Newborn Photography
Experience Guide
Hello Mom-To-Be and welcome! This is such an exciting time for you! I am Haley, the owner and photographer at Haley Willingham Photography. I am so excited that you found me! I believe that getting to know my clients is the #1 way to provide an awesome experience. I would love to tell you a little more about myself. Here are some things that you should know.
- I meet my husband Steve in collage and we got married in 2010!
- We have 3 beautiful daughters Callie, Emery, and Sophia and a son Chance!
- I am a twin Mom! My twins Emery and Sophia are now 15 years old and Freshmen in High School
- I am a proud soccer mom! My twins play travel soccer for EPIC and Washington High School
- My oldest daughter Callie is attending West Virginia University and majoring in business
- I am Mom to a rainbow baby, Chance who is in the 2nd grade at Norther Jefferson
- Chance is Autistic but is the smartest kid I know! He loves learning and going on adventures!
- I am also the mother of a lab, Winnie Cooper, we rescued when she was 4 weeks old
- I was a preschool/elementary teacher for 6 years before I started my business
- I started my business in March 2011 after I had my twins
- I opened my first studio in Martinsburg, WV in November 2011
- In July 2015 I moved my current studio space in downtown Shepherdstown WV
- I photograph around 100 newborns a year
- I love working with newborns but I also love photographing my clients as they grow!
Now that you have gotten to know me a little bit now we are ready to talk more about the HWP Newborn Experience!
Keep Reading
Welcome!
Why Choose Haley Willingham Photography?
Expereince
I have been a newborn photographer for over 15 years and photograph over 100 newborns a year. My clients often call me “the baby whisperer” because I have mastered calming babies to get the photos you want for your session. I know what works and what doesn’t and pride myself on always providing a gallery full of amazing images for my clients no mater if your baby is “cooperating” or not.
Posing
I am an expert at posing newborns safely. Safety is always my number one concern. I have learned from top newborn photographers in the business and I know how to get a variety of poses while keeping your baby safe and calm. Since I have been doing newborn photography for 15 years I can get a large variety of poses in little time. You will not be here all day! Most newborn sessions take around 2 hours to complete.
Props
My clients come into my studio and are often overwhelmed by the amount of props I have. I have a tons of props! Hats, wraps, bowls, baskets, headbands, and more that I have been collecting for over 15 years. I am always adding new props to my collection. There is no need for you to bring anything with you for your session. I have an online guide that you can use to select the props that you want to use for your session. You will fill out my online questionnaire before you come into the studio so on session day I will have everything already setup to your preferences which allows me to quickly go through poses to get you a lot of adorable setups of your baby you will love.
Editing
Taking your newborns photos doesn’t end at the studio. After your session I will start the editing process on your photos to provide you with worthy images. Nothing you see on my website is fresh from the camera. I include blemish removal, color enhancements, skin perfecting, and many hours of my digital editing expertise with every session.
Newborn sessions are done in my beautiful downtown Shepherdstown, WV studio. - 120 W. German Street Suite 200. Here you will have access to my large collection of props. It also allows me to regulate the environment at 85 degrees where your mostly naked newborn will be most comfortable during the session. The studio will get hot for you but baby will love it! I recommend dressing in layers so you are most comfortable. I will have cold sodas and water available at the studio and you can always step outside to cool off!
When you choose Haley Willingham Photography to photograph your baby you can expect great customer service, a relaxed but originated atmosphere and to have an amazing experience while I capture beautiful photos of your growing family that will last a lifetime . I strive to create a high quality experience during every phase of the photography process and aim to give you the best experience from your first inquire to your final image delivery and beyond, if any problems arise.
What To Expect
Before
It is best to book your newborn session early! I only take 10 newborns a month to be sure I have a space for you once your baby arrives. After you book your newborn session I will mark your due date down on my calendar to save a spot for you when baby arrives. Since I only take a limited amount of newborn sessions a month, I will have space for your session whenever baby is ready to come into the studio. After baby arrives you will contact me to set up your actual session date. Newborns are best photographed during the first 2 weeks of life. During this time newborns tend to be sleepier and retain that fresh newborn curl. After 14 days, newborns tend to develop things like colic and baby acne, they also tend to be more alert and stay awake longer.
