The birth of a child will mark a defining moment in your life. You now have a new reason to love, a new reason to live. In just weeks your little one will no longer fit into your arms the way they first did… as they are only little once. A newborn portrait session ensures that your beginning is captured. Sessions take place in our beautiful home studio with a small parent lounge to rest and relax during the session.

Preparation Tips

* How to dress the baby. Nothing over the head; zip-up or snap-up onesie/sleeper
* Temperature of room. 80-85 degrees
* Boys and circumcision. Schedule at least five days after procedure
* How long the session will last. Approximately (1.5)  to (2) hours 
* Bring a pacifier. ESSENTIAL! The “soothie” pacifiers are best for newborns
* Feeding ahead of time. Within a half hour of the session
* Sleepy Baby = Happy Baby
* Clothing for parents and siblings. Simple, solid colors; avoid logos (This is an add-on package)
* Be prepared for the baby to pee & poo while undressed...it's OK!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  When is the best time for a newborn session?
A:  Newborn sessions are ideal for newborns between 5 and 10 days old (give or take a few days).  If the baby is premature, it can vary.  Newborns are very sleepy at this time and still remember being curled up in the womb making posing very comfortable and easy. At about two weeks old, babies go through a growth spurt where they want to eat more often and they don’t fall back asleep as quickly and easily – and they don’t stay asleep while being posed but we will still get great shots.

Q:  My baby is older than 10 days, can I still schedule a newborn session?
A:  Absolutely, just remember the session style may be very different depending on the baby. I shoot both staged poses and lifestyle poses.

Q:  When should I schedule my newborn session?
A:   It is important to contact me during your pregnancy to discuss the details and so I can add your due date to my calendar. I will keep some dates open for you the week before and of your due date. It's important that I be notified the day you give birth so that I can get you on the calendar for the few days after you bring the baby home.

Q:  Should I bring anything to the session?
A:  I have a studio filled with props, wraps, clothing and backdrops so you don't have to worry about bringing a thing.

Q:  Do you sanitize/wash all props after use?
A:  Yes!

Q:  Is it okay to bring my own special outfit or family heirloom?
A:  Of  course!  

Q: Where are studio sessions held?
A:  All studio sessions take place at my home studio in the Glenn Estates development in Lanham, MD.

Q:  Do you have a baby plan?
A:  Yes.  

Q:  How long does it take to edit and get the prints?
A:  14-20 days after your session, you will be emailed the online gallery for ordering.

Q: What detergent is used for cleaning items that are used by the newborns?
A:  For babies delicate skin, Dreft Newborn Stage 1 HypoAllergenic Detergent is used to clean all products that makes contact with the babies skin.

* SWEET BEGINNINGS (5 Sessions) | CREATIVE SESSION FEE $1225 *

Session fee includes:
* Pre-session consultation and design
* Time & talent of photographer for up to (1) hour per session
* (5) sessions total to include maternity, newborn, (4) months old, (9) months old and (12) months old
* Access to props and accessories
* Clothing change permitted within time-frame
* A password protected online gallery of (10) professionally edited images from each session for viewing
* 14-20 days after your session, you will be emailed the online gallery for ordering

** Digital Files ARE included for each session with this collection **
** Payment Plan Available **

* BABY'S 1ST YEAR PLAN ( 4 Sessions) | CREATIVE SESSION FEE $975 *

Session fee includes:
* Pre-session consultation and design
* Time & talent of photographer for up to (1) hour per session
* (4) sessions total to include newborn, (4) months old, (9) months old and (12) months old
* Access to props and accessories
* Clothing change permitted within time-frame
* A password protected online gallery of (10) professionally edited images from each session for viewing
* 14-20 days after your session, you will be emailed the online gallery for ordering

** Digital Files ARE included for each session with this collection **
** Payment Plan Available **

* NEWBORN & MATERNITY PACKAGE | CREATIVE SESSION FEE $600 *

Session fee includes:
* Pre-session consultation and design
* (45) minute Maternity Session and (2) Hour Newborn Session
* A password protected online gallery of (10) professionally edited images from Each Session for viewing
* 14-21 days after your session, you will be emailed the online gallery for ordering

** Digital Files ARE included with each this session **

** Deposit (half of session fee) due within 24 hours of booking **

* NEWBORN SESSION (up to 9  weeks old) | CREATIVE SESSION FEE $350 *

Session fee includes:
* Pre-session consultation
* Time and talent of photographer for up to (2) hours
* (2) setups of photographers choice
* Staged Poses 
* Access to props and accessories like hair bands, blankets, wraps, knitted hats etc.
* A password protected online gallery of (10) professionally edited images for viewing
* 14-21 days after your session, you will be emailed the online gallery for ordering 

** Digital Files ARE included with this session **

** Deposit (half of session fee) due within 24 hours of booking **

* Add $25 more to session for sibling shots | Add $50 more to session for parent shots 
** Add $100 more for twins to each session to increase the time by an hour.**  

Forms of Payment Accepted: Credit & Debit Cards via Square & Paypal.  

Please note all session fees are due at the time of booking to reserve your date and time. 

|| CANCELLATION POLICY ||

If the appointment is cancelled more than 7 days prior to appointment, client will forfeit $50 out of the session retainer as a cancellation fee. In the event the client cancels their appointment fewer than 7 calendar days prior to appointment, client forfeits 50% session retainer as a cancellation fee. Appointments cancelled on the day for which they are scheduled will not be refunded. Appointments that are cancelled due to a real emergency may be rescheduled. A bad hair day is not an emergency.

** Dawn Z. Photography reserves the rights to all images. All images are copyrighted and may only be printed and shared for personal use. The images selected and edited are at the discretion of the photographer based on professional quality and artistic choice.**