by Amanda Miles - Portrait Photographer - based in Goochland, Virginia
newborn
session details
What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session?
1. Simple - As wonderful as all of it is, having a newborn can be stressful!!! I want to make life as easy as I can for you and that is why this type of newborn session is my all time favorite way to capture a family. You don't have to go anywhere. Your baby doesn't have to do anything, but be themselves.
2. Convenient - It is comfortable, calm and it is an opportunity to capture this small window of time in your life as it is. I get to document the story of your family right in the comfort of your own home.
3. Tells YOUR Family Story- While the focus is on your newborn - their tiny toes, their yawn or the wrinkles around their wrists , I also love to capture all the other details of welcoming a new baby into your lives. The little details in the nursery, the way mama has a peaceful aura of boundless love when she looks at her baby, the way daddy holds her so tenderly, how big brother or sister is curious about this new person in their life - I love to document it all. It is an honor to create a testament to those sweet, sacred, loving moments when a new baby is welcomed into a family.
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We worked with Amanda for a newborn lifestyle shoot at our home. It was a traumatic time (just days after coming home from an emergency c section) and as is typical with a newborn, we were late and things were not ready. Amanda was gracious and kind and immediately made us feel comfortable. She was open to all of our ideas and worked with us to make us comfortable and made beautiful, one of a kind art in our space. She edited and shared way more photos than planned, and got them to us earlier than expected. The most important part was that Amanda was as excited for our family in this moment as we were. She pulled out her camera not once but twice on her way out the door to capture how our daughter looked sleeping in our arms and then again to capture our family standing in the doorway to our home because she couldn’t help herself and wanted to capture the moment. I would work with Amanda again anytime!
- Alexandra Z.
1 - BEFORE BOOKING
When you send me a message, tell me about you and what you're looking for in your next session. I will do my best to see how I can be of help.
2 - UPON BOOKING
When we have found a date and time that works for your session and the $50 deposit has been paid, your session is booked. I'll send you a custom questionnaire to get to know your vibe and session goals.
3 - ON THE DAY OF OUR SHOOT
On the day of our shoot I will come to your home! Many times after a session, clients comment about how easy and comfortable it was. I do my best to prepare ahead of time so that you know what to expect and I have a plan for your session. I will help you with prompts and ideas that will allow for the most authentic and beautiful moments. I am there to take care of you!
4 - ONCE OUR SESSION IS COMPLETE
Within 7 days of your final invoice payment, I will send you via email your downloadable digital proofing gallery for you to select your final images that you can share freely. You are welcome to order prints, canvases and albums through me, or you also have a print release to use whatever lab you choose. Of course, we can chat about which ones I recommend to ensure quality images!
The Lifestyle Newborn Session includes:
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90 minute session at your home (Goochland and RVA area)
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Entire gallery of digital edited images with printing rights
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Online gallery
*Non-refundable $50 deposit is due at time of booking to secure your session date.
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1 hr 30 min
550 US dollars
Your lifestyle newborn session with Amanda includes:
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Guidance on how to prepare for your session
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Up to a 90 minute photo session with gentle prompts that include baby, parents, any siblings and/or pets
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High-resolution digital images
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The option to print images directly from your gallery or at any printing lab of your choice
NEWBORN FAQs
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Do I really need a professional headshot?A professional headshot has the ability to communicate attributes about yourself image you want to show, such as your friendliness, approachability, creativity, thoughtfulness, or strength. Now more than ever, the digital image of yourself is so important. It may be the only impression your co-workers or potential clients may ever see of you. Your headshots can be used on your website, added to a LinkedIn profile or on promotional materials. The image you share tells others so much about who you are in just a matter of moments, so why not show others your best.
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Why Amanda Miles Photography?Amanda not only has the technical skills to create high-quality professional images, but she has an artistic eye, an understanding of light, helpful guidance for posing and an easy-going nature that will put you at ease. She loves her job, working with people and helping you look your best. If you’re looking for a professional, easy-to-work-with photographer in the Richmond, Virginia area, Amanda Miles Photography is the best photographer around.
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What type of headshot do I need?Types of Creative Headshots: Actor Headshots. Typically creative headshots have the opportunity to show a range of moods and intensities depending on your personality or the parts you would like to try out for. Comedic Headshots. These give you an opportunity to really show off your personality. These images can be full of life and your unique and possibly quirky ways. Lighting tends to be brighter and colorful. Commercial Headshots. These can have similar to the lighting of comedic headshots, but with more relaxed and friendly expressions. Author Headshots: Tell me about the type of book you are writing and we can design a headshot/portrait that works for telling the story of you as the author. Types of Corporate Headshots: LinkedIn / Standard Headshots. This is the most common type of headshot with soft lighting is that can show your personality in a professional way. Team Headshots. When offices and companies want to have similar headshots for their entire team to show their unity as a team. Presenter / Speaker Headshots. Have you been invited to be a speaker at an upcoming event or other marketing material that you need to show off a bit more of your personality? These headshots are a bit more personality-based based on what aspects of your personality you would like to show. Still not sure what you want? Let's talk it over and figure it out together. ​
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Where are you located?I am located in Goochland, Virginia.
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What will the session be like?It will be relaxed and fun. If you have brought multiple clothing options, we can look over them and discuss what will look best for your session. We will take several images to help you get used to the camera and for me to learn what lighting adjustments will work best for you specifically. I will give you several suggested poses and prompts to create a variety of expressions and looks so that you have a good variety of options in your proofing gallery.
