. I have so many props and tools that we can easily pivot into something else if something is not working. There is so much possibility during a session.
When should I book my newborn session?
Newborn sessions are most commonly booked 1-3 months before your due date to ensure availability. Your session date is then tentatively scheduled following your due date.
Most newborn sessions take place when babies are 1–3 weeks old, while they are still sleepy and naturally flexible for posing. If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected after booking your session, we can look at adjusting dates based on availability if necessary, flexibility is built into the process.
What can I expect during the newborn session?
Newborn sessions are slow, gentle, and completely baby-led. I allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, diaper changes and cuddles.
Your role is simply to relax I guide the session from start to finish, ensuring your baby is comfortable, supported, and safely posed. Sessions are intentionally unhurried so nothing ever feels rushed or stressful.
How long does a newborn session last?
Newborn sessions are estimated to take 1.5 hours but are intentionally unhurried allowing time for feeding, soothing and breaks as needed. The goal is a calm, relaxed experience. Majority of sessions do not last more than 2 hours.
Do I need to bring anything to the session?
My studio is fully stocked with high quality handmade newborn props, wraps and styling pieces for your baby. You'll just want to bring diapers, wipes, extra milk or formula or whatever you need to nurse comfortably. A full prep guide will be sent to you in preparation for your session so you feel completely prepared.
Our session includes family photos, what should we wear?
Neutral, soft tones photography best and help keep the focus on your baby. Your baby will be wrapped and secure for your family portraits in a wrap the coordinates with your families outfits. We will match it up when you arrive.
Can family & siblings hangout for the entire session?
For the calmest and most successful newborn experience, I recommend that older siblings head out once their portion of the session is complete. A quiet, peaceful studio makes it much easier for baby to settle into a deep sleep, which gives us the best opportunity to move through poses safely and create a beautiful variety of images. I completely understand that this isn’t always possible and siblings are welcome to stay when needed. Please keep in mind that studio seating is limited and the space isn’t designed as a long-term waiting area for larger families.
Whenever possible, having siblings leave after their photos are finished helps reduce distractions and keeps little hands from wanting to touch, cuddle, or join in while baby is being posed. We absolutely love our big siblings but a quieter studio usually makes the rest of the session smoother, calmer and more productive for everyone.
Can I take pictures with my cell phone during the session?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to take a few behind-the-scenes photos or short videos during your session. I just ask that phone use is kept minimal so we can maintain a calm, relaxed environment for your baby and stay focused on safely creating your final images.
If you do share any behind-the-scenes moments on social media, tagging Samantha Mac Photography is always appreciated I truly love seeing your experience through your eyes.
Do you retouch baby skin?
Yes. Every final image is gently retouched while keeping your baby looking natural and like themselves.
Temporary newborn skin details such as redness, dry or flaky skin, baby acne and small blemishes are typically softened or minimized during editing. Permanent features such as birthmarks are preserved unless you specifically request otherwise after viewing your proofs.
I’ll also ask about your preferences during the session. Some parents love seeing every natural newborn detail including stork bites, flakes, or little blemishes and I’m always happy to preserve those if they’re meaningful to you.
More extensive retouching or removal of permanent/natural features may require additional editing and is available as an upgraded service.
How long will it take to get my images?
Your proofing gallery will be delivered in roughly 10 business days following your session (weekends do not count in this time frame). From there, you’ll have 3 business days to select your favourite images.
Once your selections are submitted, final retouching begins. Finished images are delivered in roughly two weeks. The overall turnaround time from session to final gallery is typically 4-5 weeks.
Turnaround times may vary slightly during peak seasons, but every gallery is edited with care and attention to detail — never rushed — to ensure your images are timeless and beautifully finished.
Just Baby Bundle
Newborn Baby Only Studio Session
Sitter Session for Baby (6-8m)
Cake Smash for Baby with simple set
Full Galleries from your sessions
Payment Plan:
$150 + HST retainer due at booking
then balance broken up into 3 payments due at each session
1075 + HST
Bump to One!
Five milestone sessions capturing your baby's growth along their first year. Includes: Maternity, Newborn, Tummy Time, Sitting, Cake Smash and Full Galleries from each session.
Payment Plan:
$250 + HST retainer due at booking
then 5 payments for balance
$1700 + HST
