12 Reasons to Choose Sarah & Kevin as Your Houston Newborn Photographers

Husband and wife team share what sets their studio apart. See more below!

Hey, there! Thanks for stopping by the blog to see 12 reasons why Sarah and Kevin are an excellent choice for your little one’s first professional portraiture session. When searching for a photographer, or team of talented individuals, it’s great to do research and see who is the right fit for you. Customers choose Sarah Borchgrevink Photography for various reasons, though the list below is what we’re most proud of.

Number 1: Centrally located inside 610 Loop

Houston is a huge city! Aside from the enormous population and vast array of suburbs, geographically, it's a metro giant. Strategically located in Uptown, right inside the 610 loop, our office and studio is the perfect place for your sweet cherubs photoshoot. With easy access to all major freeways such as, but not limited to:

 

•   I-10 East: Baytown-East Freeway

• 1-10 West: Katy Freeway

• I-45 South: Gulf Freeway

• I-45 North: North Freeway

• 1-69 / US 59 Northeast: Eastex Freeway

• 1-69 / US 59 Southwest: Southwest Freeway

• I-610: “The Loop” or 610 Loop

• Sam Houston Tollway: Beltway 8

• Fort Bend Tollway: Fort Bend Parkway / Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road

• Hardy Toll Road: “The Hardy”

• Westpark Tollway: “The Westpark”

• US 90: Crosby Freeway

• US 290: Northwest Freeway

• Spur 5: Spur 5

• Spur 330: Decker Drive

• Spur 527: The Downtown Split

• SH 99 / SH 99 Toll: The Grand Parkway

• SH 146: Baytown Freeway

• SH 225: La Porte Freeway

• SH 249: Tomball Parkway / Tomball Tollway

• SH 288: South Freeway

• FM 1764: Emmett F. Lowry Expressway

Being centrally located is vital because no matter where you're traveling to or from, it's easy to find us. Our address is 4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 203, Houston, TX 77027. 

The studio has the following features:

• 1,300 square feet inside the 610 loop in the River Oaks/Uptown neighborhood of Houston

• Portraiture appointments are available six days per week.

• Ample surface parking, security guards, and an on-site eatery

• All white lifestyle room with big, white bed and stunning floor to ceiling lighting

• Posed newborn room with comfortable seating, so grandparents are welcome

• Private mothers room for nursing and feeding

• Lobby and children’s playroom

• Prop room filled with hundreds of custom and luxury baby items for breathtaking and unique sessions

• See more about our Houston TX Photography Studio & Office

Number 2: The Studio is Fully Vaccinated

As adults who come into daily contact with newborns, the studio takes newborn safety seriously. The three primary vaccines a newborn studio should maintain are (1) Tdap, (2) MMR, and (3) flu vaccine. Staying up to date on these crucial vaccinations protects little ones, such as new babies, as this helps not pass dangerous diseases to vulnerable immune systems.

Number 3: Experienced Parents | Familial Dynamics

As parents to four young children named Lucy, Emma, Amelia, and Jack, we're well-versed in patience and moving with the flow. All children have their personalities and dynamics. Parenting four children has taught us patience, compassion, kindness, and also how to be flexible. We know those sibling photos are of the utmost importance to you and work our absolute best to achieve the top results. Whether your family is serious or shy, animated or reserved, bashful, or spirited, we are ready for a photo adventure and excited to serve you!

Number Four: Fully Transparent Pricing Guide

The studio joyfully showcases fully transparent pricing and package guide, so there are no hidden fees or surprises. The studio offers fully inclusive pricing, which means there are no separate sitting or session fees for obtaining your final product. Our office also does all the proofing online. There is not a single in-person sales appointment, minimum print order, or stipulations in obtaining your full-resolution, retouched digital files of completed images, along with a print release, you may enjoy infinitely. Parents select the package with the number of digital files they would like to receive. All props and styling are provided from start to finish.

Number 5: Online Booking and Scheduling

To provide a modern and convenient booking process for parents, all bookings and schedules are made online through our booking page. The booking page showcases every session type we offer, such as studio maternity, posed newborn, studio family, and even baby milestone sessions for infants. Parents select their package, date, and time from an easy-to-use online calendar. Your deposit of $100 and a portraiture agreement are given through the online booking page. This commissions us as your photographer and secures your appointment. The online booking page also has nifty styling questionnaires, too, and sends text message reminders as well as e-mail reminders, so you're always up to date on your session time. You may expect to follow up e-mails, too, so you're sure of each step in our portraiture process together.

Our due date placeholder page is trendy!

Number 6: Complimentary Studio Tours and Consultations

We also set our business apart through complimentary, easy to schedule studio tours and consultations. Many parents like to tour our office in advance. Moreover, commissioning a photographer is a big decision! We are excited to meet with you and chat further about anything questions you may have. Customer service is of the utmost importance.