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What should I wear?Love it - Pick something you feel comfortable and confident in. If you like your outfit, it will definitely come across in the picture. Keep it simple - Solid colors that complement your skin tone. Stay away from wild and crazy colors. Some colors to be careful with and perhaps even avoid include bright red, neon colors and patterns. Also, don't pick a color that closely resembles your skin tone. Deep, rich jewel tones tend to look great. Clothing that fits well is key. Make sure to bring several outfits, so we have some items to choose from. Sometimes what looks great when you are out and about doesn't look great in front of a camera. ​ The goal of your headshot is to look like yourself. Have fun. Show that natural smile. Style your hair in a way that you normally would. The day of your shoot isn't an ideal day to try out something brand new.
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What about makeup?You want to feel like your best self. A natural look that helps the focus to be about you are ideal for headshots.
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I wear glasses. Should I wear glasses for my session?If your glasses are an important part of your appearance than yes, you should wear them. Be sure to clean them ahead of time.
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When should I shave?If you want a clean shaven look, be sure to shave at least a few hours before your session.
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When type of backgrounds do you have?I currently have white, blue, light grey, dark grey, purple, yellow, pink, evergreen and black available.
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How much "photoshopping" or editing will be done?A minimal amount. I adjust tone, color, contrast and occasional blemishes or obvious stray hairs. It is important that you look authentically like who you truly are. If additional editing is requested, an additional charge will be included.
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What if I need to reschedule?I understand that things can happen, but please try to give me as much notice as possible. We will work to find a time to reschedule.
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How do I book my session?1) Select a time and date for your session. 2) Book and pay your non-refundable $50 deposit. 3) Complete the provided questionnaire. 4) Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Look forward to your session!
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When do I get my photos?I will send you an invoice after the session for the remaining balance. Once paid in full, I will email you within one week with a link to the online gallery where you can view and download your photos. The photos you will receive are high resolution JPG for your full use.
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How often should I have a professional headshot taken?Actors and others in the performing arts should have updated headshots at least once per year. Children and youth can have theirs updated even more frequently than that, since their appearance changes more quickly. All others can update when appearances have changed or or a new look would fit a new professional position.
When should I schedule my newborn photos?
Usually, somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks after the baby is born is the best time to have your Lifestyle Newborn photos taken.
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Where will my Newborn session take place?
The session will take place in the comfort of your own home, the place that reflects you and your family. I want to document your family in places that have available natural light and where you spend your time. I want you to look back at these images years from now and remember the rocking chair where you would nurse or the couch where dad would snuggle with your baby. I want to document your life during those special early days with the new member of your family.
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Will you bring props or pose us at the Newborn session?
As a lifestyle photographer, I will not be bringing any studio equipment (there will be no extra lights, backdrops or props). My focus will be on your life as it is. As far as posing, I will give you guidance on where to sit and hold your baby, but I want the shots to have an authenticity about them as you kiss, snuggle and admire your new baby.
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What should we wear?
Keep it simple. I want you to feel beautiful and comfortable. Steer away from busy patterns, logos or bright colors (they can cause colors to bounce back onto the baby). A neutral color palette is my favorite because it allows the focus to be on you as a family, more than what you are wearing. For your newborn, a simple swaddle or just their birthday suit are best. Outfits can be bulky and awkward when they are so tiny and distract.
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How should I prepare for my Newborn session?
I know that it is an overwhelming time in the life of a family and I want to make your session as simple as possible. Most importantly, you can prepare by taking some deep breaths to relax and prepare yourselves to just be with your family.
Step 1 - Your whole house doesn't have to be perfect. It's supposed to look lived in. The things around you are what connect you to this time in place. Leave your dirty dishes, don't clean the floors, and don't do any extra laundry. We are going to be in just a few areas of your home where we will be. Just declutter any places that may be in the shoot. If you don't get a chance, I can help through some stuff in closet during your session.
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Step 2 - Open blinds or curtains. We are going to be using all that natural light.
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Step 3 - Collect any items that you would like to use during the session. These might be special blankets, swaddles, or a stuffed animal.
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Step 4 - Crank up the heat to make your house nice and warm for the baby. They just came out of your nice, warm womb and something close to 78 - 80F is a happy spot for them. Warm babies are more likely to sleep.
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Step 5 - If you want nursing and bottle feeding photos, plan to nurse/bottle feed when I arrive.
Step 6 - Slow down and take in all their amazingness. I want this to be a time for you to just savor these moments together.
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What should I expect during my Newborn session?
When I first get to your home, I will take a look around to check out all the rooms to plan on shooting in to create a plan for your session and move around anything that may be helpful. During the session, don't worry about looking at the camera. I will let you know if you need to look. I will give you plenty of guidance. Relax and enjoy your time together as a family. I know that kids and babies have plans of their own. If we have a young child that may cry, diapers that need to be changed, don't worry! I'm here to capture your life as authentically and beautifully as I can. I will do my best to make our time together as comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable as I can. I want this to be a treasured memory for your family.
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When should I book my Newborn session?
Ideally, it's best to book your session when you are still pregnant. I know that plans may change and we may need to change the date/time of your session, but it helps to get your slot on the calendar. When you're ready to book your session, let me know. Once we agree on a tentative date/time and your deposit is paid, I will send you a short questionnaire that will help me to start planning your session ahead of time. It's always nice to have those details figured out ahead of time, so you have less to worry about once the baby arrives.
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What happens after the session?
I will send you an invoice via email after the session for the remaining balance. Once paid in full, I will email you within one week with a link to the online proofing gallery where you can view your edited photos. The photos you will receive are high-resolution JPG for your personal use.
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How long does it take to receive prints and albums?
After your order is placed, prints take 10 - 14 days and albums take 2 - 3 weeks for shipment.
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To learn more about your Newborn sessions, check out my blog post at https://www.amandamilesphotography.com/post/what-is-a-newborn-at-home-lifestyle-session
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