During
Posed newborn sessions typically take place in my Shepherdstown, WV studio but, I will travel to your home for an additional fee. For your session you will have access to my large collection of props, professional studio lighting, and a warm cozy atmosphere for a sleepy and happy baby. During your session, I will pose and handle your baby with their care and safety as my top priority. There is no need for you to do anything! You can sit back, relax and watch me work with your baby. Or, you can surf the internet, read a book or fill out thank you cards! I will soothe, swaddle and ensure baby is kept safe and relaxed.
After
After you session, I will go home and save your images to my computer and sort the best ones to edit. don’t worry, I always give you the best photos and a large variety in your gallery! I will also post a few sneak peeks on Facebook and Instagram within 48 hours after your session (you can opt of having your images posed to social media by e-mailing me). Within 2 weeks from your session date you will receive your online gallery via e-mail. Through your gallery you will be able to select the images you want and download your selected files immediately. You can also order more digital files or prints though, no farther purchase is required. You will have a complete print release with your selected digital files and can print anywhere you choose though, I do recommend MPIX.com
All session packages include planning for your perfect photography session, time photographing your session, professional editing after your photos are taken, an online gallery to view and share your photos, and a set of digital files from your session with print release.
A deposit is required to save a spot for you on my calendar. It is important to book your session early as my calendar can fill up months in advance. Some months are very popular for newborns and fill up faster so it is a good idea to book while you are still pregnant as that is the only way I can guarantee I will have space for you on my calendar once baby arrives. The remaining amount of your session package fee is due by your session date.
I use your due date to save a spot for you on my calendar since baby’s arrival is unpredictable. Once you ahve baby you will contact me within 48 hours and we will set up your actual session date. It doesn’t matter when you have baby since I only take a limited number of session each month I will have space for your session no matter when baby arrives. If baby is born premature and/or needs an extended NICU stay we will set their session date for when they are home from the hospital. I aim to get preemies into the studio by their original due date when ever possible.
I have three different newborn packages for you to choose from depending on your needs and budget. Package are available that offer sessions throughout your baby's first year and offer a savings over booking these sessions individually. For packages payment plans are available or you can pay the full amount up front.
ALREADY HAD BABY? While booking early is recommended to guarantee your spot at the ideal age of photographing newborns (5-14 days old), if you are late booking and already had baby I might be able to get you into the studio still! This isn't guaranteed as some months/weeks are more busy than others. If your newborn is older then 2 weeks that is also fine. While I might not be able to get specific poses and they might be more awake, I will still take newborns up to 8 weeks old.
If you have any questions please reach out to be before booking and I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Thanks for considering me as your newborn photographer and I hope to get to work with you soon!
Newborn Session Packages
Availability
Now Booking May-November 2026
All months are currently available but September has limited availability
Contact: Haley at haleywillinghamphotography@yahoo.com
Deluxe Newborn Session: $1000
The Deluxe session is for you if you want a complete newborn session experience with a variety of newborn only and family photos with newborn. Haley will plan 12 wrapped and unwrapped poses for your session using your questionnaire to plan for setups you will love. Session includes a variety of family, solo newborn, and newborn detail photos (up close macro photos of feet, hands, lips, nose, eye lashes and more). Plus you get all 75+ digital files form your session in an online gallery.
Multiples Can Book This Session
Includes...
• Up to 3 hour photo session in studio
• All 75+ digital files in your gallery with print release
• Minimum of 12 wrapped and unwrapped setups/poses
• Multiple family/sibling poses
• Baby detail shots
• Access to my huge prop collection
• Professional editing of photos
• Online gallery to download your images
$300 deposit due when booking and $700 is due by your session date. 6% sale tax is added to all payments.
