ThE Haley Willingham Photography 

Newborn Experience

Inquiring & Booking

When you send me an e-mail to inquire about booking me as your newborn photographer you will receive back a link to my Newborn Experience Guide which will include important information about my newborn photography services and a complete pricing guide.  After you choose to book me as your newborn photographer I will send you my contract, questionnaire to help me plan for your session, and invoice for the deposit to hold a date for you on my calendar. I only book 10 newborn sessions a month so it is important to get on my calendar while you are still pregnant to insure I will have space for you once baby arrives.    

Setting Your Session Date

Maternity Session

Newborn Session

Newborn sessions are booked as early as 12 weeks into your pregnancy. I only take 8 newborn sessions a month in order to maintain a high quality of work that my clients have come to expect. So, it is best to get on my calendar early. Then, after you have baby you will contact me and we will set up your actual session date. It doesn't mater if baby comes early or late as long as you are on my calendar I will have space for whenever your baby arrives. Sessions take place in my Shepherdstown, WV studio where you will have access to my huge collection of props, headbands, hats, and outfits.  

Book a maternity session with your newborn session and save.  I love being able to capture maternity sessions for my clients.  This is such a special time in your life that will be over before you know it (though it might not seem like it now).  These photos will be so special to you and your baby for years and years to come!  Maternity sessions are best when you are between 32-36 weeks. This way you will have a nice size baby bump and you won't be too uncomfortable. Maternity sessions can take place at an outdoor location of your choice (I can help with location choices) or in my studio.  

Your new baby is between 5-14 days old and you are coming into the studio for your session!  When you arrive you can expect it to be warm!  Newborns are use to being very warm in the womb and they love the warm temperatures.  This will help them fall into a deep sleep.  Once you arrive I will take baby out of their carseat and undress them as carefully as possible to keep them asleep.  Then I will start!  The studio will be completely set up with backdrops and props when you arrive.  This is done based on the questionnaire you fill out at booking.  Though, if you see something set out that you do not like or if there is a prop you love that I do not have set out please let me know!  Feel free do whatever you wish during your session.  You can move closer to watch me or sit back and read a new book or work on thank you cards.  If baby needs to eat I will bring him/her to you.   

Gallery Delivery

You can expect to receive your finished gallery within 2 weeks after your session date.  You will receive an e-mail with the link to your gallery.  You will be able to choose the photos that you want from your online gallery.  After you make your selections your digital files will be delivered to the e-mail address you provided.  You will also have the option of ordering prints/products from my professional print lab. Though, no other purchase is required and you can order prints/products from the lab of your choice.    

Baby's First Year

If you chose a baby's first year package you will be coming to my studio again soon!  Please contact me a month before the milestone in order to get your session on my calendar.  You can expect a much shorter session then your newborn session. Milestone sessions are usually quick and easy!  You can bring up 3 outfits for baby though I do have a collections of handmade outfits at the studio for you to use.  For your cake smash session you will choose the colors/theme and I will order your cake from The Sweet Shop.  You can bring your own outfit or you can choose from ones I have at the studio.

Being a newborn photographer is unlike any other type of photography.  Being a great photographer doesn't exactly make you a great newborn photographer!  Being a newborn photographer requires you to not only know how to use your camera and lighting, it also requires you to be a baby whisper, master poser, baby safety expert, and have a huge prop closet!  That is exactly what you will get when you choose me as your Newborn Photographer.  Read more below to find out more about the Haley Willingham Photography newborn experience.