Your Session Experience with Sweet Pea Family Photography | Newborn, Maternity, & Family Photographer in Crescent City, CA & Brookings-Harbor, OR

I want you to feel confident and prepared for your photography session! Here's what you can expect when working with me, from booking through receiving your final images.

Booking Your Session

Planning your perfect photography session is an exciting step in capturing your most cherished moments. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing your session date and understanding our booking process.

Booking Requirements

Contract and Payment

  • A signed contract is required (I'll guide you through the process)

  • An initial non-refundable payment of $100 is needed to secure your date

    • This $100 is applied to your total session fee

    • The remaining balance is due 24 hours before your session

Sessions & Availability

Newborn Sessions

  • Days: Wednesday to Friday mornings

  • Location: My studio

Baby Milestone & Cake Smash Sessions

  • Days: Wednesday to Sunday mornings

  • Location: My studio

Maternity & Family Sessions

  • Days: Wednesday to Sunday

  • Location: Varies by session type

Outdoor Session Timing

  • Redwoods: 3-4 hours before sunset

  • Beach and other outdoor locations: Around sunrise or sunset

    • These specific times are carefully chosen to capture the most beautiful, soft natural light for your photos

Ready to Book?

If you have any questions about booking or scheduling, I'm here to help. Let's work together to plan your perfect photography session and create memories that will last a lifetime..

Your Newborn Session

Welcoming a new baby is a precious moment, and a professional newborn photoshoot is the perfect way to capture those fleeting first days of life. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for a comfortable, stress-free photography session that beautifully preserves your little one's earliest memories.

Studio Environment

  • My home studio is kept warm and cozy at 77-80° to ensure your baby's comfort

  • Family pets are present but kept separate during sessions for those with allergies

What to Bring

  • Extra diapers and wipes

  • Bottles/milk if needed

  • Light layers for parents (studio will be warm!)

Note: A detailed personalized prep guide will be sent before your session with additional tips.

Session Types

Wrapped Sessions (Approx. 1 hour)

  • Limited to 2 setups

  • Perfect for simple, wrapped poses

  • Includes prop and wrap variations

Newborn Only Sessions (2-3 hours)

  • 4-5 setups including:

    • Traditional table posing

    • Wrapped poses

    • Prop and wrap variations

Newborn/Family Sessions (3-4 hours)

  • Includes all newborn only session setups

  • Additional family compositions:

    • Parents with newborn

    • Siblings with newborn

    • Family portraits

My Approach

As a mom, I deeply understand that every newborn is unique and has their own rhythm. My photography philosophy centers on creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment that prioritizes your baby's comfort and needs. All sessions are completely baby-led, with ample time for feeding, changing, and cuddling breaks.

Whether your little one is peacefully sleeping or momentarily fussy (which is entirely normal!), I bring extensive experience working with newborns in all states of mind. I use gentle soothing techniques to keep your baby comfortable, and there's never any rush. We'll take all the time needed to create beautiful, timeless photos that authentically capture your baby's unique personality and the special bond of your growing family.

Your Maternity Session

Maternity sessions capture a beautiful moment of pregnancy, celebrating the life growing within you and preserving the precious memories of this transformative time. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for a comfortable, meaningful photography experience that beautifully documents your journey.

Session Details:

  • Approximately 1 hour of photography time

  • Includes location positioning and outfit changes within our chosen photography location

  • Portable changing room for privacy and comfort

  • My carefully selected locations are easy to navigate for expectant mothers

  • Complimentary client closet included with your session

Location Options:

  • Beaches

  • Redwood forests

  • Smith River

  • Local fields and forest areas

Client Closet:

  • Included with your session

  • Extensive collection of 50+ gowns

  • Sizes ranging from S to XL

  • Pre-session gown selection consultation

Session Preparation - Wardrobe Essentials:

  • Undergarments to ensure flawless images:

    • Nude strapless bra (prevents visible straps in gown photographs)

    • Nude boy shorts for flowy gowns with potential side slits

    • Nude maternity spanks that smooth and support the belly for fitted gowns

  • Note: These specific undergarments ensure a clean, polished look in your photographs

During Our Time Together

We'll create a variety of photos. Some will focus just on you, others might include your partner or children. I'll capture portraits, family moments, and those special details that make this time unique.

Your Comfort During the Session

I understand pregnancy can be exhausting. We'll take breaks whenever you need, move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and make sure you feel supported throughout the session. If you need to rest, sit, or take a moment, we absolutely will.

Why Maternity Photography Matters

I didn't have maternity photos done with my first son and always regretted it. With my second pregnancy, I hired a photographer, hoping to capture this special moment. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the session and the quality of the photos. There are so few images of me during that precious time, which is something I've heard from many mothers.

This experience became part of my WHY. I want to make sure every expecting mother that books with me has beautiful images they can look back on and show their children. Kids don't care what we look like pregnant with them. They are fascinated by those images and love seeing themselves before they were born.

Your Family Session

Family sessions with me are straightforward and relaxed. We'll start with some classic posed portraits - you know, the ones where everyone's looking at the camera. Then we'll mix it up a bit. I'll guide you through some simple interactions with your kids, like having a group hug or just hanging out together. My goal is to give you a nice mix of traditional family portraits and some natural moments in between. It's not about elaborate setups or forced fun - just your family being yourselves in front of the camera. You'll end up with a variety of images that capture your family as you are right now.

