It is recommended that you schedule your maternity photo sessions for when you are about 30-35 weeks or 7-8 months along. This way your belly will be noticeably round but not too heavy so that you won’t experience any sort of discomfort.  
If you are having a high-risk pregnancy and maternity photos, you may consider having your maternity photo session earlier than the recommended time-frame to avoid overexerting your body late in the pregnancy.

Not much! Liza Nicole Photography has a gorgeous couture client closet full of amazing designer maternity gowns/pieces and our hair and make-up artist will glam you up beautifully for your session. Bring a gown or something you want to wear as an option as well.

We ask that you bring a nude AND a black seamless strapless bra and nude AND black underwear/thong.
We also suggest you bring a few other items to your maternity session to facilitate a smooth and comfortable shoot. Water and snacks on hand is always a good idea just in case you’re feeling tired. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes to change into for casual photos and if, on location, a sweater in case it is needed later in the session. Additionally, it is very useful to have some touch-up makeup and hairspray with you.

Liza Nicole Photography offers studio and outside locations for Maternity sessions. We will discuss this during your pre-session consultation appointment. If a combination of both is requested then that can be accommodated with additional session time and an adjusted session fee.

I started working with newborns after taking a first aid safety class at 12 years old. I continued to work with children throughout my career as a Physical Therapist. I am a mom of three and had one baby in the NICU for 8 weeks. Beyond having over 11 years of experience with my own babes; I have multiple years of experience working with newborns, and countless hours spent on training and workshops. Safety is a priority in my studio. I offer a safe, calm environment for your precious new baby. Their safety would never be compromised to get an image.   

I recommend securing your date as soon as possible and ideally early in your second trimester. Some clients book the moment they find out they're pregnant! The sooner the better is key, to avoid disappointment. Documents MUST be signed and returned and a retainer deposit MUST be made to secure your session date. 

We will set a tentative date based on your due date. Babies tend to not arrive when predicted, but I will put you in my calendar for your birth 'month'. I need to be called and notified within 24 hours of the arrival of your precious bundle of joy!

Sometimes there is a wait list for sessions, and without a deposit, your spot will not be secured. All final payments are due prior to the session unless otherwise discussed. 

Newborns are usually best photographed within the first twenty one days after birth. I try to schedule their session around the 6-14 day mark, as they tend to sleep better and love being all curled up in those sweet poses! However, please do not hesitate to contact me if your baby is older. I have very successfully photographed 'newborn' images of 5- and 6-week old babies; especially if they were born prematurely. My daughter was 8 weeks and she did amazingly! Sometimes the only difference is we will get more alert images with the baby looking at the camera! These are some of my fav photos!​ So even though the general rule is 6-14 days it does not mean that a day or so earlier or >2-6 weeks old is not an option.

The short answer? It depends. Newborn sessions are typically in the morning at 10am. This tends to be the most successful time for photographing the babies, as they tend to sleep better and fuss a lot less. Newborn sessions typically last between 1-3 hours depending on the Collection you choose. Multiple breaks for you to feed and soothe your infant are available if needed. I run my session according to the baby’s wants and needs. For the husbands and younger children, I have a washroom and a big screen TV for your comfort. Netflix is readily available.

Parents and Siblings are welcome, in fact I encourage it, to be a part of the family photos. Please try to keep them happy and calm during this time as a quiet atmosphere is really important in obtaining newborn photos. Having someone to keep the siblings occupied is required, as I keep the TV room door closed to avoid disruption, and to keep the studio room toasty warm for the newborn. It is encouraged to have someone available to take the sibling home after they are finished. Newborn sessions are long and siblings get bored/antsy very quickly. 

It is kindly asked that siblings be taken home/out to lunch/to the mall/ to play at the park etc for the rest of the session after they are photographed in the beginning of the session in order to keep a quiet, calm, and comfortable environment for your newborn.

Please read through the Prep forms in your welcome packet and read it again to refresh your memory the evening before your session. Following a few simple guidelines tends to result in a smooth, calm and successful session. (Don’t forget 2 pacifiers, a bottle, and extra formula or breast milk!)

Nothing. We have all that is needed for the newborn session. Most of my work is done using special wraps, covers and nude.

To be prepared for Family and sibling shots, I suggest you all wear Jeans with a black or neutral tone (Brown, beige, cream, etc.) shirt/t-shirt/blouse work best. Bring along a change of clothes for everyone as newborns are bound to have accidents at their sessions. (Generally my assistant gets the brunt of this, but she's used to it! Dad may not be haha!)

Expect to have a rest! Honestly... I want you to feel at home, comfortable and relaxed during the session.

Once you arrive with baby, I will show you the colors and sets I have chosen based on our previous discussions. I will have bottled water on site, and encourage you to bring snacks, a book or just have a snooze! If you want to watch the entire session unfold, feel free!