FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! I have an in-home studio with everything you need for a fun and successful photo shoot. Props, headbands, hats, newborn and baby outfits, toddler dresses, many backdrops, flooring, and more. Everything you see in my pictures is here to help us create your beautiful images.

Almost all the props you see in my pictures are available here. I have SO MANY props and I’m always looking for more! You are welcome to bring anything you want to include in your pictures (but chances are I already have it!).

The studio is located in Phoenix, Arizona, but many of my clients come from Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Mesa, and anywhere in between – even California! 

I work Monday through Friday and, depending on the day, my sessions usually start at 9:15 in the morning and end around 3:00 in the afternoon. Please let me know if you have any questions about session times and scheduling.

Yes. It is very important to schedule your session as soon as possible to make sure I have openings around your due date or your baby's milestones. If you want to book a session, email me at clairebrownphotos@gmail.com or call/text (480) 467-8646. 

FOR NEWBORN SESSIONS:

When you are ready to book a session, you can send the $50 retainer to reserve your spot. I will then add your due date to my calendar, and we’ll patiently wait for the new arrival. I prefer to schedule the exact date for newborn sessions right after babies are born, in case they come a little early or late. Just let me as soon as your baby is here so we can schedule an exact time and day. I always make time for newborn sessions because the window to get the perfect pictures is very short (best to take them within the first two weeks). If time has passed and your newborn is a little older, we will still make it work. It might just take a little longer for your baby to fall and stay asleep. 

If you just had a baby and want to schedule a photo session at the last minute, feel free to contact me. I will do my best to get you in as soon as possible. Again, I always make time for a newborn photography session if I can. I want you to have those memories. They grow so fast.

FOR MILE-STONES OR ANY OTHER SESSIONS:

Contact me to set a date for your pictures and send the $50 retainer to hold your spot. 

Depending on the season (Fall and Winter are very busy), you should get your pictures back in less than two weeks. Usually faster, but it really depends on the season and my workload. I try to get them back to you as soon as possible because I know how excited you are to share them with your family and friends. 

The $50 retainer is non-refundable, but I try my best to reschedule if something comes up. I try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate my busy schedule and yours. 

Zelle, paypal, Venmo and cash.

I always provide the digital files because I want you to be able to share and print them as much as you want. I give you the copyright to all your pictures, so there are no limitations when it comes to printing and sharing your beautiful images. 

The retainer is separate from the session price and is non-refundable. If you need to change your session date, I always do my best to accommodate your schedule. 

The session price include the use of all my props, time (2 or 3 hours depending on the session) and experience (13 years). The digital pictures are sold separately. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions about pricing.

The best time frame to take newborn photographs is in between 6 to 14 days new. The earlier the better if you want beautiful pictures of your baby sleeping in amazing props. Sometimes, it might take a little bit for your baby to fall asleep wafter he/she arrives. In this case, patience is the key and patience always pays off. I will make sure that you and your baby are comfortable. You and your baby come first.

Just you and the baby :) Daddy is always welcome but if he can't make it, feel free to bring a different family member or a friend.

If you are not exclusively breastfeeding, I always suggest bringing a good supply of milk and a pacifier (even if your baby doesn't use one). It can be really helpful in getting just the right pictures. 

I have all the props and accessories we need but feel free to bring anything you want to include. My goal is to make sure that you love your pictures. 

Babies cannot be rushed and are very unpredictable, so it really depends on how sleepy your baby is the day of the session. I block out up to three hours, but “cooperative” babies can be all finished in as little as two. 

If you are located near the studio, I recommend you feed your baby right before you leave. If you are a little further away, plan on feeding once you arrive. They always sleep much better with a full tummy.

When you get here, the hardest part is over. There is no rush. We will discuss your goals, color preferences, special requests, and anything else you prefer. 

Then, while you sit and watch, I will gently put your little one into a deep sleep (which cannot be rushed), and carefully pose him or her for the pictures.

Of course! I completely understand the importance of capturing pictures of your family with the new baby – especially older siblings (who suddenly seem huge next to their new best friends!).

Adding a sibling is an additional $50 (or $75 for two). Parents are $50 for both.

To make things easier on everyone, I recommend that Dad or another family member drive separately to can take an older child home while we finish up with the baby. 

It all depends on the package you select. Plan on two pictures per pose/scene. For example, if you pick the 10-picture package, we will do five scenes/props. You can always request more pictures per prop or additional scenes if you decide on a larger package once we get started. 

Together, of course! My ultimate goal is to take pictures you will love, so we select everything based on your preferences and my experience. Once you arrive, I will have props ready for you to pick from and customize. 

Feel free to let me know in advance if you have special requests inspired by pictures on my website or others you have seen. 

In more than 13 years, I have never had a baby leave the studio without pictures. Some babies arrive super sleepy, and others are more challenging, but we always get the job done. No matter what mood your little one arrives in, the relaxing atmosphere and my way with children will put him or her to sleep. They call me “The Baby Whisperer” for a reason :)

A baby that just took a nap is a must! We want lots of smiles. If your little one is happy first thing in the morning, let me know and we will do an early session at 9:15.

I have everything we need here (props, clothing, and accessories), but some parents enjoy bringing their own outfits. Plan on three of four changes of clothing if you want to bring your own.

Don't forget snacks or milk. The little models sometimes need a break, and their favorite food always seems to make them happy.

It depends on the baby, but usually three or four. Plan on three for sure but if your baby is in a particularly good mood, and is enjoying the camera, I always try to capture more smiles.

Absolutely! Adding a sibling is an additional $50 (or $75 for two). Parents are $50 for both.

To make things easier on everyone, I recommend that Dad or another family member drive separately to take siblings home while we finish up.

Yes, we can do a milk bath at the end of the session (usually at six months or a year). They are a lot of fun for everyone. Just let me know in advance so I can have enough milk on hand. 

If you have a theme let me know. My extensive prop selection likely includes a backdrop to work with any birthday theme you may have. 

Depending on the backdrop you select, you may want to bring matching balloons and, of course, a small cake. Feel free to bring any special props you have that match the theme – especially from the birthday party. 

Cake smashes are done at the very end of the session after we are done with all the other pictures. 

I take a LOT of pictures during a session. For six-month and one-year sessions I let you pick the pictures you want me to edit. They make so many adorable faces at these ages! The package comes with 15 edited pictures. Additional pictures are $20 each.