I am so excited that you are interested in choosing me as your Pittsburgh baby photographer to document your newest little one! Getting to be a part of your baby's first weeks is a huge deal to me. I love showing my artistic side by styling scenes so your newborn is captured forever. But I also love the snuggles! I am very hands-on with helping to feed or getting them to sleep. It's ALWAYS a good day when I get to hold a baby, and I appreciate my clients trusting me with something so small and important.

I started concentrating my photography more so on newborns and maternity about five years ago. Hundreds of newborns later, and I'm still loving it. Getting to meet new clients and their little ones has been very rewarding. I love growing with a family by helping them capture the memories of the most important parts of their life, and I hope to provide this for you, too.


Welcome

If you're like me, you want as much information available when you're searching for something like a photographer. And if you're not, then I'm only an email away!

Take your time reading through the information and thinking about what collection might best suit your needs. And when you're ready, you can inquire through the site or email me directly:

katie@katielouisephotography.com

Let's Connect!

Below you'll find a couple different location options depending on what may work better for you.

Are you close to the Bridgeville area? Don't want to worry about making sure your home is in order after the baby arrives? Want full access to wraps, props and scenes? Then the studio will work best for you. My studio is located in Bridgeville, close to 79.

Do you have a home with awesome natural light? Do you want to showcase the newborn's nursery or a favorite room in your house? Then the lifestyle session that takes place at your home might be what you're looking for.

Location

You're ready to book! Now what?

Once you've made a decision on using Katie Louise Photography as your newborn photographer, I'll send out a contract to be signed online, as well as an online invoice with the retainer fee. The retainer fee is non-refundable, will hold a spot on the calendar and will guarantee current pricing. The retainer fee does not include any digital images or products.


Booking

After booking, you'll want to start thinking about colors, themes and props you would like to use. If you're not sure at all and would like to give me artistic freedom, that works, too! I'll give you advice on what to wear and how to coordinate.

If you need anything super specific that I may not already have, I will need to know that information well in advance to prepare.

Pets are allowed as long as the breed, size, and training are discussed ahead of time. A parent or additional person must be able to take the pet back home once we finish pictures with them.

Preparing for your session

I always start with family, parent and sibling poses first, whether at the studio or your home. This way you can relax for the remainder of the session.

Sessions typically finish in under 2 hours. However, sometimes we need to extend another hour if the baby needs a feeding or has trouble falling asleep.

Occasionally grandparents may be permitted at the studio, but they will most likely need to wait in the lobby or return home once their portion is done since the waiting area within the studio is smaller.

During the session

The proofing gallery will be delivered through email 2-3 business days following your session. Next, you'll create a favorites list of the digitals you would like to keep that are included with your collection. You will have one week to choose and pay for a collection plus any extras. A $25 fee will be added for each additional week needed. After favorites are selected, I'll send an updated link to your final images within two weeks.

 I offer studio hours if you would like to come back to choose favorites with me and to guide you through your print order, especially if you are  interested in adding on a gallery wall design or album.

Delivery

I'm happy to offer my clients the convenience of turning their images into keepsakes right in their gallery. I use only the best printing company to fulfill your order because I want your prints and products to be top-quality and last a lifetime. From beautiful linen float frame to fine art albums, you're just a few clicks away from decorating your home with memories.

Keepsakes

WHAT TO EXPECT –

Pricing

Retainer Fee: $250

In order to book your newborn session (either at the studio or in your home), there is a retainer fee of $250+tax. This is due at the time of booking, saves a date on the calendar and covers the time of the session, use of studio or time and travel to client's home, props, wraps/outfits, backgrounds.
*It does not include any digital images or products and it does not go toward a collection.

A signed contract is also required to book. The contract and retainer secure current pricing.
Once you have viewed your proofs (sent within 2-3 days of your session), you'll pick out and pay for a collection plus any extras within one week. Keep in mind the retainer is in addition to the collection price.

*Payment plans available for collections $1200+.

30 digital images
10x10 fine art album + keepsake box
20x30 float frame

family/siblings included

*does not include retainer

Collection 1

$3500+tax

25 digital images
2 - 6x6 mini gift albums
16x20 float frame

family/siblings included

*does not include retainer

Collection 2

$2500+tax

20 digital images
11x14 Float Frame

family/siblings included


*does not include retainer

Collection 3

$1800+tax

Product Collections

25 digital images
10 complimentary prints
(mix of 8x10 and 5x7)
family/siblings included

*does not include retainer

Collection 1

$1875+tax

15 digital images
5 complimentary prints
(mix of 8x10 and 5x7)
* minimum if including family/siblings

*does not include retainer

Collection 2

$1200+tax

5 digital images
baby only
up to 1 hour
baby remains wrapped
2-3 sets

*does not include retainer

Mini

$500+tax

Digital Only Collections

The 10x10 keepsake album comes with a linen box and 10 spreads. Each page is made of thick fine art paper, printed with museum-quality ink.

You get to choose your linen box color, favorite image for the album cover and what you would like written on the spine.

10x10 Fine Art Album

The 6x6 mini gift album comes with 12 spreads and one image on the cover.

You get to choose your album cover and what you would like written on the spine.

6x6 Mini Gift Album


10x10 Fine Art Album on left
6x6 Mini Gift Album on right

Linen Float Frame Sizes:
20x30 (top),  16x20 (bottom left),  11x14 (bottom right)

Collage Frame Size:
16x16 (4 images)

I am obsessed with all things linen, so when my printer started offering these float frames I HAD to add them to my collections. If you are looking for something unique and love interesting textures these float frame are for you!

