In todays “COVID 19” environment we suggest bringing your own clothing items. The studio does have two robes that are black and one that is lace and white. They are simple, clean and can be worn for the photo session. We also have a large piece of black fabric as a drape if it is requested.

No, you do not need to be nude for a maternity session. I always tell clients no “T & A” …just face and belly! Ha The thought behind the photo shoot is to show your beautiful round belly and your face in an elegant and stunning way. It will be flattering and beautiful. Some women get more naked than others. You will see how you feel in the photo session and communicate with Sarah before and during the session directly. This should be a completely comfortable experience and an experience to treasure. The studio will only have yourself (and your spouse or partner) and Sarah. It is quiet and private.

Of course! The more the merrier! It is your photo session and your choice. It is suggested that they join at the second part of the session. The lighting can require some patience and concentration for the photographer and children joining for the second half of session is better. One of Sarah’s favorite maternity shots is capturing a big brother or sister kissing mom’s belly and “the new baby”. This photo will become a family story and remarkable moment to capture forever.

We do our maternity sessions in our studio. It is private and has backdrops and studio lighting. Working with controlled lighting in a studio will produce dramatic results and help with the maternity posing. We use a wrap around light and produce artistic results. Please look in our maternity gallery.

Maternity shoots take time. I would allow 1 -2 hours. A variety of outfits or not are suggested…and the lighting is very creative and artsy and requires some time to get it just right. Less is more with Maternity photography. We strive for a fine art winner and truly take out time capturing this miracle of life.

Like we have since March of 2020. Sarah wears a mask for the photo session and stays 6 feet away. Clients will arrive at studio; wash their hands and we are ready and safe! Our lobby may take your temperature and ask a few health questions. We are clean and professional and ask you always wear a mask except during the photo sessions. Our client’s safety is as important as our own.

We recommend wearing what you are comfortable posing in. Sarah recommends 3 different looks. One would be some semi-nude pose with a robe, sheer fabric, drape material, your husband’s work shirt, sexy bra and underwear or a cute maternity dress. We have two clean robes in white and black in our studio. Please look at our maternity gallery to get some creative ideas from ladies before you! ????

We do have different backdrops for this type of photography. We recommend only using white and black back drops for maternity photos. They are very artsy and dramatic as well as classic and simple. Black and white photos are recommended, and the simple backdrops will enhance the dramatic lighting for this studio session. This is one of Sarah’s favorite shoots. Who does not love capturing a miracle?

We feel this photo session should be something to look forward to at the very end of your pregnancy in the 8th month or last trimester. Ironically, you want to be as large as possible and very pregnant looking! Who would have thought you would ever want a big belly for a professional photo shoot of yourself? ????

We suggest wearing your hair up and down. Sarah has a fan in the studio, and it is fun for maternity shoots and sometimes nice to have a different look and show your neck with hair up.

We suggest you bring your newborn to the studio when you feel ready to bring the baby outside. A two-week-old baby will sleep better through a session than a more active 6-week-old newborn. The teenier the better! A fussy newborn can be challenging. Sometimes we set up a heating pad under newborn to keep cuddly and warm and help them stay asleep through the shoot so we can have fun posing him or her!

Absolutely! It is your photo session and your choice. It is suggested that they join at the second part of the session. The lighting can require some patience and concentration for the photographer and children joining for the second half of session is better. One of Sarah’s favorite newborn shots is capturing a big brother or sister kissing “the new baby”. This photo will become a family story and remarkable moment to capture forever.

A newborn session is not a “quickie”. It does take time to pose your new baby and not rush through anything. Safety is our priority. Newborn shoots are at least 1 ½ hours long. We work around your baby and how she or he is feeling.

We capture all combinations if the entire immediate family is at the session. The baby or siblings may not last long, so we always ask what is most important and start with those combinations first.

We suggest any personalized baby gifts to add to the special nature of the photo session. In example a blanket with baby’s initials or name, special silver rattle or props unique to you and your baby. It could just be a favorite teddy bear, book, toy, cute hat or sports item for a sports or hobby photo. We also suggest baby diaper coverings. The studio has some clean props like baby pearls and positioning pillows. We suggest you bring your own hair props or fabrics to swaddle your newborn. As much of your own items we use the better for safety reasons. Please look at our website gallery.

We clean the shooting area as best as we can. Sarah Merians is type A and very clean and constantly wipes everything down!

It is best to coordinate the newborn session in between feedings so the baby is full and sleeps well. We cannot rush a feeding, so timing and planning is important. Please bring your own wipes and supplies for your newborn. The studio does not have supplies. We realize “spit happens” and suggest diaper cloths and change of clothes.

The lighting is more controllable in the studio. There are greater opportunities for beautiful soft lighting and posing your newborn. We have several props that are clean and sanitized. Our studio is clean, warm, and safe and set up for artistic images of your new baby and family.

We recommend your baby wearing whatever is comfortable. Familiar clothes that you know fit well and are not stiff will allow your baby to relax. Please brings a few different outfits and looks. Some casual and comfy like pajamas and some formal for a holiday shoot or baby announcement. Extra clothing in case of drool or spit up is suggested. Naked baby photos are beautiful without showing private parts. Parents should wear black or bring a long sleeve black shirt for some artsy newborn photos holding the baby.

We work around your baby’s schedule. The best time is after taking a nap and having been fed on the baby’s regular schedule. Your baby should be well rested and happy. Should you be nursing, try and feed before you arrive to maximize on Sarah’s time for shooting. If you are nursing and need to while at studio it is fine.

There is no specific age that is ideal for a baby shoot. Every age is delicious and worth photographing!! We suggest buying a “first year baby package” because the first year of your new baby’s life will seem to fly by. It is good to have us remind you it is time for the next photo shoot. That is us! We suggest 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months for a “First Year Package”. Zero being newborn. Three months is mostly tummy time and with parents, six months your child will begin to sit up on their own, and 9 months will probably be able to stand by holding on to something. All these ages are unique and wonderful to capture.

It is best to photography your baby at the time of day that is best for your child. We suggest just after a good nap is best. Snacks will help in the shoot especially as a reward or if baby is hungry!!

We do our baby sessions in our studio or on location. It is private and has backdrops and studio lighting. Working with controlled lighting in a studio will produce dramatic results.

We do have special packages for first year. We want to stay connected and each month is so precious for your baby!

Ha! Every age is a best age to capture your baby! We recommend 3 months (belly photos), 6 months (sitting up photos), 9 months (standing up holding on), 1 year (standing and “smash the cake”)

We encourage snacks if they are “dry” and not messy. The studio does not like water!!!! (Containers of cheerios is suggested. Please do not bring sugar food or candy that will get your child hyper from a sugar rush!!!)

Please bring clothing and props that will add to your child’s happiness. See website galleries for ideas or discuss with Sarah before the photo session.

A photo session can be one to 2 hours depending on package, age of child and how the shoot goes. Every shoot is unique for each family and child. There is no exact science …just a lot of talent, love, and patience!