Thank you for taking the time to review the Pine and Bear Productions session prep guidelines.
It is very important that you read the entire document so you know how to best prepare your newborn for their session, and what to expect during and after!
It is very important that you read the entire document so you know how to best prepare your newborn for their session, and what to expect during and after!
Sign the Contract
The Pine and Bear Productions legal team requires a contract to be in place prior to every photo session. Our contract is very straightforward and establishes things like timeline for image return, scheduling, image rights, etc. The contract will be sent to your email and can be signed electronically from your phone or computer in a couple of minutes.
The Pine and Bear Productions legal team requires a contract to be in place prior to every photo session. Our contract is very straightforward and establishes things like timeline for image return, scheduling, image rights, etc. The contract will be sent to your email and can be signed electronically from your phone or computer in a couple of minutes.
Choose a Wrap
Wether you are choosing a backdrop/wrap combo from our existing stock, or we are ordering a custom backdrop/wrap combo, it's important that you make your selection as soon as possible. Chaney will be in touch to discuss your color preferences and communicate your options to you!
Wether you are choosing a backdrop/wrap combo from our existing stock, or we are ordering a custom backdrop/wrap combo, it's important that you make your selection as soon as possible. Chaney will be in touch to discuss your color preferences and communicate your options to you!
Avoid Consuming Caffeine and Beans
Every baby is different, and not all babies will be sensitive to all known irritants. But for the sake of your session, we request that breastfeeding mothers avoid consuming caffeine and beans for 48-72 hours before their newborn session.
Every baby is different, and not all babies will be sensitive to all known irritants. But for the sake of your session, we request that breastfeeding mothers avoid consuming caffeine and beans for 48-72 hours before their newborn session.
Buy a Soft Paci
Even if your baby doesn't typically use a pacifier, please bring one with you to your session as they serve as a wonderful distraction! Pacifiers are incredibly helpful at keeping your little one happy as we transition from pose to pose. Please make sure you bring a SOFT pacifier, such as the Soothie brand (without the stuffed animal attached). Pacifiers with a hard outer shell will leave marks on the baby's face.
Even if your baby doesn't typically use a pacifier, please bring one with you to your session as they serve as a wonderful distraction! Pacifiers are incredibly helpful at keeping your little one happy as we transition from pose to pose. Please make sure you bring a SOFT pacifier, such as the Soothie brand (without the stuffed animal attached). Pacifiers with a hard outer shell will leave marks on the baby's face.
Session Length
The length of your session will be completely dependent on your baby. I've had babies who sleep the entire time, and we get what we need in 45 minutes; alternatively I've had babies who can't be settled who fuss for three hours. Generally speaking, most newborn session are about an hour and a half to two hours long. If your baby is unsettled and the session takes longer, please don't feel like there's something wrong! It's completely normal and nothing to stress about. I will be with you for as long as it takes to capture a variety of images.
Please note: In the event that your baby is unsettled and uncooperative for their session and I am not able to capture images consistent with my portfolio, I will allow you to return to the studio and try again on another day, free of charge. Your second visit must be planned before baby is 21 days old.
The length of your session will be completely dependent on your baby. I've had babies who sleep the entire time, and we get what we need in 45 minutes; alternatively I've had babies who can't be settled who fuss for three hours. Generally speaking, most newborn session are about an hour and a half to two hours long. If your baby is unsettled and the session takes longer, please don't feel like there's something wrong! It's completely normal and nothing to stress about. I will be with you for as long as it takes to capture a variety of images.
Please note: In the event that your baby is unsettled and uncooperative for their session and I am not able to capture images consistent with my portfolio, I will allow you to return to the studio and try again on another day, free of charge. Your second visit must be planned before baby is 21 days old.
Prepare your Child (Package 2 or Package 3)
If you chose a package that will include sibling photos, take the time to prepare your older child or children for their little sibling's photo session. Especially if this is your first time having professional photos taken! Tell them about the "very nice lady with the camera" who really wants to see their big smiles. Practice smiling with them in the mirror. Bring positive reinforcement (fruit snacks, favorite stuffed animal, goldfish, stickers, a favorite toy, etc.) that can be seen and offered as a reward for good smiles. The sibling will not be in many poses (ideally we would include them in photos for 10-15 minutes maximum) so please bring a book, tablet, or quiet toy to entertain them for the rest of the session. You can also arrange for one parent (or even grandparent) to leave with the sibling and come back at the end of the session to pick up the other parent and baby.
If you chose a package that will include sibling photos, take the time to prepare your older child or children for their little sibling's photo session. Especially if this is your first time having professional photos taken! Tell them about the "very nice lady with the camera" who really wants to see their big smiles. Practice smiling with them in the mirror. Bring positive reinforcement (fruit snacks, favorite stuffed animal, goldfish, stickers, a favorite toy, etc.) that can be seen and offered as a reward for good smiles. The sibling will not be in many poses (ideally we would include them in photos for 10-15 minutes maximum) so please bring a book, tablet, or quiet toy to entertain them for the rest of the session. You can also arrange for one parent (or even grandparent) to leave with the sibling and come back at the end of the session to pick up the other parent and baby.
