Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a session?

All you need to do is fill our our contact form to provide us with your contact details and session request and we’ll be in touch within 1 business day to get you all set up!

Do I pay for the session upfront?

In order to book your session, you will be required pay $100 of your total session cost as a non-refundable $100 session fee. This fee reserves your session date. If there is bad weather, someone becomes ill, or other emergency situations arise, the session fee is transferrable to another date or session type.

The remainder of the session cost is due by the end of your session date.

Do you offer discounts or “First Year Packages”?

While we don’t have a standard “First Year Package” that limits which type of sessions you can include, we do offer $100 off ANY two sessions booked at the same time and $200 off ANY three sessions booked at the same time. So, did you have plans for a Maternity Session, a Newborn Session, and a Seasonal Mini Session this year? Guess what, you just got yourself $200 off if you book them all at once!!

What are your hours?

Our studio is open Monday - Friday, and 1-2 Saturdays per month from 9:30am - 2pm, by appointment only. Carrie also offers outdoor sessions 2 weeknights per week from May - October.

Business Manager Ashley works from home with varied, part-time hours, Monday - Saturday to manage all the administrative sides of this business. Her hours vary, but she is always in touch by email within 1 business day of receiving any questions or requests.

Do you allow dogs?

The short answer is yes. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor spaces that Carrie shoots. They are also allowed in the studio, so long as they are *well-behaved*. There is expensive studio equipment and props, so Carrie does not allow dogs in there that don’t listen well or are overly hyper-active.

Do I have to pay extra for my images?

For ALL of her photography sessions, Carrie offers all-inclusive digital downloads with no hidden fees. Each and every session comes with high resolution digital images (with full personal use rights) for you to cherish and use for a lifetime.

In addition, Carrie offers the option to have your photos printed from a high quality professional printer. These prints can be ordered directly from your online gallery.

How long does it take to get my images after the session?

Carrie’s turnaround time is within 2 weeks. She often strives to get your gallery to you sooner, but it will be no longer than that.

During busy season (September - November), her turnaround time may need to extend to 3 weeks due to the number of sessions she photographs per week. If this were the case, you would be notified.

Bartlett is a bit of a drive for me. Will Carrie travel to my home?

Carrie does not travel for most session types. They are done either at her West Chicago studio or at an outdoor location nearby. (See above)

For Lifestyle Newborn Sessions, Fresh 48 Sessions, and Birth Story Sessions, Carrie will travel to you! A travel fee applies for sessions further than 30 minutes away from Bartlett, IL, please contact us for more information.

When is the best time to take newborn photos?

For best results in newborn photo shoots, it is recommended that the session take place during the first 7-14 days of life. They are the most sleepy at this age! In order to accomodate the uncertainty of when the little ones decide to make their debut, we pencil in several days around your expected due date and then remain flexible.

Newborn sessions are also typically scheduled for a weekday session.

I have siblings coming to our session. How the heck do I keep them occupied for the whole session?!

We always recommend to get yourself a wrangler! This can be Dad, Gma, Gpa, or an angel babysitter. When siblings are going to be a part of a newborn session, Carrie usually does the sibling and group family photos first. Once the siblings are no longer needed, the wrangler can lead them out the door to explore Carrie’s wooded backyard, find a snack, or head back home or to school. (The latter ones work best if you drive separately to the session.) That way, you and baby are left in the peaceful studio to finish up the session.

If you aren’t able to secure a wrangler, no problem. Carrie has a few toys and we recommend bringing lots of snacks and their tablets :)

What is your availability for newborn sessions?

The way we typically schedule newborn sessions is to put in three tentative time slots on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 9:30am and 2pm, based on your due date to accommodate early, on-time, and late scenarios. Then we ask that you keep us posted and be sure to let us know as soon as baby arrives so that we can get a date firmed up that works for everyone.

There are times when we may double-book babies. In our experience, babies rarely arrive as planned! But not to worry - we promise to get in every scheduled baby during their magic window (so long as baby’s circumstances allow).

How should I prepare for my newborn session?

We’ve got you covered. Select your session type and read on…

Lifestyle Newborn Session

Why would I want to do one of these types of sessions?

These are fun sessions that are focused on capturing your child at this amazingly fast time of growth! Carrie is very flexible with what is included in this time.

These sessions are designed to be simple and to capture the essence of your child in our studio. Their personality. Their missing teeth. Their smile. There will be limited props and neutral backgrounds to ensure whatever favorite outfit you choose will look great and you can frame the photos in any room of your house.

If I want to capture my baby’s milestones, when is the best time to book sessions?

Ideally, the 3 month would be scheduled when they can hold their head up during belly time and the 6 month scheduled once they are sitting. If your child is developing at a different pace, please schedule anyway and we will get creative!

When do you offer Maternity Sessions?

Year round! From April - October, Carrie offers Maternity Sessions outdoors 2 evenings per week and 3-4 mornings per week. Once the weather gets colder, she mostly offers Maternity Sessions in her studio 3-4 mornings and afternoons per week.

Do you offer dresses to wear during the session?

Yes! Carrie does have a few dresses that are available for you to choose from. You would choose at the time of your session. Most are neutral creams, mochas, or whites. We always recommend you bring another outfit as well.

Is my significant other or children included in the session?

Absolutely! Carrie loves to get photos of just mom and bump, but she also is sure to include your family because that’s what it’s all about!