Linen Float Frames & Collage Frame

This comes in 5x7 or 8x10. You choose linen color and the 3 images that are matted inside.

8x10 (left)    5x7 (right)

Linen Trifold Panel

This linen folio box fits 10 matted 5x7 images of your choice. You also choose the color of the linen and if you would like something embossed on the front.

Linen Folio Box

Keepsake Products

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book my newborn session?

I always suggest to book during your second trimester. This gives us enough time to plan, but also you'll want to make sure you're booking far enough in advance that I have your due date available.
If you're booking a maternity session, it's best to reach out at the beginning of the second trimester so we can plan the maternity session for the third trimester. If you're a first time mom, you may not start to really show until later in the third trimester, so sometimes we have to wait a little longer. But we also want to make sure we don't wait too long so you're still feeing up to it.

What does the Retainer cover

The retainer also acts as a sitting fee. It is due upon booking in order to guarantee you a date (I only take so many newborns a month) and current pricing. My pricing is subject to change, as well as what I offer in each collection. You'll be welcome to take advantage of new collections in case they have different products, but you'll also reserve current pricing when booking in case the price is raised. The retainer then covers the time of the session. This includes the setup time, duration, all planning, and access to all props, backdrops, wraps/outfits, etc.

When will the session take place? What if my baby arrives early or late?

Newborn sessions are taken Tuesdays through Fridays starting at either 10am, 10:30am, or 11am. Babies aren't really on a schedule yet, so this seems to be the best time based off of experience. I'll also send you prep instructions to help ensure things go smoothly. Occasionally I will take newborns on Sundays if both parents want to be included but your work simply won't allow a weekday or if you have older children in school. I cannot guarantee this, so a weekday option must be okay as a backup option.
No worries if your baby does not come exactly on the due date. I only allow a limited number of bookings a month to ensure we have a few date options regardless of when your baby arrives. Expect to come into the studio when the baby is 5-14 days old. This is when they are more flexible and sleeping for longer periods of time.

What if my baby doesn't sleep or my other kids don't cooperate?

This is probably what clients worry about the most. You'll want to do your best to follow the prep instructions for the baby as much as possible. Sometimes you can plan all you want and they may still not sleep. While this isn't ideal for certain poses because of safety reasons, it doesn't mean we still won't be able to get adorable pictures! If they're awake, we'll get to capture their personality. Most of the time if the baby isn't sleeping at the start, they will usually fall asleep along the way.
Try not to worry! I have years of experience with young kids (since I used to nanny) and getting them to not only cooperate, but to give cute smiles, too! 

Do I need to bring outfits for the baby? For the family? Anything else I should bring?

As far as outfits, I supply everything for the baby. No need to bring anything for them unless you have something special, like a traditional ethnic outfit. You'll want to prepare for yourself and the other family members, though. Scroll down to the next section for help on styling. However, if you're booking a maternity session, I will have a few neutral dresses/robes to choose from if you want!
I would suggest bringing a separate cooler outfit for after family photos because the room does stay pretty warm. I would also make sure to bring extra diapers and formula if needed. A pacifier is a huge help just for settling baby while they're being wrapped as it takes the focus away from their arms and legs and lets me work a little faster at getting them ready. Letting me use a pacifier is a requirement for the mini session in order to give us the best possible chance for a smooth and efficient session. 

What's included with editing?

Try not to worry if your baby has scratches, dry skin or redness. If something is extreme, you can always send me a picture beforehand and we can make a decision on whether we should postpone the session an extra week. However, most issues with baby skin can be fixed. The final edits would simply take longer depending on the severity of peeling or scratches, but certainly not impossible.

Can I buy just digital images?

Digital images cannot be purchased a la carte. A minimum collection is required for either the mini or full session. The mini is a digital only collection. And the full session starts with a combo of digital images and a linen float frame.

How long do I have to choose and pay for a collection?
After I choose my collection, how long will it take to receive the final images?

You will have one week to choose and pay for a collection starting from the day you receive
the proofing gallery. There will be incentive to choose and pay within 5 days, so make 
sure you read the entire email when receiving your proofing gallery.

Once you've chosen a collection, you'll be sent an invoice. Final edits will not be started until the invoice is paid. I can usually finish editing your session within 10-14 business days. 
If you choose a collection that includes more than 20 images or if the images need
 extra editing, then I would possibly need an additional 1-2 weeks. If you need more than one week to choose and pay for a collection, then editing will take up to four weeks and a $25 fee will be charged for each additional week needed.

I supply everything for your newborn, so you'll only have to find outfits for your other kid/s. With the growth of online stores, shopping for your littles is more fun than ever! I recommend choosing color families (neutrals, blues, etc.) over perfectly matching outfits. If you're looking for some inspiration or some of my favorite shops for kids don't hesitate to reach out!

For the littles

For newborn sessions in particular, the focus is more on faces and less on distracting patterns or colors. Once way to add depth is to think about switching up the textures of the clothes. As for colors, black or white usually looks great on everyone and are colors probably already in your closet.

For all other sessions,  I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones. 

WHAT TO WEAR

Wardrobe & Styling

CONtACT Katie

I'm so honored that you're considering working with me to capture your family. To officially reserve your date, please contact me by clicking below. Include your name, number of family members, due date and anything else I should know. I can't wait to work with you!

CONTACT me TO RESERVE YOUR due DATE

Let's do this!