So you're expecting!
Welcome To The Baby Photog, where new parents come to capture the precious first sweet moments of their baby’s life!
Congratulations!!!
Heyyyyy, Mama!
We are so excited that you are here, because that means you have a baby on the way or you just had your beautiful baby!
We know that selecting a newborn photographer can be a very daunting experience, because the safety of your baby is your main priority. Not to worry, as a photographer certified in newborn safety and and former EMT, it’s definitely mine too!
Then, there is all the other stuff you are probably worried about too, right? Like what will I need to bring for baby, what will the sets look like, how do you prepare for the session without feeling like a hot mess and leaving the house with a newborn, likely for the first time!
Most of our clients feel this way, but I’ve gotcha, mama! Our team’s entire goal is all about taking the stress and decisions off of your plate so that all you have to do is show up with baby, sit back, relax and watch the magic happen. Or heck…take a nap on our comfy couch!!!!
Newborns are only a newborn for the first 28 days!!
Our Mission and Purpose
Capturing them during this short time so that those details are never forgotten is SO important. And even though you may have more children, it’s THAT little bean's once in a lifetime newborn photo session.
Our Mission & Purpose is to create memories in the form of wall art, albums or prints (matching digital is included) so that you can always have memories to look back on. We want parents to have physical reminders of those first days, because they fly by and are, oftentimes, quite a blur. Only a photograph can stop time.
We want you to remember their tiny toes, baby fuzz, the first smiles, the back wrinkles, the long lashes and all the other adorable little features of your precious little one. Those subtle details are forgotten with the fog of momlife and being so tired, that memories put into print will never be forgotten and forever enjoyed by you and every visitor to your home.
We are Hampton Road’s highly sought after Newborn &
Cake Smash Photographer.
Who is The Baby Photog?
My Journey into Newborn Photography!
Photography was not on my radar as a profession, actually; but one day, while I was at work as a Teacher’s assistant, I witnessed the school’s hired photographer taking photos of my class. I was mortified. The photographer failed to make any connection with the kids and photos were being taken with no attention to detail: some weren’t even looking at the camera. As a mom and grandmother, it bothered me. Their true personalities were not being captured and those photos were not something any parent would want to share.
That week, I proceeded to ask the parents and administrator if I could retake the photos and gift them to the parents as a surprise because I knew I needed to help. All the parents cried. These were parents of special needs children, and for the first time, they got to see photos of their child engaged with the camera and that was emotionally life-changing for, not only them, but for me as well.
You see…I suffered a Thyroid storm when my 1st born child was only four months old, which was a life-threatening medical crisis that has had long term effects. For me this presented with memory loss. Having gaps in memory became a daily event, but photographs have helped piece back those lost memories and gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of photographing all of life’s important moments. It was with my experience as a previous EMT and daycare owner/provider, paired with my heartfelt desire to help others, naturally led me to start down the path to newborn photography. And so, The Baby Photog was born.
I want you to leave the session feeling as though you have made a friend.
So WHY I Photograph Newborns
Being a mom can be hard, I know. I was on bedrest for all four of my pregnancies and let’s be honest, no baby comes with an instruction manual once they are born. There is so much information out there, but I realized that there is a lack of resources for these women to have someone to actually talk to and express their concerns with.
Being a newborn photographer brings me so much joy, because not only do I get to provide tangible memories for families to look back on, but I also get to help new moms and develop a true connection of friendship with them. Sometimes it’s lending an ear about her falling into her new role as a mom. And sometimes… I turn into that family’s stand-in grandma. Having a compassionate and experienced mom to ask questions to can make a world of difference. Moms need to hear ‘I get it’ and ‘I’ll be there to help you get through it’. I’m always just a call or text away.
We love to give our new moms a COMPLETE EXPERIENCE, where we handle everything from start to finish so that you don't have to.
The Experience with The Baby Photog
From the moment you book your date in my calendar ‘til the moment you leave with your acrylic luxury album and wall art in hand, you get the VIP treatment with us!
With a MEGA-HUGE studio with multiple areas, it allows us to provide a comfortable space for parents to relax and entertain the littles while providing a safe separate space for baby during their session.
kids play area
main studio lounge area
newborn room lounge area
for the parents
the largest Newborn & Cakes Smash Studio
The Baby Photog is
on the Peninsula in Hampton Roads, VA.
Did you know that we are actually a mother/daughter team?
