FAQ
Newborns are truly favorite subjects to photograph and at Donna Gratz Photography, we have a passion for capturing the newness of life. It shows in the way your newborn will be comforted, soothed, and carefully posed. Newborns stay new for such a short time. We will capture all of the special details of your fresh little one before they begin to change.
Before your baby is born! It is so important to plan ahead. Capturing your newborn within the first two weeks of life while they are still sleepy and curled up, can make all the difference in your newborn portraits. Please call to schedule your newborn appointment before your baby is born. Since we never really know when your little one will arrive we will put you on our calendar to hold a spot for you. When your baby is born we will move your appointment accordingly.
If your baby came early or if your baby is already born, don’t panic! We always do our best to squeeze newborns into our schedule and older babies take beautiful portraits too.
Absolutely not! Newborn babies photograph best between 6-10 days old. At this point they are still very sleepy and like to curl up as if they were still in the womb. We take up to three hours for a newborn session and leave plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes and breaks for mommy and baby. Come as soon as you are ready. We can’t wait to meet your new little one.
Newborns photograph best without any clothes at all. We love to photograph newborns swaddled in blankets with lots of texture and snuggled up tight in buckets and baskets, so if you have a special blanket or two bring them. We have an extensive supply of newborn hats, bows and headbands that coordinate beautifully with our blankets and props that we will use to stylize your images. You are welcome to bring any hats or props that you would like to have the baby photographed in. You are encouraged to bring special, personal items which make the session and images especially meaningful.
We recommend that you bring baby to the session well rested and plan to feed baby as soon as you arrive. Sleepy babies photograph perfectly, so we will ask you to undress and swaddle baby before the feeding so as to not disturb them by undressing them after the feeding. We take several breaks for feeding baby during the session to ensure that baby is happy and has a full tummy. We ask that you not be too concerned with scheduled feedings during the session and that you feed baby on demand or when they get a bit fussy to ensure their comfort and a smooth session.
It is recommended that you wait until after your session, but, we understand that it is your decision to have the your baby circumcised before leaving the hospital. We will be tightly swaddling your boy naked in scarves and delicate fabrics. The fabrics are soft, however a fresh circumcision is very fragile and often uncomfortable for a newborn. We do not want to make your baby hurt or uncomfortable. If you have your baby circumcised, we will be sure to protect the area as needed to be sure your baby remains comfortable.
Most certainly! This is our specialty and we wouldn’t have it any other way! We love to capture the emotion of those special first days with your new little one and believe that there is no greater image than a new mommy or daddy cuddling with and admiring their newborn child. Skin on skin images are a unique way to capture the purity of these relationships, but we also ask parents to bring a long sleeved neutral colored shirt so that they may serve as a backdrop for baby for some of the images.
The session
Full length studio sessions take place in our heated studio in Manayunk. The session fee includes the photographers time and talent along with backdrops, props, and clothing changes. We work with controlled studio lighting and a plethora of props. When the weather is warmer, let’s take it outside! Sessions at one of the many scenic spots make for some amazing and unique images, especially if the location is special to you. So consider carefully where you’d like to have your session, or we can recommend a spot for you.
Pre-session
When you book your session, we will gather details about your session and determine your style and any special requests. For children and family sessions, we will send you a questionnaire that will help the photographer with this process.
Proofs
About 3-4 weeks after your session, you will get a password for your private online proofing gallery. The online gallery will remain active for 30 days. Once full payment is received your prints will be ordered; they can take 2-3 weeks for delivery and longer for canvas, books or albums. All images will be stored and archived after 3 months. Once the gallery has been closed there will be a $25 fee to upload your gallery for an additional 7 days.~ Ordering…
You can order your prints by sending me an email with your selections. An invoice will then be sent back with payment details. Payment can be made by PayPal, bank deposit, cheque or cash.
Terms
Donna Gratz Photography reserves the right to use any photograph in any form such as, but not limited to, the use in advertising, reproduction, and copyright. All images are copyrighted by Donna Gratz Photography, even those you purchase. Copying, scanning or reproducing images is strictly prohibited. Print-screening images from this website is also against the law. All offenders will be prosecuted accordingly. Prices are subject to change without notice and are non-negotiable. Prices are guaranteed for 30 days after your session. Due to the custom nature of photographic products, no refunds will be issued. By hiring Donna Gratz Photography, you agree to these terms.