Sample Gallery 1
Sample Gallery 2
Sample Gallery 3
Sample Gallery 4
Sample Deluxe Newborn Galleries
Click Here To Book The Deluxe Newborn Session
In Home Deluxe Newborn Session
If you live within 20 miles of Shepherdstown, WV or Summit Point WV (where I live) I will travel to you for your newborn session for a $500 travel fee. This fee includes time to pack props to bring to your home, setup and take down in your home on the day or the session, and travel to and from your home. This add on is only allowed with the deluxe newborn session. I will use your quesionnairre to pack props you want for your session. I will bring everything I need with me to your home. You will not have to provide anything except baby and baby care items (food, diapers, pacifier). I will travel to locations farther away but additional travel feels will apply.
Classic Newborn & Family Session: $650
The newborn & family session is for you if you want a large variety of newborn, family photos and detail shots of your newborn baby. Haley will plan a minimum of 8 wrapped and unwrapped poses for your session using your questionnaire to plan for setups you will love. Session includes a variety of family, solo newborn, and newborn detail photos (up close macro photos of feet, hands, lips, nose, eye lashes and more). Multiples Can Book This Session
Includes...
• Up to 3 hour photo session in studio
• Your choice of 20 digital files from a gallery of 75+
• Minimum of 8 wrapped and unwrapped setups/poses
• Multiple family/sibling poses
• Baby detail shots
• Access to my huge prop collection
• Professional editing of photos
• Online gallery to download your images
$250 deposit due when booking and $400 is due by your session date. Additional digital files/prints can be purchased from your online gallery but no further purchase is required. 6% sale tax is added to all payments.
Sample Gallery 1
Sample Gallery 2
Sample Gallery 3
Sample Gallery 4
Sample Newborn & Family Galleries
Click Here To Book The Classic Newborn & Family Session
Classic Newborn Session: $550
Includes...
• Up to 2 hour photo session in studio
• Your choice of 15 digital files from an online gallery of 50+
• Minimum of 8 wrapped and unwrapped baby setups
• Baby detail shots
• Access to my huge prop collection
• Professional editing of photos
• Online gallery to choose and download your images
• Unlimited personal print release for selected images
• For newborn ONLY no parent/sibling photos
$250 deposit due when booking and $300 is due by your session date. Additional digital files/prints can be purchased from your online gallery but no further purchase is required. 6% sale tax is added to all payments.
The classic newborn session package is perfect if you want a variety of setups and poses of baby only. Haley will plan a minimum of 8 wrapped and unwrapped poses for your session using your questionnaire to plan for setups you will love. Multiples Can Book This Session
Sample Classic Newborn Galleries
Sample Gallery 2
Sample Gallery 3
Sample Gallery 4
Sample Galley 1
Click Here To Book The Classic Newborn Session
Wrapped Newborn Session: $350
The wrapped newborn session is great for you if you want just a few photos of your newborn. Haley will plan 5 wrapped poses for your session using your questionnaire to plan for setups you will love. Baby may or may not fall asleep during your session. Knit stretch wraps will be used to keep baby happy and secure so that we can get the 5 poses in the 1 hour time limit. No Naked or unwrapped shots of baby. NOT FOR MULTIPLES.
Includes...
• Up to 1 hour photo session in studio
• Your choice of 5 digital files from an online gallery
• 5 wrapped setups
• No naked or unwrapped photos
• No detail shots
• Professional editing of photos
• Online gallery to download your images
• Print release
$150 deposit due when booking and $200 is due by your session date. Additional digital files/prints can be purchased from your online gallery but no further purchase is required. 6% sale tax is added to all payments.
Sample Wrapped Newborn Galleries
Sample Gallery 1
Sample Gallery 4
Sample Gallery 2
Sample Gallery 3
Click Here To Book The Wrapped Newborn Session
After your session you may purchase prints and/or products from your gallery but there is no obligation to do so. You will have a print release and can order prints from the lab of your choice. Though, Haley is not responsible for the quality of prints printed at other labs. 6% sales tax will be added to all session packages and product purchases.
