Congratulations!!
Whether it is your first baby or not.....finding out that you're expecting is such a magical, sometimes overwhelming moment. During the sudden flood of baby prep (and hormones), nursery inspiration and nesting, researching all of the new baby gadgets and things needed, those nine months can feel like they’re dragging along and you have forever to go before you meet your little one— until suddenly, you hit the third trimester and realize 'wait....this is actually happening soon and there's still so much left to do!'.
As a fellow mom (my daughter is an adult now!), I know firsthand just how fast time moves. One moment you’re marveling over your pregnancy bump, and the next, you’re holding a tiny newborn that fits perfectly in your arms.
Those fleeting early days pass in a blur....marveling over the tiny human you created, the late night feedings, living in your own little bubble as you adjust to life with your new addition.
Documenting your new addition isn’t just about getting pretty pictures—it’s about preserving the feeling of this beautiful, blink a couple of times and it's over chapter for your family. If you’re wondering when and how to start planning for your maternity and newborn portrait sessions around the greater Columbia, Lexington and Chapin SC areas (I even travel throughout the state of SC for Maternity & Lifestyle In-Home Newborn Sessions!).....here is everything you need to know to make the process effortless!
1. When Should You Reach Out to Book?
The earlier you reach out, the better!
I highly recommend reaching out and securing your Maternity
AND/OR Newborn Session(s) when you are around 20 weeks along.
This allows ample time to make sure I'm not completely booked up around the time-frame of your maternity session.
It's also important to note: Babies rarely arrive on their actual due date.
Because of that, I only book a limited number of due dates per month to ensure flexibility when babies do arrive early or late.
That means that securing your session(s) early guarantees your spot on my calendar and that I'm not booked solid if you do reach out last minute.
Wondering when your actual session(s) will be held?
For Maternity Sessions: The sweet spot is usually between 30 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully defined, but you are still feeling comfortable enough to enjoy the session.
For Newborn Sessions: I typically aim to do the session when baby is between 8 and 18 days after birth, but I take everything into account—from birth weight to c-section recovery and any other concerns.
2. Tailoring Your Sessions to fit Your Family & Vision
Your Maternity Session:
Whether you envision a glowing, golden-hour outdoor session in a sunlit field around Columbia, a scenic spot along Lake Murray/the Riverwalk, or near a Pond.....or a cozy, intimate session in your home, we’ll work together to choose a location that fits your vibe. I’ll also help provide a styling guide and things to consider to take the guesswork out of what to wear!
Click here to see more info and examples from my Maternity Portrait Sessions.
Your Newborn Session: Studio vs. Lifestyle
Every family and situation is different, which is why I offer two distinct newborn options:
Classic Posed Studio Newborn Sessions: Hosted at my cozy studio in Chapin, SC.....this option is perfect for timeless, baby-led portraits. I have three different Studio Session Options to choose from: everything from a simple baby only session to essential and heirloom options that beautifully capture your growing family. I provide all the wraps, props, newborn outfits, and tiny headbands—you just bring the baby!
See Studio Newborn Portrait Info and Portfolio here.
Lifestyle In-Home Newborn Sessions: If you prefer a relaxed, more documentary style session in the comfort of your own home, this option is perfect for you! I come directly to your home for a wonderfully laid back, family-focused session. This option can be ideal if you have a toddler or children who feel most at ease in their own space.
See Lifestyle Newborn Portrait Info and Portfolio here.
3. Bundling Options & Savings
Whether you want to preserve the highlights (Maternity and Newborn), or the whole Bump to Babies 1st Birthday Collection, I'm here to capture this special time for your family.
The Maternity & Newborn Bundle: When you secure both your maternity and newborn sessions at the same time, you automatically save $50.
Build Your Own Collection: Want to document your pregnancy, newborn portraits, and baby's first-year milestones (like 6-month sitting-up portraits and/or a 1st birthday cake smash)? You can build a custom package that tailored specifically to your family’s vision while unlocking the greatest overall savings!
4. Flexible Budgeting & Payment Plans
Investing in professional portraits is a step in preserving your family’s story and history, but it shouldn't feel overwhelming.
I strive to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for growing families.
Payment Plans: When you book early (and depending on what your session total is), it allows the option for us to set up a custom payment plan! Your balance is easily broken down into manageable payments stretched out from the time of booking, up until your actual session date.
With ALL of my sessions, the first payment acts as the non-refundable retainer to secure the session(s) on the calendar, and any remaining balance is due at the time of the session (payment plans are worked out so that the last payment is due at the session).
Baby Shower Registry & Gift Certificates: Want your friends and family to have the option to help you preserve these memories? Add Kristen Feldman Photography Gift Certificates to your baby wishlist or shower registry! Simply list my contact details on your registry note, and guests can reach out to me directly to purchase certificates toward your session balance or even gift you a session.
Let’s Preserve These Moments Together
Life moves fast, and this season really does pass in a blink.
Even on the messy, chaotic, and exhausting days, having photos of this time will always be worth it. Don't look back in regret when your little one starts kindergarten
and wish you had captured this time.
If you are expecting in Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, Blythewood, or the surrounding South Carolina Midlands area, I would be honored to preserve this fleeting time for your family.
Have an immediate question or want to inquire about securing your
Maternity &/or Newborn Sessions?
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ME.
I look forward to speaking with you!
