Newborn Photography FAQs
When should I book my newborn session?
The earlier, the better. Most clients book during their second trimester to reserve space around their due date.
Since babies rarely arrive exactly on schedule, I reserve your due month first. Then, once baby arrives, we finalize the exact session date.
Newborn sessions are usually photographed within the first 5–14 days after birth. This is when babies are often sleepiest and still naturally curled up for those sweet newborn poses.
What if my baby is fussy or won’t sleep?
Please don’t stress about that 🤍
My studio is designed specifically for newborns. It is warm, cozy, quiet, and calming. I’ve spent years working with babies and gently following their pace throughout the session.
Feeding breaks, cuddles, soothing, diaper changes, and extra time are all normal here.
Many parents tell me they were nervous before their session, only to realize they were able to fully relax once they arrived.
How long does a newborn session last?
Most newborn sessions last between 2–4 hours, depending on baby’s needs, feeding breaks, sibling participation, and the package selected.
I never rush newborn sessions. Baby safety and comfort always come first.
Do you provide props, wraps, and outfits?
Yes. The studio is fully stocked for newborn sessions with wraps, bonnets, headbands, layers, textures, props, and accessories.
I also offer a client closet for newborns and babies ages 6–12 months. This includes select baby wardrobe pieces and styling items to help make planning easier.
Maternity clients should plan to provide their own wardrobe.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Family portraits can be included depending on the package selected.
Parents and siblings are always welcome, and grandparents can be included as well if we plan for that ahead of time.
If you have a toddler or young sibling, please don’t worry. I have lots of experience working with little ones and will guide you through the best way to include them.
What should we wear?
I usually recommend soft, neutral, timeless colors that photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your connection.
Cream, white, beige, soft gray, muted pastels, and earthy tones all work well. Try to avoid loud patterns, large logos, neon colors, or anything that pulls attention away from your baby.
You don’t need to match perfectly. Coordinating usually photographs better than matching everyone exactly.
Is newborn photography safe?
Yes. Safety is always my top priority.
I have years of hands-on newborn photography experience and pose babies in a gentle, baby-led way. My assistant is present during every newborn session to help make sure baby is always supported and watched closely during posing and transitions.
Some poses are created with composite editing, which means baby is safely supported during the session and the final image is created carefully in Photoshop afterward.
Your baby’s comfort and safety will always matter more than forcing a pose.
What if my baby arrives early?
That’s completely okay. Once baby arrives, just send me a message and we’ll choose your session date based on availability, baby’s needs, and how everyone is doing.
Because I schedule around due dates instead of fixed newborn session dates, there is flexibility built into the process.
What if my baby needs extra time in the hospital or NICU?
Please just keep me updated when you can.
If baby needs extra time before coming home, we’ll adjust the session timing. The 5–14 day window is helpful, but it is not more important than your baby’s health and your family’s needs.
How long does it take to receive our photos?
Proofing galleries are typically delivered within 1–2 weeks after your session.
After you choose your favorite images, I’ll begin final editing. Final image delivery time can vary depending on the package selected and current editing schedule.
How do image selections work?
After your session, you’ll receive a private online proofing gallery where you can view and choose your favorite images based on the collection you purchased.
Additional images and upgraded collections are available if you fall in love with more than expected, which happens often.
Do you offer printed products?
Yes. I offer professional-quality prints, albums, wall art, canvases, and keepsakes directly through your gallery.
You are not required to order prints through me, but professional products are available if you want finished artwork that is made to last.
Maternity Photography FAQs
When is the best time for maternity photos?
Maternity sessions are usually photographed between 28–34 weeks.
This is when your bump is beautifully visible, but you are usually still comfortable enough to move, pose, and enjoy the session.
Can my partner and children join the session?
Absolutely. Maternity sessions are about celebrating this season of life, and partners and children are always welcome to participate.
We can keep the session focused mostly on you, or we can include more family portraits depending on what feels right for you.
Do you offer maternity wardrobe?
At this time, I do not offer a maternity client closet.
Most maternity clients bring their own outfits, and I’m happy to help guide you toward colors, textures, and styles that will photograph beautifully.
Do you offer maternity and newborn bundles?
Yes. Many clients choose to book maternity and newborn sessions together so the experience feels cohesive and availability is reserved early.
Booking both also gives us a chance to plan portraits that feel connected without looking overly matched.
Cake Smash Photography FAQs
What happens during a cake smash session?
Cake smash sessions are usually divided into three parts:
- Classic portraits before the cake
- The cake smash portion
- An optional splash bath cleanup session afterward
This gives you a beautiful variety of images while keeping the experience fun and low-stress for your little one.
Do you create custom themes?
Yes. Custom set design is one of my favorite parts of cake smash sessions.
I work with you to plan colors, themes, outfits, props, and overall styling so the session feels personal to your child while still photographing beautifully.
Is the cake included?
Yes. Cake is included with every Cake Smash package.
The cake will be ordered and delivered to the studio before your session, so you do not have to worry about finding a baker, picking it up, transporting it, or bringing it with you.
What if my baby doesn’t like the cake?
That is completely normal.
Some babies dive right in, and some are more cautious. Either way, we capture adorable reactions and real personality. I also have quite a few tricks up my sleeve to help little ones warm up.
And honestly, sometimes the unsure faces are just as cute as the big messy smiles.
Can cake smash sessions be for older children?
Yes. Cake smash and themed sessions are most common for first birthdays, but they can also be created for toddlers and young children.
If your child is turning two, three, four, or even five and you want something playful and custom, we can absolutely plan something fun.
Milestone & Children’s Photography FAQs
What age is best for milestone photos?
Milestone sessions are great at any age.
Popular times are 6 months, 9 months, one year, toddlerhood, preschool age, and anytime your child has changed so much that you want updated portraits.
You do not need a special occasion to book updated photos.
Do you provide outfits for milestone sessions?
I offer select client closet pieces for babies ages 6–12 months.
For older babies and children, you’ll provide wardrobe, but I’m happy to help guide you toward outfits that will photograph well.
What if my child is shy or nervous?
That is completely okay.
I never expect children to perform the second they walk in. I give them time to warm up, explore, and feel comfortable. Some kids need a few minutes. Some need more space. Some need a cheer section and others need quiet praise.
We follow their pace and work with their personality.
Mini Session FAQs
Do you offer mini sessions?
Yes. I offer seasonal mini sessions throughout the year, including holiday portraits, milestone events, themed sessions, and limited special events.
Mini sessions are announced first through my email newsletter and VIP list and can also be found in my Shop here.
How can I find out about upcoming minis?
The best way is to join my email list.
Subscribers and VIP clients often receive early booking access before sessions are released publicly. You can sign up here.
Booking & Policies
What is required to book?
A signed contract and non-refundable retainer are required to reserve your session.
Because availability is limited, dates cannot be held without both the contract and retainer payment.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available at no extra charge.
Just ask when booking, and I’ll walk you through the options.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available in my shop and make wonderful baby shower, maternity leave, birthday, or new parent gifts.
You can find them here:
www.sarapopephotography.com/shopWhere is your studio located?
My portrait studio is located at:
1625 Main Street #1002
Oakley, CaliforniaI serve families throughout the Bay Area and East Bay, including Oakley, Brentwood, Antioch, Discovery Bay, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Danville, and surrounding Northern California communities.
Still Have Questions?
I’d love to hear from you 🤍
You can reach out through the contact form on my website:
https://www.sarapopephotography.com/contact/Or explore more session information here:
Maternity Sessions
Newborn Sessions
Milestone Sessions
Cake Smash Sessions
