FREQUENTLY
asked questions
When should I schedule my session?
Most families first reach out to me for maternity & newborn portraits when they enter their 2nd trimester. Maternity sessions are typically scheduled for when mom is between 28-36 weeks depending on how mom is feeling. Newborn sessions are scheduled within the first 3 weeks of baby's life when they are still sleepy and curly from being in the womb. Once baby is born we will finalize a date for their first portraits.
Where will my photography session take place?
MATERNITY sessions are primarily photographed at an outdoor location we agree upon. If you have a specific location in mind, definitely let me know, or I can offer suggestions based on the overall look you'd love to have for your images. If you're in love with studio portraits, lets talk about how to make that happen.
NEWBORN sessions are typically held in the comfort of your own home. I bring absolutely everything to you to produce studio-quality images in your own relaxed environment. This includes studio lighting, props, backdrops, wraps and more. I don't need a ton of space or even a spotless home - often I can create the space I need by simply moving things around. If space is a concern let me know and we can see if I can make it work.
What if my home doesn't work for my newborn or milestone session?
Some families fall in love with my portfolio but just don't want to have the session in their home. No worries, I understand. With my own in-home studio construction in its initial stages, I have an area set up here that is perfectly suited for newborn, milestone or studio maternity portraits. It's not big, it's not glamorous, but it does get the job done and you can feel comfortable knowing you're more than welcome to request this option.
How do I book a session?
First step is to reach out! You can send an email directly to hello@alyinspired.com, through the contact form on this website, or through any of my social media business channels. I aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours. Once we've talked more about what you're looking for and you know I'm the photographer for you, I'll send over a portrait agreement electronically for your review and signature. After signing you'll be prompted to pay your retainer fee of $200+tax to secure your session(s) in my calendar. This fee goes directly towards the sessions you are booking and are not an additional charge.
What happens after i've booked my session?
We start planning! We'll talk locations, what to wear and how to best prepare for your session(s). If booking a newborn I'll send over my preferences questionnaire where you'll be able to view and choose your favorite colors and setups as well as provide input for anything special you'd like to do for your session. All of our communication throughout the process is thoughtfully transformed into a plan for your session tailored specifically for you.
What happens after our photoshoot(s)?
After your shoot I will review all the beautiful images we've captured and create a selection of the very best images for your Viewing Gallery. If you've pre-selected a collection that includes this full Viewing Gallery I will begin editing those images and upload them to a private online gallery for you to review and download at your convenience. If you've selected a smaller collection with less files, I will upload the heavily-watermarked unedited images so you may select those you want included in your collection or make any upgrades. If you prefer to view your images in person and have my help in making decisions on what images or products might work best for you just let me know and we can schedule and in-person meeting instead!
WheN will my photography session take place?
Typically within 2 weeks of final image selection, often sooner. Edited final images will be uploaded to your online gallery as they are completed so you can view/download them as soon as they are ready.
do you offer products or digital files?
I offer pretty much any product you can dream up. Though many families love canvas and smaller loose prints, my favorite items are my heirloom wood prints and my signature rustic handmade frames crafted from small batch wood right in the USA heartland. These frames are truly jaw-dropping and priced as low as possible so I can help get them into your home and onto your walls. For printing small prints on your own, I only recommend MPix. This lab produces high quality images at a consumer-friendly price.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Gift certificates are easy to purchase through my online store and I offer a gift registry service for families as well complete with little "we're registered at" cards for baby shower invites.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Payment plans are available though full payment must be made before your session date. These plans can be built to suit and can start as early as booking based on what is best for your family. If this is something you're interested in, reach out early so you can get the maximum time out of your payment plan.
What should we do to prepare for our session?
Depending on your session type I'll send a prep guide well before the session takes place.
WILL YOU PHOTOGRAPH BABY WITH FAMILY DURING THE SESSIOn?
Baby's parents and siblings are always welcome to be included in a few images for the maternity photoshoot. For the newborn shoot baby's parent/siblings are one of the many setups you available to choose from on your questionnaire - if selected I'll make sure I have the proper backdrop ready to photograph the fully family together as well as one-on-one with baby. For milestone portraits I always offer to capture at least one photo of the family on a simple, solid-colored backdrop as we start the shoot.
How long will my session last?
Maternity & milestone sessions generally take 1-2 hours with setup depending on the location and accessories. Newborn sessions can take 2-4 hours with setup depending on baby and what collection has been pre-selected.
Do you provide wardrobe and props for my session?
I provide most of the props, wraps and outfits for your newborn session. If you have an outfit or something special to you you'd love baby photographed with, please let me know ahead of time so I can incorporate it into your shoot plan. For moms, I have over 50 gowns in a variety of sizes, styles and colors for use during your maternity and newborn sessions, if desired. These can be selected through my online gown gallery or with an in-person meeting in Old Lyme.
What should we wear?
I have a basic what to wear guide you can find here . When in doubt, make sure everyone's clothes fit, look good together, and the person wearing the clothes feels good in them.
Why are your outdoor shoots only offered at certain times of day?
That time before sunset or just after sunrise are the most beautiful when it comes to natural light. Harsh, direct light can create unflattering shadows and washed out spots on faces & clothing. For this reason I shoot primarily in the last 1-2 hours before sunset, depending on location.
Do you photograph Families?
I specialize in Maternity, Newborn and Baby's First Year Milestone sessions. Family sessions are wonderful but I prefer to focus most of my energy on perfecting those sessions I've chosen to specialize in. For this reason the families I do photograph tend to be prior newborn clients or friends of them. If you've seen my portfolio and really want a family session, reach out and we can see if what I offer makes sense for your family.
Want to chat more? Send me a note!
© Aly Inspired Photography LLC. Old Lyme Connecticut Maternity, Newborn and Baby Photographer. Servicing all of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Beyond including:
New London County, Middlesex County, New Haven County, Tolland County, Hartford County, Windham County & Washington County. Newborn Baby and Maternity Photographer in Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Essex, Middletown, New London, Groton, Norwich, West Hartford, Hartford, Guilford, Branford, Bristol, Westerly, Warwick, Windham, Plainfield, Milford, Shelton and Trumbull.
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