Update: as of April 2021, consultations are available to booked clients only due to COVID-19 Guidelines.

Studio tours are 30 minutes long. You are welcome to schedule them seven days per week.

Number 7: 7 Day Per Week Availability

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is the only newborn, infant, and baby photographer in the Houston area who offers seven days per week scheduling and availability. Business hours are Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Number 8: Motherhood Wardrobe

The studio happily offers a wardrobe for new mothers to consider. Ethereal, light, airy, and timeless pieces accent your session beautifully. Expect to see ivory, creams, whites, and muted colors along with nudes, although there are colorful options, too. These are available in sizes small through 3xl. Ample sister wardrobe is a new addition, too! Available in sizes three months - 8t.

Number 9: Hair and Makeup Airbrush Artistry and Styling

The booking software will have you check ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for hair and makeup styling. If you choose yes, an on-location team of highly qualified and expertly trained artists will visit you, on location, at your home or the studio, if you’re more comfortable. However, the studio recommends home hair and makeup to make things easier for parents of young toddlers and newborn sessions. Annie Williams is our preferred vendor, and the software tells you how to contact her for your glamorous experience.

Number 10: Newborn Safety Workshops & Mentoring

Aside from being the mommy to four young children, I have taken multiple newborn safety workshops in addition to professional mentoring. These courses train photographers on how to safely and beautifully pose precious babies. Workshop topics also cover editing, lighting, soothing, flow, and strategies and creative methods to provide breathtaking setups and styling. A reputable baby photographer has invested thousands of hours into honing their craft. Moreover, to provide a further network of newborn safety, the studio is fully vaccinated and runs an entirely legal, tax-paying insured business

Number 11: Highest Rated Newborn Photographer on Google

The studio is excited to share that of all the newborn, baby, and infant photographers in the entire Houston area, our studio is the highest rated via Google. Showcasing nearly 350 FIVE star reviews, our customers are the kindest, most generous folks who truly make our day. See more reviews here. The studio is also rated as Best Houston Newborn Photographers 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 by BestBabyPhotographers, Expertise, and Hulafrog.

nUMBER 12: 14 Day Turnaround Proofing Time Year AROUND

• 14 days after your session, an online proofing gallery is delivered to your preferred e-mail address. From the comfort of your home, you select the images included in your package. You see all the fantastic images from our time together and select the number of images that are included in the chosen package. At that time, you have the option to add additional images to your package, though there is no obligation to do so. You also have the option to add professional-grade prints and products for parents seeking the highest quality. Prints and products are ordered through your online gallery and shipped to your home address. The gallery may also be shared with grandparents or other loved ones who may like to see the portraits, too.

• At that time, your selections are professionally edited. Retouching is applied to your chosen images, such as skin smoothing, eye sharpening, teeth whitening, and more! Within three business days, the final edits are completed to ensure your pictures are naturally polished. The gallery is yours to download, share, and treasure forever. You may also send the link to family, friends, or loved ones who would like to enjoy the portraits, too!

• All sessions are delivered via instant digital download.

• Read all about the proofing process.

As always, thank you for stopping by the blog! We are honored you took time from your busy day and hope to see you soon! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us below.

-Sarah and Kevin

STUDIO HOURS & 6 DAYS PER WEEK AVAILABILITY:

Studio sessions, consultations, and gown fittings occur during the hours below. Sarah and Kevin are a husband and wife team with six days/week availability. Sundays are no longer available as our studio's commercial office building is located within stopped offering air conditioning on Sundays in response to COVID-19.

• M-F from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

• Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 pm

• Sunday: Closed

OUTDOOR, ON-LOCATION PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HOURS

Outdoor sessions (maternity or family) are scheduled outside studio hours at sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. Due to the tentative nature of outdoor sessions, these occur at different times throughout the year. Would you please e-mail directly as our online calendar is for studio appointments only?

• We offer ten outdoor appointments per month. If weekends are your preference, please consider booking as early as possible.

What to Expect + How to Prepare for Your Lifestyle Infant Session

Lifestyle Family/Newborn Prep Guide by Sarah Borchgrevink Photography

Thank you for choosing me to photograph your family during this exciting time in your life! The following information is a prep guide to share some tips and tricks for having a great session experience. Let’s get started!

First and foremost: congratulations on your newest addition! Newborn photography is my specialty, and I welcome all things new and curly in my studio.

Studio and Office Details

The studio address is 4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 203, Houston TX 77027. The studio is very spacious at 1,300 square feet. I fully remodeled it and truly put so much into making this my dream space!

