frequently asked questions

Curious to know what a session looks like? See our behind the scenes video to get a sense of what newborn sessions are like!

NEWBORN FAQs

Will I be welcome?

First and foremost, ALL are welcome at Chelsea Lietz Photography. CLP does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. I recognize that families can look a thousand different ways, and I celebrate that. Chelsea Lietz is an LGBTQ+ affirming photographer in San Antonio.

How do I book a session?

Email me through my contact form to tell me what you have in mind and inquire about availability.  I will get back to you within 36 hours.  When we confirm availability and your desire to book, I will give you the password to complete the contract and pay your retainer in the Client section of this site.

Are you just a newborn photographer?

Newborns are my favorite and I certainly specialize in them.  But I love watching your babies grow. Sessions in the first year are most popular, but don’t forget to schedule portraits every year to capture the missing teeth, the long legs they haven’t grown into yet, and the emerging confidence of your teens.  Scheduling priority goes to newborns clients, so if you have another session in mind, please book early!

Is newborn photography safe?

A newborn in the hands of a professional newborn photographer with training and experience is extremely safe.  The health and safety of the baby must come first. I am trained in posing newborns SAFELY.  Any “dangerous” looking shot that you may see is a composite… this means that I combine 2 or more photos to create the illusion that the baby was hanging or holding her own head up in her hands, etc.  Or sometimes I just edit out the hand that was supporting baby’s head. In addition to using composites, I use spotters, counterweights, a soft beanbag, and a lot of patience to settle baby comfortably and safely into a pose. I am vaccinated against Covid-19, whooping cough and the flu.  I currently wear a mask during all sessions and will continue this as long as you prefer. I never work when sick and I wash my hands very often when working with your child. The studio is sanitized regularly.

When do newborn sessions take place?

Newborn sessions take place 5-15 days from birth. This is done for many reasons… Newborns this young are more likely to “curl up” and remain sleepy for the duration of the session. They are much more tolerant of being posed and moved around than a 3 or 4 week old. Almost all of the “sleepy newborn” shots you see on the website were done with newborns 14 days old or younger. If your baby is older than 2 weeks, don’t worry, we can still capture beautiful photos-it may just take more patience and we may need to skip some of the poses you see.

How do I book a session when I’m not sure when baby will be born?

That’s easy… let me know your due date and I will pencil you in on my calendar. Once baby is born, let me know as soon as possible (ideally within the first couple of days and absolutely before baby is 7 days) and we will select an actual date for your session. If you do not contact me within that first week, I cannot guarantee availability before the 2 week mark. I book a maximum number of newborns per month so that I have the time it takes to create a beautiful gallery for you… but I do have other sessions to schedule around.  Newborns are usually scheduled Monday – Thursday at 9:45am.

Can siblings and parents be in a few shots?

Of course! Any immediate family is welcome in the photos, as are birth & adoptive families. If grandma is in town to help and wants to attend, just ask me!

How long does a session last?

Newborn sessions often run long due to the nature and frequent nurturing of the infant. Please expect up to four hours, though they average about two. I do not rush the session, I let baby take as many breaks as needed. Baby’s comfort and safety is my number one priority. Make sure anyone coming along (especially Dads!) know that the session is several hours (longer for multiples) in a very warm studio where I need relative quiet.  If a sibling is coming along, some families prefer to do their images first and then have one parent take them home.  I do have some toys in the studio and wifi.  Books, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are good, quiet ways to pass the time.  I have also had many sleep-deprived parents sleep on my couch!

Where does the session take place?

Newborn sessions take place in my studio in San Antonio, just minutes from Bulverde, New Braunfels, and Stone Oak.

Are twins double the price?

Absolutely not.  Though I do add a small additional fee for multiples to offset my assistant, extra time at the session, and the time it takes to edit extra images for the gallery.

Anything else I should bring to a newborn session?

Before your newborn session you will receive a full session prep guide from me.  You don’t need to bring any props or outfits because I have hundreds.  Truly… hundreds.  When we schedule your session I will send a style survey to ask about colors, props, and themes you might like included.

How do I make birth announcements?

