Session Styling Questionnaire | Best Houston Newborn Photos

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography shares the newborn styling questionnaire and how she creates stunning baby portraiture sessions by keeping your preferences in mind.

Designing Gorgeous & Unique Photography for New Babies

Hi, gang! Good morning to you! Today's blog post is all about what you can expect when it comes to newborn styling and session design. If you've ever taken a quick peek at my Houston Newborn Photography Studio, you'll see that I have a huge array of props and items on hand just for you. Part of booking a newborn collection with me includes having full access to all of the amazing, custom and handmade items for new babies.

However, sometimes it can be overwhelming to parents when they try to consider all the different options. They see the buckets, bowls, crates, headbands, wraps, backdrops, etc., and it becomes what I call "analysis paralysis" where it's just too much and overwhelming. Since most parents do one newborn session and these truly are once in a lifetime photos, I have developed a great newborn styling and stat questionnaire tailored to each baby to ensure you have the most beautiful, breathtaking and gorgeous photos possible!

For example, the questionnaire covers things like skin tone, baby's weight, and your feeding preferences. These type of questions are really important to ask because it helps me know what colors will look good against baby's skin, which props they'll fit best into, and also if I should bring you in earlier since a formula fed baby eats quicker than a breastfed baby. It helps with scheduling and planning. 

Moreover, your questionnaire covers things like the type of colors in your home or baby's nursery or if there is a prop you love on my website and you'd like to make sure it makes your way into the nursery.

What You May Expect from the newborn questionnaire

• What is baby's birthday?

• How much does baby weigh?

• Is baby jaundice?

• Is baby bottle fed or breastfed?

• Does baby take a pacifier?

• What colors are found in your nursery?

• What are a few colors you would like to avoid?

• Is there a prop you love?

• What are your favorite poses?

• Is there a pose you'd like to avoid?

• Do you have any concerns I may assist with?

These questions are a fantastic starting point for me so I know how to design something you're sure to love, treasure and adore for generations to come. Remember: these photos will be passed down as heirlooms and you're not just taking these for yourself, but for your little one, who will then show them to his or her own children (many years from now, ha).

Creating the Best Houston Newborn Photography

Each session is an individual - just like your family and baby. I take your answers to the styling questionnaire and creating a unique session just for you. It removes the guesswork for you and takes stress away from parents. Everything is provided by me. Please do not feel like you must bring any props from home. :-) 

For example, for this session I am going to preview, Mom relayed answers to all of these questions listed above. She explained baby weighs just under 8 pounds, is not jaundice, is breast fed, does not take a paci, and that she really would like to see only mint, sage, pink, blush, neutrals and purples in baby girl's session. She was also open to all sorts of props. Mom and Dad did not want any naked bean bag posing - just simple, cozy and sweet newborn styles of wrapping for a more modest session.

Here's what I came up with for Baby girl R. 

I am so excited to have worked with this family again, too! They're some of my favorite clients and we've had a wonderful time getting to know one another. :-) 

Girl Newborn Photography Session Color Scheme Ideas

Baby R's session was filled with all things girly, sweet, timeless and classic. Soft, muted colors such as lilac and blush pink; sage and mint also made an appearance as well as organic neutrals. Check out some of my favorite images. She is truly one of the most stunning newborn baby girl's I've had the honor of photographing!

As always, thank you for visiting my little creative corner of the earth in which I share fun details about my professional Houston newborn photography! If you enjoyed reading about the newborn styling questionnaire, you may like reading about these topics, too:

• Favorite newborn poses during baby's first photo shoot

• Cozy & unique styles of newborn wrapping

• Why Sarah is the Best Houston Newborn Photography Choice for You

Vintage Meets Classic for Timeless Results | Newborn Studio Props

Full Time Newborn Portrait Artist, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares her favorite studio props that are vintage, classic and timeless. Check out the list for parents to view for session styling!

The Cutest Baby Props for Houston Newborn Portraits

Good morning, gang, and welcome to my blog! This post is a preview of my studio space so potential clients may see the sort of props I have on hand. If this is your first time here, welcome! As a professional photographer, I exclusively photograph precious newborn babies in the first 14 days of life. I take 15-18 due dates per month with most of my clients booking in the second trimester. My preference to have you in studio is between 5-8 days, however, for the most squishy, darling posing. The earlier the better! This is when baby is most curly and still flexible enough to move  through many poses.

Let's get started, shall we?

My studio serves the Greater Houston Area and is located in Northwest Harris County. Many parents travel to me from locations such as The Woodlands, Galveston, Sugar Land, College Station and Brenham, as well as West University or Montrose.

In my experience, clients select me based on the type of newborn photography work I offer and the unique style I provide. I am fully vaccinated and insured while running a completely legal and tax paying business. Unfortunately, there are many "photographers" who are not running legal businesses, so this is why you see the rates you see on my pricing guide. My newborn profession is how I feed my little ones and take care of my family. 