When you arrive, please park in the parking lot. You will enter the building, use the elevator, and go to floor number two. I am in the north pod once you exit the elevator. Suite 203 is on the left, right past the bathrooms. There is also security on-site, too, and if you need help finding the studio, there is always someone in the lobby to assist. Moreover, there is a digital directory right next to the elevator.

In my studio you’ll find the following:

·         Lobby and playroom

·         All white lifestyle room for family and maternity

·         Newborn room

·         Mothers room for nursing and feeding

·         Prop room filled with hundreds of luxury, custom items

·         The bathroom is right down the hall from my studio space.

Studio hours are Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Family/Sibling/Parent Images | What to Wear

Family, sibling, and parent images always are the first part of the newborn session. Here we capture the sweet, natural dynamics surrounding the love you have for your earthside cherub. We will use my all-white, lifestyle room and focus on connections, bonds, and showcasing the sweetness of welcoming your baby.

I have a small client wardrobe mothers may use for their session. It includes neutral gowns that photograph well in the space, typically in sizes that are small-large. They are flowy and timeless. You are welcome to use one for our session though if you have an outfit from home, you prefer that’s fine, too!

For siblings and Dad: please stick to neutrals, if possible, or muted pastels. Avoid neon colors. Orange, yellow, bright greens or pinks are not favorable. Colors that photograph well are light grey, tans, creams, white, and ivory. Seafoam, navy, mauve, and colors of this sort are lovely, too!

Dads look nice in a nicer pair of jeans or khaki pants, simple button up, or even a polo shirt without distracting labels. Moms can do a long maxi dress if they would like or cardigan, tank top, whichever you’re comfortable.

Children look lovely in jeans or khaki pants with a solid or neutral colored top. Little girls look darling in a simple cotton dress without any cartoon characters or distracting labels.

I love when parents bring a white onesie from home for some individual images of Baby; however, I will wrap them in coordinating organic, loose textile to keep them cozy and sleepy.

Preparing Baby | Before You Arrive At Studio

·         The trick to a great newborn session is to keep Baby awake for one hour before you leave for the newborn session. Then feed Baby very well right before you get in the car to leave.  We can go right into the session as soon as you arrive. By keeping Baby awake, they’ll be hungry, eat, and then be ready to sleep. the Fluffy, clean hair photographs well, too! To keep baby awake, play with their feet, tickle their toes, talk to them – I know it’s a lot of work to keep baby awake, but this makes for the best galleries.

·         If you’re comfortable doing so, please bring a pacifier. If you’re not using one, I completely understand and respect your parenting wishes.

·         If formula feeding or pumping, please bring extra milk. It’s always best to be over-prepared than be in the middle of a session and have nothing to feed the baby. Baby is happy with a full tummy. J

·         If you have any props from home you’d like to incorporate, feel free to bring them. Sometimes parents bring wedding bands, a stuffed animal, special outfit, or a blanket/swaddle that is meaningful.

Once You Arrive | Everything You Need to Know

·         When you arrive, please have a seat in the lobby. I may be finishing another session so I will greet you. I promise I am excited to meet you!

·         We will use white noise during the session to help Baby sleep. The room will be about 74 degrees, but if Baby seems cold, we can add a space heater in easily. Baby will not be naked for any of these images, though I do my best to be flexible.

·         We’ll go straight into the session and make sure everyone is comfortable and feels at ease.

During Your Session

·         Expect to spend around an hour with me. However, if Baby does need to stop and eat, please know their comfort and safety is of the utmost importance to me, so Baby is the boss, ha!

·         I am very comfortable working with newborns. I average around 25 newborns in studio per month year round (average of 250 babies per year) and enjoy my time with them!

·         Always feel like you can ask a question.

·         I will give you plenty of direction and ensure to communicate effectively with you. My job is to guide and lead you, so do not worry, I will make sure you’re comfortable. I know having photos taken can make some parents nervous, but I promise you’ll be very happy to have these images.

·         Once our session is over, you’re welcome to feed Baby anywhere you’re comfortable doing so, and I am happy to help pack up, too. There is a mother’s room with a comfortable rocker if you’d like to use it.

After Your Session: What to Expect

·         Your final balance is due the day of your newborn session. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, however, feel free to let me know in advance. Otherwise, I’ll send a PayPal invoice a few days before our session, and you may fulfill the invoice in whichever manner you’re comfortable doing so.

·         Two weeks (14 days) after your session takes place, you receive gallery selections you via a private, password protected gallery. Your proofing gallery will have the top images from our time together. These are the images from which you’ll select the number of digital files that come in your package.

·         Rush editing is available for an additional $200, so if you would like to receive your session earlier, let me know. J Kindly note the 14 days does not begin until you fulfill your final invoice.