See More Newborn Sessions On The Blog
Twins
Are you having twins? If so welcome to the club! I am also a twin Mommy! My identical twin girl Emery and Sophia are already 15 years old! I honestly can't believe it! I can also say with all honestly that the first year of their life went by in a blur. Being a new Mom is hard but being a Mom of twins is impossible at times but we make it work! Lots of sleepless nights and walking through the day half awake. But, this is such a special time that should be celebrated. You carried and brought TWO babies into this world! I love photographing newborns but twins hold a special place in my heart. It takes me back to when my babies where newborns and my how fast time flies. Even though it doesn't feel like it now, one day soon your babies will be starting Kindergarten! I am still in love with my twin's newborn photos and all of their first year photos. Their thing 1, thing 2 cake smash is still my favorite of all time! Having twins is so special and you deserve amazing photos to document this special time!
I do not charge more for twin sessions but you must book either the Deluxe, Newborn & Family or The Newborn Session Package. Because of the extra time that is required for twins I am not able to do wrapped newborn sessions with twins! I will take pictures of the babies together and separate. We will go at their pace! So, if one needs to eat I will take photos of the other one . When they are both ready we will do photos together. My studio is set up and spaced out to allow for me to have multiple set ups at one time so it is easy to let them dictate how the set up order goes!
Twin Newborn Galleries
Sample Twin Newborn Galleries
Sample Gallery 2
Sample Gallery 3
Sample Gallery 1
Sample Gallery 4
Capture Your Baby's First Year
Your baby will change and grow so much during the first year of life. It is important to capture those moments! Milestone sessions are done in my Shepherdstown, WV studio were you will have access to my complete prop and outfit collection. You can bring your own outfits or I have some at the studio you can use. Cake Smash sessions include a background setup and cake in the colors/theme of your choice.
Gold Baby’s First Year Package: $3200
Includes:
Deluxe In Studio Or On Location Maternity Session with 75+ Images
Deluxe Studio Newborn Session with 75+ Images
Deluxe Studio Tummy Time Session with 30+ Images
Deluxe Studio Sitter Session with 30+ Images
Deluxe Studio Cake Smash Session with 40+ Images
Online Gallery to Download Photos & Print Release
Family Images Are Included At Each Sessionading
$500 due when booking, $600 due at maternity session, $600 due at newborn session, $500 due at tummy time session, $500 due at sitter session, $500 due at cake smash.
Silver Baby’s First Year Package: $2600
Includes:
Deluxe Studio Newborn Session with 75+ Images
Deluxe Studio Tummy Time Session with 30+ Images
Deluxe Studio Sitter Session with 30+ Images
Deluxe Studio Cake Smash Session with 40+ Images
Online Gallery to Download Photos & Print Release
Family Images Are Included At Each Session
$500 due when booking, $600 due at newborn session, $500 due at tummy time session, $500 due at sitter session, $500 due at cake smash.
Book The Gold Baby’s First Year Package
Book The Silver Baby’s First Year Package
Bronze Baby’s First Year Package: $1300
Includes:
Classic Studio Newborn Session with 15 Images Of Your Choice
Classic Studio Sitter Session with 10 Images Of Your Choice
Classic Studio Cake Smash Session with 15 Images Of Your Choice
Online Gallery to Download Photos & Print Release
Family Images Not Included But Can Be Added To Each Session
$300 due when booking, $400 due at newborn session, $300 due at sitter session, $300 due at cake smash.
Book The Bronze Baby’s First Year Package
What My Clients Are Saying
Haley is an amazing newborn photographer! She captured absolutely gorgeous photos of our baby and of us parents. She was so patient, gentle, and obviously experienced handling newborns, making us feel completely at ease. She also had an incredible variety of props, sets, and outfits to choose from. She even added personal touches to match our nursery theme. Every image turned out beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for stunning newborn photos and a wonderful experience!
Morgan O'Brien Roberts
We did both a maternity and newborn session with Haley and had a wonderful experience! Even with a newborn, she goes out of her way to ensure the comfort of both your newborn and postpartum parents. Not to mention her work is absolutely gorgeous! I don’t think there is anything she couldn’t pull off if you asked!