Moisturize
It's completely normal for newborn babies to have flaky skin. I do my very best throughout the editing process to reduce the appearance of flaking skin on the face, hands, and body. However, it would help if the parent (you) would apply a baby lotion to your newborn the night before and morning of your session. Lotion will not completely eliminate skin flakes, but it will significantly reduce their appearance which will make the editing process easier and the finished results will look more natural.
It's completely normal for newborn babies to have flaky skin. I do my very best throughout the editing process to reduce the appearance of flaking skin on the face, hands, and body. However, it would help if the parent (you) would apply a baby lotion to your newborn the night before and morning of your session. Lotion will not completely eliminate skin flakes, but it will significantly reduce their appearance which will make the editing process easier and the finished results will look more natural.
Prepare to be warm
Newborns can lose their body heat quickly, especially when unclothed. No matter the weather outside, I will have a heater going in my studio during your session to ensure baby's comfort. The studio will feel very warm. You should wear loose, breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the warm studio climate. I recommend dressing in layers and stepping outside the studio if you start to get too warm.
Newborns can lose their body heat quickly, especially when unclothed. No matter the weather outside, I will have a heater going in my studio during your session to ensure baby's comfort. The studio will feel very warm. You should wear loose, breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the warm studio climate. I recommend dressing in layers and stepping outside the studio if you start to get too warm.
DO NOT FORGET!
Please remember to pack any specific accessories (for example: bows) you want to include in the session, as well as a burp rag, baby lotion, soft pacifier, and a hair brush!
Please remember to pack any specific accessories (for example: bows) you want to include in the session, as well as a burp rag, baby lotion, soft pacifier, and a hair brush!
Dressing Baby
The morning of your session, dress baby in a loose one-piece onesie or sleeper (with no tight elastic at wrists or ankles) with a loose diaper and no socks. Remove all bandaids as early as possible. Apply baby lotion to any dryness or areas of flakiness (typically the worst on face, hands, and feet).
The morning of your session, dress baby in a loose one-piece onesie or sleeper (with no tight elastic at wrists or ankles) with a loose diaper and no socks. Remove all bandaids as early as possible. Apply baby lotion to any dryness or areas of flakiness (typically the worst on face, hands, and feet).
Feeding Baby
Please change and feed your baby immediately before putting them in the car seat and driving to the studio. Make sure baby's diaper is not tight enough to leave indentions in their skin! Ideally, baby will arrive with a clean diaper and a full belly, which will allow them to continue sleeping as we begin their session.
Please change and feed your baby immediately before putting them in the car seat and driving to the studio. Make sure baby's diaper is not tight enough to leave indentions in their skin! Ideally, baby will arrive with a clean diaper and a full belly, which will allow them to continue sleeping as we begin their session.
Stop at Bucees
For clients traveling less than 30 minutes to their session, please use the restroom before you leave home. The Pine and Bear Productions newborn studio DOES NOT HAVE A BATHROOM. For clients traveling more than 30 minutes to their session, we strongly encourage you to stop at the Bucees at the intersection of 290 and 362 to use the restroom before arriving at your session.
For clients traveling less than 30 minutes to their session, please use the restroom before you leave home. The Pine and Bear Productions newborn studio DOES NOT HAVE A BATHROOM. For clients traveling more than 30 minutes to their session, we strongly encourage you to stop at the Bucees at the intersection of 290 and 362 to use the restroom before arriving at your session.
Finishing Touches
Before the session begins, take a few minutes to make sure baby is clean and ready to go. I recommend using a baby wipe or burp rag to wipe away any drool, milk, etc. from their tiny face.
Even the smallest smudge will add hours to the editing process, which could result in a delay in image return.
Before the session begins, take a few minutes to make sure baby is clean and ready to go. I recommend using a baby wipe or burp rag to wipe away any drool, milk, etc. from their tiny face.
Even the smallest smudge will add hours to the editing process, which could result in a delay in image return.
Relax
I know it's easier said than done, but the best thing you can do to help during a newborn session is to relax. The more relaxed you are, the more calm and peaceful baby will feel and the better their session will flow! If your baby is particularly mobile, I may ask for Dad to stand nearby as a spotter. The reason for asking Dad is because babies can smell their Mom, and are unlikely to relax if Mom is nearby!
I know it's easier said than done, but the best thing you can do to help during a newborn session is to relax. The more relaxed you are, the more calm and peaceful baby will feel and the better their session will flow! If your baby is particularly mobile, I may ask for Dad to stand nearby as a spotter. The reason for asking Dad is because babies can smell their Mom, and are unlikely to relax if Mom is nearby!
