Session Planning FAQs
How do I start planning my session?
We're looking forward to working with you! Contact us via email (info@nutmegphotography.com), phone or text (860-480-1746 or 860-689-2666). We highly recommend contacting us while you're still pregnant so we can get your due date into our calendar. Most parents plan with us a month or more in advance. We'll send you planning/contract paperwork and collect your session fee to hold the date. In order to help us design your session's look and select appropriately coordinating props and backdrops, we will ask you about your preferred color palette, your family's wardrobe plan and any nursery and/or home decor themes. We'll be sure to check in a day or so prior to the session to confirm plans.
What is the pricing structure?
Most of our regular sessions require 2 payments: the first being your Sitting Fee, which covers your session time and our creative & processing time, plus any applicable travel fees. The second and final payment takes place when you make your desired Image Collection purchase (once you see your final images in a private viewing gallery).
Signed contracts will be due for all sessions with the first payment.
Where do we hold the session?
We offer sessions at our Litchfield studio with access to our wide selection of props and controlled lighting. Our adorable courtyard is perfect for outdoor photos when weather is comfortable. Home visits are available and take on a more casual/candid "lifestyle" look. These sessions include minimal props and capture your family interacting in the comfort of your familiar surroundings. A $50 flat fee applies to home visits and a fee for locations further than 10 miles from zip code 06759.
What’s the best time to schedule my session?
Newborn sessions in the studio can be held at any time of day or at your home during daylight hours. Outdoor photos may be an option for a portion of your session, weather depending. Newborn sessions will last approximately 2 hours. Please review this time commitment with everyone in your party.
What should we wear?
We don’t insist on certain colors or styles. It's most important that you feel like yourselves in whatever you choose. Think about your home's decor. You'll be hanging wall art in your home and will want to coordinate your family's wardrobe in complimenting colors. A good first rule of thumb is to avoid bright, bold or busy patterns and corporate logos (think large “athletic company” Swoosh, graphic-tees, etc) which can be visually distracting. Generally coordinate colors and styles amongst family members, but keep in mind the trend of families matching exactly is outdated. Simple khaki colors, grays, blues, pastels and natural tones will blend nicely with most backgrounds. Please also be sure that collared and button-down shirts are freshly ironed, dark clothing should be free of pet hair and lint.
Online searches such as "Newborn photo session wardrobe ideas" can be helpful in giving you some wardrobe inspiration. Adding a season to your search criteria can also help you develop your plan.
I’m having my newborn photographed, can my other children be included?
YES! Our newborn sessions always include special photos with parents & siblings at no extra cost.
I’m concerned about handing my new baby over to someone we don’t know…
With Nutmeg Photography LLC, you will always be working directly with us during your newborn session. And what a handy bonus – we are licensed nurses with years of experience working with newborns and their families. We are skilled at handling babies and know what their tiny bodies can and cannot tolerate. You can put your mind at ease knowing you have two trusted professionals working with your family!
I’m not sure my small child will sit still for “portraits”…..
No worries! Our specialty is children & families. We understand kids are busy and curious. We won’t force your kiddos to sit through stuffy & boring portrait sittings. We take the time to work with you and your children to get the best possible results – while keeping the session organized & moving along. Plus we’re always prepared with silly faces, puppets & teddy bears! Weather permitting, outdoor sessions are great for kids – they have space to run around, interact with siblings and be themselves.
What if my child is sick?
No worries - these things happen. We prefer to reschedule when your child is ill. Kids are miserable when they're not feeling well and we want to ensure that you and your child enjoy the session. Children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours (without medication) before coming to the studio (we also work with tiny newborns and keeping our studio healthy is important for everyone).
Do you offer the digital files from our session?
YES! The world of photography is changing. We believe our clients should own their photographs and have the flexibility of using and retaining their images for years to come. Our Collection pricing includes limited copyright which allows you rights to print and share your images. Our Collections include a high-resolution digital download for some or all of your gallery's images (no watermarking). We highly suggest ordering your additional prints through us – you have paid for professional photographs and should see them as such in print. Our product quality is 100% guaranteed.
What happens after our session/When will our photos be ready?
Images from most Nutmeg Collections (maternity, newborn families, high school seniors, first birthdays, engagements, etc) will be ready for viewing in a private online gallery 2 weeks after your session. At this time, you will be able to puchase whichever of our Standard Collections or Newborn Collections look best to you. You will also submit your choices for that Collection's included hard copy print products. Digital image downloads will only be made available once payment and print choices have been submitted. Please be sure to carefully read your emails from us so receipt of your images is not delayed.
Please note Weddings and other large events are ready in 6-8 weeks – the wait may be slightly longer during our busier seasons (May/June, September/October).