Holly Blake
We purchased the Baby’s First Year package year ago and I still cherish the photos. It was definitely worth the investment! She’s great at helping direct you into poses, is friendly and considerate. Would recommend to anyone looking to capture the first year, entire experience was stress free and enjoyable.
Erin Goodrich
I found Haley via Google and booked her for my daughter’s newborn photos. She was phenomenal with my girl! So much so we ended up booking her “milestones” package and documented her whole 1st year with Haley! She is fantastic to work and the photos come out amazing. I’m so glad I found her and will continue to use her for years to come to document our family!
Kaitlyn Rosenthal
Haley has been absolutely wonderful to work with! We purchased a milestone package from her, as well as family photographs, and have been so happy working with her. The photographs are amazing quality! She is a true baby whisperer! She was so good with our baby as a newborn and at every stage of her development. Highly recommend her for baby, child, or family photographs.
Angelina Browning
FAQ'S
Q: Does my session fee include digital files? How do I get my digital files and where do I order prints and products?
A: All of my packages include a set of digital files from your session. Up to 2 weeks after your session you will receive your online gallery and will be able to download your images directly from your gallery. With your digital files you will have a print release to order your prints or products from anywhere you choose. Please note that printing images from cheap labs such as chain stores will result in images of lesser quality. I recommend my client print through Mpix.com for the best quality prints. I will even upload your gallery to mpix.com for you to make it easy to order prints and products. Though, you are not required to order anything else and where you decide to print your photos is completely up to you.
Q: Do you Offer A Baby Plan?
A: Yes! I offer three differnent Baby's First Year Packages to capture your child as they grow through the first year of their life. Babies grow and change so much during the first year, it is important to document every wonderful stage.
Q: When Should I Schedule My Newborn Session?
A: It is best to book as soon as possible as I take a limited amount of sessions each month. You can book your session as long as you are at least 12 weeks along in your pregnancy. Once your book your session I will use your due date to save a spot for your on my calendar. Then, once baby arrives e-mail me within the first 48 hours to book your actual session date. Since I only book a limited amount of newborn sessions each month, I will have space for your session no mater when baby arrives.
Q: When Do We Pay You?
A: A deposit is due when you book your session in order to save your spot on my calendar for your session after baby arrives. The remainder of your session fee is due at the end of your session. For multiple session packages payment plans are available. I accept credit card, check, or cash for payment.
Q: I love all the hats and knits and props I see on the babies in your portfolio. Do you provide those?
A: Yes! I have a huge selection of props at the studio and I am always buying more! You do not have to bring any props with you to your session and I prefer you not to. I know what items will look best on baby and provide those to you. A lot of knit items are often too big for newborns and look strange on. Though, if you have a sentimental item feel free to bring that and we will work it into the session!
Q: What should we bring with us for our newborn session?
A: Diapers! If you will be formula feeding, also bring extra formula. If you are nursing, be
prepared to nurse a few times while you are there. I keep the room very warm for baby so
please dress accordingly (layers are your friend). As pacifier is also very handy in helping to sooth baby between poses.
Q: Do you ever have baby's who do not cooperate for their session
A: Every newborn is different and some require more soothing and time when posing then others but, I have been doing this for 15 years and know how to sooth and handle babies to get a gallery full of beautiful images for all babies that come into my studio. Some babies take more time to calm and pose than others but, I always deliver gorgeous galleries to my clients no mater what baby's temperament is.
So.....What's Next?
Do you think I would be the perfect newborn photographer for you? If so you can use the links in this guide to book your session or E-mail me at haleywillinghamphotography@yahoo.com and let me know what package you want to book. Then, I will send you an invoice for the deposit, contract, and questionnaire to help me plan for your session. I will put your due date on my calendar to hold a spot for you. Then once baby arrives e-mail me and we will sent up your actual session date.
Thank You
I’m so glad you contacted me! Enjoy this wonder time in your life and get excited because your new little one will be here soon. Congratulations and I hope to
have you in the studio soon to capture your new bundle of joy!
XOXO Haley