No Photos! (please)
You are welcome to take "behind the scenes" shots from the waiting area, but please do not take any photos over my shoulder. I promise - The professional photos you're paying me to capture will be worth the wait!
You are welcome to take "behind the scenes" shots from the waiting area, but please do not take any photos over my shoulder. I promise - The professional photos you're paying me to capture will be worth the wait!
Prepare Payment
Payment is due at the time that your session concludes. Our preferred payment method is by cash. Paying with cash also saves you from paying sales tax + processing fees!
If you would rather pay with a debit card, credit card, or AfterPay; an invoice will be generated and sent at the time your session concludes.
Tips are appreciated, but not required - And the very best tip is a genuine, detailed, positive public review!
Payment is due at the time that your session concludes. Our preferred payment method is by cash. Paying with cash also saves you from paying sales tax + processing fees!
If you would rather pay with a debit card, credit card, or AfterPay; an invoice will be generated and sent at the time your session concludes.
Tips are appreciated, but not required - And the very best tip is a genuine, detailed, positive public review!
Image Return - Proof Gallery
In the days following our session, you will receive a proof gallery of images. A proof gallery is an unfinished gallery of completely unedited images. (Please note: In the proof gallery, you will see imperfect backgrounds, wrinkled or imperfect backdrops, flakes, blemishes, strange crops, strange coloring, etc. These imperfections will all be corrected through the editing process, so don't let that deter you from choosing images you love!)
Once you receive the proof gallery, you will use the "favorite" feature to select the images you want me to edit. The "favorited" images that you select will be edited for your final gallery.
*** Please note that even if your package only came with 25 images, but you want a total of 30 images, you can still select 30 images for editing. I will send you an invoice for the extra images ($20/image) and process them along with the rest of your gallery.
In the days following our session, you will receive a proof gallery of images. A proof gallery is an unfinished gallery of completely unedited images. (Please note: In the proof gallery, you will see imperfect backgrounds, wrinkled or imperfect backdrops, flakes, blemishes, strange crops, strange coloring, etc. These imperfections will all be corrected through the editing process, so don't let that deter you from choosing images you love!)
Once you receive the proof gallery, you will use the "favorite" feature to select the images you want me to edit. The "favorited" images that you select will be edited for your final gallery.
*** Please note that even if your package only came with 25 images, but you want a total of 30 images, you can still select 30 images for editing. I will send you an invoice for the extra images ($20/image) and process them along with the rest of your gallery.
Image Return - Final Gallery
Once you select your favorite images from the proof gallery and notify me that your selections have been made, I will begin the editing process. You will receive a finalized digital gallery of edited images within 3 weeks of notifying me of your selections. If you need your images quicker, expedited processing is always available for an additional fee.
Once you select your favorite images from the proof gallery and notify me that your selections have been made, I will begin the editing process. You will receive a finalized digital gallery of edited images within 3 weeks of notifying me of your selections. If you need your images quicker, expedited processing is always available for an additional fee.
Image Download and Ordering
Once your final gallery is returned, you will have 1 week to download your images and order prints. If you need more than 1 week to complete the ordering process, please let me know so I can extend the standard archive timeline in my system.
Once I send you the link to your final digital gallery, you will be able to use your unique 4-digit PIN to download your favorite images. To download:
Once your final gallery is returned, you will have 1 week to download your images and order prints. If you need more than 1 week to complete the ordering process, please let me know so I can extend the standard archive timeline in my system.
Once I send you the link to your final digital gallery, you will be able to use your unique 4-digit PIN to download your favorite images. To download:
- Click on the image you want to download
- Click "download"
- Enter your PIN and click "Apply PIN"
* * * please note * * *
If you aren't satisfied with the proofs in your digital gallery, DO NOT DOWNLOAD any of the images.
I cannot refund or reshoot when images have already been downloaded.
If you aren't satisfied with the proofs in your digital gallery, DO NOT DOWNLOAD any of the images.
I cannot refund or reshoot when images have already been downloaded.
Purchasing Prints/Canvases
If you're interested in purchasing prints or canvases, you must purchase directly from your digital gallery. A print release will not be provided. The quality of the prints and canvases from my professional print lab is unrivaled! To purchase:
If you're interested in purchasing prints or canvases, you must purchase directly from your digital gallery. A print release will not be provided. The quality of the prints and canvases from my professional print lab is unrivaled! To purchase:
- Click on the image you want to purchase
- Click "buy photo"
- Click either "Prints" or "Canvases"
- Choose the size you want to purchase and add to cart
Share the Love
Feel free to tag Pine and Bear Productions when you share your pictures on social media! I love seeing all of your friends and family’s reactions.
Facebook: type “@pineandbear” in the caption
Instagram: tag @pineandbearproductions
Feel free to tag Pine and Bear Productions when you share your pictures on social media! I love seeing all of your friends and family’s reactions.
Facebook: type “@pineandbear” in the caption
Instagram: tag @pineandbearproductions