Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it cost so much?

Custom portraiture is an art that is worth investing in. You are paying for the time and expertise of the artist as well as the quality of the experience. As a boutique photography studio, we specialize in providing our clients with a luxury experience and unique artistry. We are highly trained in photographic skill, newborn posing and safety. We dedicate 20 – 30 hours to each client (in person and behind the scenes work).

My friend is a photographer and she gave me a CD of all the images for $X.

I encourage you to shop around before selecting a photographer. You want to make sure to choose a photographer whose work best represents your taste and who will take great care of you and your family. There are a lot of “Shoot and Burn” photographers out there who are new or hobbyists and will charge an incredibly low price for all of the images on a disk. These photographers are often inexperienced and it shows in the quality of their work and service. Newborn photography can be risky and an inexperienced photographer could put your baby at risk by not taking certain essential precautions to ensure your baby’s safety. Our smallest package is $495 so that may be a bit of a stretch and I totally understand if that’s not within your budget. Custom photography isn’t for everyone and I would be happy to refer you to someone who may be more within your price range. I also want to let you know that if you do decide to up your budget, you can be sure it will be worth it and we will make sure you get an amazing product and memorable experience.

Why should I choose you?

Providing you with a SAFE, comfortable, and easy experience is my number one priority. I have done extensive training to ensure you will receive the highest quality portraits and art that will last for generations. I have trained under some of the top newborn photographers in the country to continue growing my skills and knowledge. Some of these trainers include:

Julia Kelleher: PPA’s National Photographer of the Year, International Gold (2013) & Silver (2009, 2011) Medalist, 3 x Oregon Professional Photographer Of The Year, 2 x Washington Professional Photographer of the Year.

The Milky Way: Featured on multiple covers of Kamloops Momma Magazine, Interior Wellness Magazine, TAOPAN magazine and Kamloops Business Magazine (July 2011). Author and expert on baby safety, and a teacher of thousands of online photography students.

Kelly Brown: AIPP Australian Family Photographer of the Year – 2014, AIPP QLD Professional Photographer of the Year 2014 & 2013, AIPP QLD Portrait Photographer of the Year 2013, AIPP QLD Family Photographer of the Year 2014, 2013 & 2012, AIPP Australian Creative Photographer of the Year – 2012.

Ana Brandt: Voted: One of the 50 best photographers of family in the United States, One of the 10 best Maternity photographers in the world, One of the 10 best photographers in California, One of the 50 most inspiring photographers, Voted one of California’s Top Newborn Photographers of 2016 by Photography Magazine.

And so so so many more!

What if I don’t like the pictures?

All of our images are guaranteed. If you are at all dissatisfied with the quality or content of your images, we would be happy to offer a complimentary re-shoot.

Can I post these pictures on social media?

Personal use copyright is released to you with the purchase of digital images. This means you can print or post to social media all you want. Beauty by Blair Boutique Photography retains full copyright of the image so it cannot be cropped or altered in any way. It cannot be used for commercial purposes or entered into any competitions.

Why are a lot of your photos off-center?

Most great art makes use of the rule of thirds and power points. I often place babies in the lower right power point because it communicates peace and tranquility. It represents the great void before them then the beauty that exists. I often place mothers and children in the upper left power point because it represents excitement, hope, and focuses attention on what is to come.

When should I get maternity pictures done?

At 32 – 34 weeks gestation. Your belly is nice and round at this point but swelling typically isn’t too bad yet.

When should I get newborn pictures done?

Newborn pictures are best photographed at 4 – 10 days old. Babies are the most flexible and sleepy during this time frame so we are able to get those dreamy newborn poses. Since there is such a small time frame, it is important that you contact us as early in your pregnancy as possible to make sure we can secure your spot.

What safety precautions do you take?

All blankets and wraps are washed baby-safe detergent between every single session, whether it was soiled on or not. Photographer brings hand sanitizer and sanitizes sporadically throughout session. We do not ever put pressure on the baby’s soft spot. Baby is never left unattended. Photographer watches baby’s limbs at all times to check if blood flow is being reduced and responds to any cues that the baby is experiencing any discomfort. Heater is provided to ensure the baby is nice and warm (as they will be naked during most the session). Camera strap is utilized at all times to ensure camera is not dropped. Heating pads are not used as they can lead to an unsafe rise in body temperature.

I just had a baby, I don’t feel like being photographed.

Don’t do it for you, do it for your child. It is important that we exist in photographs for our children. Children don’t care if you have a little extra weight, or wrinkles, or acne, or a big nose, or flat hair, or whatever it is that bothers you. Do you remember thinking your mom is the most beautiful woman in the world? Do you feel emotion when you see photos of your mom with you when you were a child? Do you even have photos of her with you? Nothing haunts us like the family portraits we didn’t take. I promise you won’t regret it.

How do you do newborn photos in my home?

I bring my portable studio that includes floors, backdrops, lights, blankets, hats, headbands, props, etc. All I need is about a 5 x 8 foot space to set up and I can take care of everything else.

What if my house is messy?

Mine is too, join the club! I am not your mother-in-law, there is no need to impress me. You have enough on your plate, don’t worry about cleaning the house on my behalf.

Can our dog be included in the photos?

We are happy to include pets in family photos but will not photograph pets with newborns. Even well-behaved pets can have an adjustment period with a new child in the home. It simply isn’t safe enough and safety is our number one priority.

How do we view the pictures to order?

We come to your house for a Session Premiere in which you enjoy a presentation of your images on a laptop. The photographer will be there to support you through the ordering process and answer any questions you may have. Session Premiere is about 2 weeks from the day of your session.

Who should attend the Session Premiere?

It is completely up to you but we encourage you to invite anyone who will be contributing financially. If you can get a friend or family member to entertain your children in a different room, it will be much easier for you to enjoy the presentation and focus on the decision-making.

Can we view the pictures online?

We do not offer an online gallery. In today’s digital technology world, we have had to institute this policy because it is just too easy to screenshot or right-click and steal our work. We are not saying you would do that but if we didn’t treat everyone the same, it wouldn’t be fair and we’re just trying to protect our livelihood so we hope you understand.

For questions regarding session requirements, rescheduling, re-shoots, copyright, payment plans, or product delivery, please see your copy of the Policies, given to you in the Welcome Packet.