·         Here is a direct link to your contract if you have any specific questions. These are the standards and expectations I uphold for all clients as well as myself. https://form.jotform.com/80635171984160

SBP Practices Soft Proofing

·         Light edits are applied to the top images of your session via soft proofing. Full edits such as skin smoothing, eye sharpening, teeth whitening, etc., are completed once you have selected your favorite images. Professionally enhanced final edits are finished three business days after you select your images. Business days are Monday – Friday.

Digital Files Available for Instant Download

Your final gallery is given through an online gallery in which you may instantly download your non-watermarked, full resolution digital images. You are responsible for downloading these images within 30 days and archiving them into the cloud.

Option to Add Additional Digital Files to Your Package:

If you are interested in additional retouched digital files, clients may purchase them once they have received the proofing gallery. All purchased digital files at SBP are full resolution. Please print as large as you wish. There is no obligation to purchase additional files; it is simply available if you’re interested in these.

$40 per la carte file

$150 for a grouping of 5

$200 for a grouping of 8

$350 for the entire gallery shown

Thank you for choosing me to photograph your baby’s session! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to notify me immediately. I want you to have an amazing portraiture experience. I know this feels like a lot of information, and I do not want to overwhelm you. Thank you again for your time and for choosing me!

-Sarah

sarah@sarahborchgrevinkphotography.com

2818258669

Little Sitter & Baby Milestone Photography Prep List | Studio Portrait Sessions

Preparing for Little One’s Session with Sarah Borchgrevink Photography

Congrats on your sweet cherub hitting these absolutely adorable baby milestones such as tummy time, sitting up unassisted, walking, clapping, and truly showing off that infectious personality that makes your mama heart sing! Thank you for selecting SBP to photograph this momentous time in your life! Timeless, classic, and rustic inspired baby photography is my jam and what I am known for as one of Houston’s highest rated photographers. I promise you’re in good hands and I’m so excited to work together!

What You Can Expect:

When booking a session with Sarah you can expect a customer service driven experience. Details such as upfront and transparent pricing for digital galleries, consultations, option to tour the studio, full gallery samples, and staying on top of client communication and having a clear path of steps to follow are just a few examples of our time together.

You may also expect the following:

• Full Styling such as outfits, wardrobe, and accessories. This includes, but is not limited to luxury and handmade baby clothing that reflects all things classic and timeless. Part of investing in a customized photography session is having a great set of props provided by me; don’t stress about bringing anything but diaper bag essentials. :-)

• Accessories such as headbands, floral crowns and dainty pieces to adorn your little angel.

• Endless supply of rustic, vintage-inspired, and antique floor props to accent the session

The Details for Baby Studio Portraiture Appointments

• Consider booking your session in advance, if possible, as the calendar often fills quickly, particularly if you’re interested in a Saturday session date.

• Milestone sessions are available 6 days per week.

• Sessions are typically best early in the morning, as Little One is most refreshed then, or right after their nap time.

• All outfits and styling are provided for your baby, though you are welcome to bring a special item from home, should you feel inclined.

• My branding is timeless, classic, vintage-inspired, and rustic. I do not offer themes such as Minnie Mouse, Paw Patrol, or things of the like as removing distractions and focusing on your little one’s beauty is the heart of my portrait style. In Houston there are thousands of amazing photographers so it is always best to make sure you’re a good fit for the photographer you choose. The Houston Baby and Infant Milestone Portfolio is a reflection of what I offer.

The Morning of Your Session with Sarah:

• Once Baby is awake for the day, feed baby a snack before you drive to my studio. A well-fed baby is a happy photography subject. I know when I’m hungry I don’t feel like being photographed, ha!

• Please dress Baby in an outfit that does not leave lines on their skin. Sometimes babies are naked during their milestone portraits and this makes sure their skin looks soft.

• Please arrive about 10 minutes early. Your session begins at time you selected your appointment via the online booking & scheduling page. There are often multiple sessions in one day so this will ensure we use all of your time wisely.

• Please bring diaper bag essentials. We will wipe Baby’s face with a baby wipe right before we begin the session so that Baby’s face is clean and there are no leftover crumbs from their breakfast, ha!

• Please feel free to bring a special toy Baby loves. This can be helpful when capturing smiles. You’re also welcome to let me know of any favorite songs. My son, Jack, for instance, loves “baby shark,” ha!

After our session

• 14 days after your session takes place you will receive an online proofing gallery of images from our time together. Your gallery will share how to select your images, download your portraits, safely archive them in the cloud, and also a great list of labs to use for your printing needs.
  

Before you go:

• Cake Smash & Splash Prep Guide for parents specifically wanting their baby to smash a cake followed by splashing in a vintage tub (one year old photography sessions for infants).

• Tricks to Capturing Baby’s Sparkling Personality

I look forward to working with you and meeting your baby! Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.