I'm often asked if I offer in home newborn sessions. Many parents do not understand that I would have to close my studio for the day and would be unable to take any other sessions, ordering appointments or consultations. I do not offer in home photography sessions, however, because as you can see in the photos below, the type of equipment I use is huge. My lights, for example, are 86" and I have three of them. My wood wall is 8'x10' - it is not able to travel as it is mounted into the studs on my studio wall for baby safety. Moreover, I do not like natural light or use any natural light in my baby portraiture, so this is why they all take place in studio.

My studio is extremely cozy and is around 400 square feet. I've done by best to utilize the small space. I've even watched episodes of "Tiny House" for ideas and inspiration on how to use my square footage and make the most of what I have. Inside my space, you'll find everything you need for the best Houston newborn photography. I have every color of wrap, backdrop, numerous antique floor props, a custom wood wall, classic white bed, and lovely light just for you. :-) I also have a huge array of hand made headbands and newborn baby accessories likes caps, bonnets, hats, tiebacks and the most dainty little items to adorn your precious baby! 

I provide everything for your session. I request parents do not bring props, however, I will add 1 personal item into your session if you wish. :-) 

Organic Wraps | Inspired by Texture and Color

Wrapping newborn babies is a huge cornerstone to the type of work I do with my most petite and precious little clients. I pull inspiration from an array of color and hues as well as textures. I like to use organic and wispy items for a soft, feminine look but also chunky knits for a more robust session tone. Babies loved to be wrapped - it's cozy and sweet. The wrapping keeps little one content and allows us to come up with a variety of gorgeous newborn images in a short time. My typical session lasts around 1-2 hours, very rarely do I go to three hours.

I also use the wraps for lovely layering pieces during naked bean bag posing, too. 

Antique Floor Props for a Classic and Timeless Baby Session| Inspired by a love for all things vintage

All of my floor props are hand picked and selected so they're classic, timeless and inspired by my love of vintage newborn photos. I have everything you could possibly need for our floor prop session from buckets, pails, baskets, crates, boxes, etc. If there is a certain prop you love, be sure to let me know so I may pull the item for you. :-) 

Precious Classic Knit Bonnets for Your Cherub plus dainty, feminine and girly newborn girl accessories such as headbands and tieback pieces 

Below is just a small sample of the type of newborn hats, bonnets, caps and other accessories I have on hand for your little one. I also have a huge stash of newborn girl tiebacks and headbands to adorn your sweet little girl! I have nearly 100 bonnets and close to 200 headbands so I assure you there is something for every taste and preference. Whether you like muted pastels, vibrant jewel tones, or laid back neutrals there is the perfect piece to style your baby's first professional portraiture session with Sarah Borchgrevink Photography.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.

Baby Bump of the Month: On Location, Natural Light Pregnancy Photos

Each month, Sarah previews the cutest baby bump and more information about natural light, on location pregnancy portraiture for expecting mothers to be and couples. Check out the top December session featuring spectacular evening light.

 Dynamic Maternity Images in Houston by Sarah Borchgrevink

Good morning, friends! Today's blog post is all about gorgeous maternity photography and the sweet mama who rocked her on location pregnancy session featuring golden light, a stunning atmosphere and who truly was a joy to document!

If this is your first time here, welcome! I'm Sarah! I specialize in newborn photography, however, each month I take a handful of maternity sessions. These are available to both new and returning clients, however, clients who have also booked a custom newborn baby session have priority on the calendar.

My on location, natural light maternity sessions take place at golden hour, meaning right as the sun is rising or just as the sun is setting. This creates the best Houston maternity portraits that are timeless, stunning, ethereal, and will forever preserve this incredibly special time in your life. Awaiting the arrival of your little one is absolutely a joy - I know you can't wait to meet him or her! 

For this session, we chose a location in Houston, which is where my studio is based, so I typically work in areas that are close to my workplace. This location is a favorite among clients and has the best light of all the options. It is available M-F for sunset only, since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. 

This sweet mommy to be booked both a maternity session and in studio newborn session. Her newborn session is truly fantastic, so I'm looking forward to previewing some of those images, too! :-) Typically, maternity sessions take place when your baby bump is around 34-36 weeks along. Most mothers book 6 weeks in advance. The calendar does fill in advance so if you're interested in a maternity session, I recommend contacting me sooner rather than later. 

Here are some of my favorite images from our time together! Enjoy!

As always, thanks for visiting to see one of the latest projects I'm working on. :-) I always appreciate you taking the time to stop by! If you are perhaps expecting your own little bundle of joy, I would love if you could consider me for your own pregnancy portraits or newborn photos. Wishing you a wonderful week, friends!

If you enjoyed this post about natural light, dynamic pregnancy portraits you may also like reading about:

• Top 9 questions to ask when hiring a newborn photographer
• Where to find the perfect dress for winter photos
• Favorite ways to pose Mom and Newborn Baby

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Harris County. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, West University and Rice Village.