Session Details:

  • Up to an hour of photography time

  • We'll do various poses and groupings at our chosen spot

  • We'll be flexible to work with your kids' moods and needs

Location Options:

  • Beaches

  • Redwood forests

  • Smith River

  • Local fields and forest areas

Things to Bring:

  • Snacks (they're lifesavers with kids)

  • Wipes for quick clean-ups

  • A favorite toy for little ones if it helps them feel more at ease

Client Closet

Good news - moms, I have a special collection of dresses just for you! My client closet features dresses originally selected for maternity sessions that work beautifully for family photos. These dresses are available exclusively for mothers, providing an effortless styling option. If you're interested in using a dress from my collection, just let me know and we can discuss options that might work for you. Please note that these dresses are only available for mothers, and your family members will need to bring their own outfits.

Dressing Your Kids

Our local weather can be unpredictable, especially for little ones. It's always a good idea to dress kids a bit warmer than you might think necessary. Bringing along cozy jackets or blankets can be a real lifesaver. When kids are comfortable and warm, their natural smiles and personalities shine through in photos. Plus, it gives us more flexibility to capture those perfect shots without rushing due to chilly temperatures.

Timing Tip

Let's schedule when your kids are usually in good spirits. After a nap or meal often works well.

During Our Time Together

I'll keep things relaxed so your kids can just be themselves. That's how we get those natural, personality-filled shots. I'll guide you through different poses, but don't stress about perfection. Some of the best photos happen when everyone's just being real.

A Note for Parents:

I know you're excited about getting great family photos. The best way to make that happen is to keep things relaxed and fun for everyone. Kids are unpredictable, and that's okay! Their natural expressions and behaviors often lead to the most cherished photos. Trust me to capture those genuine moments. If your little ones aren't feeling cooperative, don't worry - we'll work with their energy and moods to create beautiful images you'll love.

Session Types:

  • Extended Family: For larger groups including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings.

  • Standard Session: For immediate family consisting of parents and their children.

  • Mini Session: A shorter option for 1-2 people, offering a few select photos.

My Approach

Look, I've been there. As a parent myself, I know family photo-shoots can feel like a big deal. But I promise, it doesn't have to be stressful. I've worked with all kinds of families, from super organized to beautifully chaotic. Whatever your family brings to the session, we'll make it work.

While newborns are my passion, I love seeing families grow. These sessions are a great way to capture your family's journey as the kids get older.

Remember, these photos are for you to enjoy now and for your kids to look back on later. Let's have some fun and create images you'll love.

Your Milestone Session

Sessions take place in my home studio, capturing those special moments in your baby's first year. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for a meaningful photography experience that beautifully preserves the fleeting stages of your little one's first year, ensuring you capture and treasure these precious memories.

Session Details:

  • Sessions take place in my home studio

  • Approximately 30-45 minutes of photography time

  • Comfortable studio space

  • Variety of props for fun and beautiful setups

  • Client closet available if you need an outfit

Session Options:

First Smile Session (3-6 months)

  • Capturing those first real, genuine smiles

  • Documenting the moment your baby starts to interact with the world

  • Catching those emerging personality hints

Sitter Session (6-9 months)

  • Celebrating your baby's new ability to sit independently

  • Exploring their curiosity and growing personality

  • Capturing that sweet spot before they start crawling everywhere

First Birthday Session (12 months)

  • Marking an incredible year of growth

  • Capturing their budding independence

  • Celebrating the little person they're becoming

Cake Smash Session

  • A fun, messy celebration of turning one

  • Capture the pure joy and unpredictability of a first birthday

  • Create memories that will make you laugh for years to come

Studio Environment

My home studio includes family pets, which are kept separate during sessions for those with allergies.

My Approach

I work with your baby's natural movements, capturing those genuine moments that show who they really are. Kids don't sit and pose - we capture their real, spontaneous self.

I offer packages that include these milestone sessions. Most clients choose the Cake Smash, but some do multiple sessions throughout the year.

These sessions are about more than just photos. They're about capturing those fleeting moments you'll want to remember. Those tiny expressions, the way they move - these memories slip away so quickly. Phone photos are great, but these sessions create lasting memories you'll actually print and treasure.

After Your Session

Once our session is done, there are a few more steps to complete before your final images are ready. Here’s what happens next:

Proof Gallery

Within a week of your session, I’ll email you a proof gallery—a preview of your images that’s unedited but designed to help you pick your favorites.

Availability

Your proof gallery will remain active for 10 days, giving you plenty of time to review and choose your favorites. Need a little extra time? No problem—reactivating your gallery for an additional 10 days is easy and comes with a $25 fee.

How to Choose

Once you've reviewed your images, use the star button in the gallery to mark your favorites. When you're done, just send me a quick email so I can get started on the final edits.

  • Note: Proof galleries are lightly adjusted for exposure and color but are not fully edited. Final images will reflect the polished, professional quality you see in my portfolio.

Editing Options

Once your selections are in, I’ll start editing your images.

  • Standard Editing: Included in all sessions, this covers color adjustments, exposure balancing, contrast tuning, and minor backdrop cleanup.

  • Retouched Editing: Includes everything in Standard Editing plus refinements like skin smoothing, detail enhancement, object removal, and basic head swaps. This is included in maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions. For family sessions, retouching is available as an add-on per image.

Editing Timeline

Editing typically takes up to four weeks, though I aim to finish sooner. Once you’ve made your selections and any invoices are settled, your images are added to the editing queue.

Downloading Your Images

When your images are ready, I’ll email you a link to download the high-resolution files. For the best results, download them to a computer. Mobile devices can compress files during downloads, which may affect their resolution when printing.

If you have questions or need help with your gallery, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to assist.

Image Storage

I’ll keep your images on my hard drive for six months. After that, they’ll still be available for re-download for a small fee. I recommend downloading your gallery as soon as it’s ready and saving it in a couple of places—like your computer, a cloud service, or an external drive.

Planning your session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’d like to talk through anything or need help getting started, send me a message. For quick answers, the FAQ page is a great resource too.