When you receive your gallery, you can order a single jpeg download or the entire gallery.  These images will be in high resolution.  With the print release you can make prints (at the pro labs I recommend!), or order birth announcements anywhere you wish.  Tiny Prints.com is great!

GENERAL FAQs

How do I book a session?

Email me through my contact form to tell me what you have in mind and inquire about availability.  I will get back to you within 36 hours.  When we confirm availability and your desire to book, I will send a calendar so you may choose from available dates.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, Venmo and Paypal are accepted. You do not need a PayPal account to pay a PayPal invoice. Payment plans are welcome.

How soon should I schedule my session?

I often schedule sessions 2-3 months out. Weekends go quickly! Contact me as soon as you know you’d like to schedule to have the most variability in dates.

Maternity sessions are best scheduled between 32-36 weeks, when mama’s belly is nice and pronounced-that is the point after all!

For older babies, 3/4 months is fun because they smile, but posing is very limited.  Waiting until your baby sits up well gives us a lot more options for posing and backdrops. For a first birthday, I recommend setting your session for around 11 months… this gives you time to get your images before a party and it sometimes means baby isn’t a fast walker yet… which helps me.

What do I need for an older baby session?

Gummy smiles, chubby thighs, and those tiny details are so sweet to capture.  For ages 2-10 months I recommend bringing an outfit or two that you love, but I also have loads of outfits, diaper covers and props in the studio. If baby has a special lovie you can bring that if you like.

Do you offer cake smashes for a first birthday?

I do offer cake smashes.  However, my style is fairly simple with the focus on baby.  I have banners, balloons, outfits, tutus, and some fun props in many colors. We can discuss this before the shoot.  But if you want an elaborate theme, I have local photographers to refer you to… just ask!

Please provide your own cake, due to allergies and liability. I highly recommend the SOFT icing. and pay attention to color… red can look like blood on baby, brown looks like poo, etc. Also, if you refrigerate it, make sure to take it out well in advance of the session… if it is hard it won’t crumble and smear, and baby might not like the cold.

Cake bakery suggestions- Annie’s Petite Treats (SA), Celi’s Cakes (SA), Five Times the Charm Bakery (SA), From Scratch (SA), Fields o’Flour (Seguin/NB), Debbie’s Custom Creations (SA), Sweet Bites by Lizzie Alves (NB), even HEB, Walmart or Target- totally fine if you don’t need a fancy cake!

What should we wear?

Check here!

How long until I see my pictures?

My typical turn around to receive your online gallery is about 2 weeks.  I do have a rush option if you just can’t wait.  The proof gallery is ONLY FOR LOOKING.  The images are watermarked because you are only looking at them to choose favorites that you wish to order.

Where can I get my digital files printed? Does it really make a difference where?

Simply put, YES!! It makes a world of difference where you get your photos printed. If you purchase the full gallery of digitals, I will provide you with a list of recommended places so that your photos look their very best!  If you purchase prints from my proof site, rest assured that you are getting professional quality from the finest lab.

Why do my photos have your logo on them?

When you purchase the digital files to your gallery, you receive high-resolution images for prints.  These do NOT have a logo on them.  Only the facebook sneak peeks, blogged images, and proof images in the proofing gallery do, to protect both of us.

Can I buy all of the photos you took? Can I buy unedited/raw images from you?  Can I edit the photos I buy?

No. I choose the very best images to edit and present to you in your gallery. I promise I’m not keeping good images from you.  It is in my best interest to give you the very best.  I do not offer raw or unedited images.  It is copyright infringement to edit the photos you purchase from me.  It is also illegal to post, screenshot, or print proof images that contain my watermark.

Do you do event photography?

I do not currently shoot events.  I would be happy to recommend some great fellow photographers to you.

What is a mini session?

A mini session is a short 15-30 minute session on a designated day in a designated place.  I usually offer mini sessions in the spring for bluebonnets and in the fall for Holiday card photos.  From time to time I also offer themed sessions such as unicorns for Valentine’s Day, holiday themes for children, etc. Mini Sessions are announced on my facebook page and book first come, first served. They fill quickly!

Do you have gift certificates?

I do!  I offer them for the amount of a session plus tax.  You also have the option to add on credit that the recipient can use for prints and fine art products.  You can purchase a gift certificate HERE.