frequently asked questions

What types of sessions do you offer?

Maternity, newborn, baby, cake smash, children and family sessions, as well a baby’s first year Watch Me Grow plan. We also offer Professional Headshots and Boudoir. Please visit our session pages for more details.

Can you tell me about your pricing?

We offer different pricing based on the type of session. From mini sessions to full sessions, both digital images and professional products are available. Please inquire via the contact page or email for more information based on your specific type of session.

When should I book my session?

For most sessions, please call 1 to 3 months in advance of your preferred date. Booking in advance will ensure your choice of date on the calendar! We limit the number of sessions we take to ensure we can devote quality attention to each client through the whole process. We try to accommodate last minute bookings so please reach out for current availability! 

How long are your sessions?

Maternity - approximately 1 hour or less

Newborn - approximately 2-3 hours

Cake Smash - approximately 1-1.5 hours 

Family - approximately 1 hour

Babies/Children - anywhere from 30-60 minutes, depending on session and age 

Please note that there is no real "timer" on sessions, some may take more or less, and the above is a general guide for expectations. 

What can I expect before the session?

First, you will receive a questionnaire to share any details you'd like with me and answer some basic questions. We will also connect via phone so I can get to know you a little bit better and learn about any vision or preferences you might have. You will also receive our Prepped for Perfection guide that will set you up for a successful session! 

What can I expect after the session?

After your session, you will return to the studio, or meet virtually, for your Viewing & Ordering appointment. During this time, you will receive personalized service to choose your images/package/artwork to meet your needs. Digital images are delivered via download through a private gallery. You can expect your custom portraits to be ready for pick up at our studio 4 – 6 weeks after your order is placed. Visit The Experience page for more detailed information on the process.

What can I expect during my Viewing & Ordering appointment?

The goal is to work together to create the perfect presentation from your finished images. As much time as needed goes into providing expert guidance with choosing, designing, answering questions, and creating the right products just for you! Our Room View Technology makes this process smooth and easy. Orders are placed and payment is due at the close of the appointment. Appointments can be done in the studio to see products in person or virtually from your home using a screen sharing program. 

How long does it take to see my photos?

We try to schedule a Viewing & Ordering appointment within 10 days of your session to view your images. If you have purchased a digital package, we will send an online gallery for you to preview, choose, and download images within 2 weeks after your session. 

When is the best time for a maternity session?

Between 32-36 weeks when you are showing but not super uncomfortable. Give us a call in your second trimester, or sooner, to book. 

When is the best time for a newborn session?

Most babies are booked anywhere from 8-14 days after birth. When you book, your due date is put on the calendar as well as a session date. We ask that you let us know 24-48 hours after having baby so we can secure your session date on the calendar. Letting us know when you have your baby early enough allows rooms for adjusting should baby arrive early or later than expected. 

We do photograph babies of any age all the time. Don't hesitate to reach out with an 'older' baby. 

When is the best time for a baby or cake smash session?

After the newborn stage, anytime from 3 months to one year is recommended. I personally love the 6-9 month age!

Cake smash sessions are recommended within the window 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the first birthday. 

Do you offer a baby's first year package?

Yes we do! It’s the perfect way to capture the milestone stages of the first year. As a Watch Me Grow baby member, you receive a three-session package including newborn, 6-9 months (sitting up) and one year (cake smash included) at a savings. Maternity can be added as well.

Do you provide clothing?

After you are booked, you will receive clothing ideas, visual guides, and more information about how to prepare for your session. We have a selection of maternity gowns available at no cost to you. We also have a selection of the most adorable newborn outfits for boys and girls. With every session, we are available to consult on clothing outfits for you or your family. However, we do not provide full styling services.

What products do you offer?

We offer a curated product line of high-quality items from prints to wall displays. There is something to fit a variety of needs and styles. We know how busy life is so we handle the process of creating stunning portraits and then delivering it to you as a finished product for your immediate enjoyment now and for your family in the future.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes you can. However, a conversation about the type of dog, size, and personality will need to be discussed in advance. A crate or other leash will need to be used for the dog while not in photos. We can not guarantee that your dog will behave, so this is at your discretion. 

What if I do not want retouching?

If you have retouching preferences please let us know in advance or during your session, prior to image delivery. Basic skin retouching is included, such as baby acne and light skin smoothing. For extra retouching, such as head swaps, nail polish removal, tattoo removal, etc, extra charges may apply. 

Can I order more photos later?

Yes you can. We encourage you to purchase sooner rather than later since we only guarantee to hold images for 60 days. Orders can be made from purchased digital images at any time. 

Is hair and makeup included?

It is not. We have a few local recommendations and can provide a list upon booking. 

Do you provide gift certificates?

Yes we do. We offer gift certificates that we can email for you or wrap ready for gift-giving. Visit our gift page here.

What happens if I need to reschedule?

Contact the studio with at least 48 hours notice if possible. For sick children, every effort is made to reschedule as soon as possible on a mutually agreeable date. If a session is rescheduled more than 1 time, you lose your session fee and a new session fee for the future date will be required. 

Do you accept payment plans?

Yes we do. We understand that the experience of hiring a professional photographer to create portraits for your family is an investment, so we can offer payment plans. Please note that final payment must be made before the delivery of product. 

What Are Your Hours?

Photo sessions are held Monday - Friday between the hours of 9am - 4:30pm. We do not photograph on weekends except for seasonal family sessions or specials. Please sign up for the newsletter to hear about these opportunities. 

What are the benefits of a newborn studio session vs at my home?

Having your newborn captured at a specially designed newborn photography studio has many advantages. A studio environment has everything you need to create a perfect session. The ideal lighting, a warm room with white noise, access to all of the studio props, accessories and blankets, and custom designed setups and backdrops that cannot be recreated. A studio eliminates the stress of someone coming to your home, which may not be as clean as you'd like since you've just had a baby. The studio allows you to completely sit back and relax to enjoy the session! 

Do you offer discounts?

We have specials all year round at various times. Please signup for the newsletter so you are informed when we have specials. 

We also have a referral program so if your friend books a session you both receive a discount!

Do you give RAW images?

No, we do not give RAW images.   

Where is the studio located?

70 Upper Rock Circle, Suite 102
Rockville, MD 20850

Do you have more informaton about printing my digital images?

Sure do! Check out The Digital File Guide here.