They say that Teamwork makes the Dream work, and I am living my best dream working with my daughter. I am the photographer and Jenna is my assistant. I feel so blessed to have her working by my side! She is my assistant for every session, she also has an amazing eye for color and design, and creates the custom set designs for each session.
Having an assistant for newborns is paramount for safety. Not only is it important, but it makes things fast and efficient, which new parents appreciate. This also means that you can choose to take this time to relax and watch the process from the lounge with a drink or a snack, and see that your baby is in good hands.
Lyn Mizell
Meet the Team
Photographer & Baby Whisperer
Being a mom of four and a gramma of two, I know a thing or two about babies. Dang, I know… I’m already a grandma! I can’t believe it myself! I’ve been given the title of Baby Whisperer on more than one occasion. Maybe it's because I’m patient, or maybe it’s because I talk and sing during the session, which puts baby to sleep… apologies in advance, but I gotta get in my groove when I shoot.
I’m also the type of person who genuinely wants to know my clients’ stories and share in their memories so that when the session ends, they leave feeling like family.
Jenna
Set Designer & Baby Wrangler
My daughter Jenna is the creative mind behind all of the set designs. She has a knack for pairing lush textures and rich tones to create sets that are both elegant and timeless for newborn sessions.
Her job on the newborn set is to soothe baby and help keep them sleepy and safe.
And then… when you come back for those milestones and the cake smash session, not only will she convert that set into a ‘blow your mind’ cake smash set up, but her job now becomes the baby wrangler, since your little person is on the move!
Rebekah
Virtual Assistant & Studio Manager
Rebekah runs the backend of the business - she keeps everything organized and running smoothly so that we can focus and take care of all the families that we photograph every year.
She is legit the gorilla glue that keeps it all together - I couldn't do it without her!
The Newborn
Package options
- Includes 10 digital images with Print Release
- Up to 2.5 hrs of Studio Time
- Wrapped and Unwrapped Posing
- Multiple set ups on the Newborn Poser & Multiple set ups in Props
all about the baby
baby only newborn session $495
albums, artwork, luxury prints and additional digital images can be purchased at your reveal
PRODUCT COLLECTIONS START AT: $750+TAX
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS START AT: $500+TAX
- Includes 12 digital images with Print Release
- Up to 4 hrs of Studio Time
- Wrapped and Unwrapped Posing
- Multiple set ups on the Newborn Poser & Multiple set ups in Props
- Includes Poses with Parents, Sibling or Fur Babies
all about the baby + family
Newborn with Family Session $695
albums, artwork, luxury prints and additional digital images can be purchased at your reveal
PRODUCTS COLLECTIONS START AT: $750+TAX
DIGITAL COLLECTIONS START AT: $500+TAX
Prior to the session
How it Works
Shortly after you book, you’ll receive a Questionnaire. This is the foundational building blocks that will help us understand your vision for the shoot so that on our Design Call, we can hone in on those details. From there, we can come up with a detailed plan to customize your setup unique to you prior to your arrival.
A detailed Prep Guide will also be sent to you prior to the session so that you can be well prepared. It will tell you what to bring, how to prepare baby and things you can do to help the session go as smoothly as possible.
Every newborn session is unique and yours will be tailored to tell the story of your little one. Any special requirements or needs that your newborn may need will be accommodated to ensure they are in the best care during their shoot. As a mother of a child who spent almost three weeks in the NICU, I understand that some babies may need some extra care and will make sure it is given.
Your vision will be brought to life in the multiple sets created and waiting in our shooting space for you.
The benefits of having a large studio (just under 3000 sq ft!) means that we have plenty of room to carry a wide variety of high end props specifically designed for newborns for you to choose from. This also means that we can have multiple sets ready to go so that we can move quickly from set to set. New parents love to get in and out to get back to their new busy routine.
Image Reveal Ordering appointments can be done in-studio or, if you would prefer to stay home in your comfy fuzzy slippers, by all means, you can do that via Zoom. That’s TOTALLY up to you! Jenna and I LIVE for the Reveal appointment; we LOVE seeing parents light up when they see their gallery. Cue the tears and Kleenex!
Most of our clients start out with a digital collection and quickly upgrade to a product collection when they envision their images in a luxury album and wall art. There’s nothing quite like seeing your little one in print on your wall for years to come.
And of course, we know that most people want the digitals as well and that is why any products purchased at The Baby Photog, the DIGITAL COPY is automatically INCLUDED! Yes you read that right!!
We accept cash, credit cards and offer no interest in house payment plans.
The hardest part for parents is waiting for the Reveal appointment!
Once you have selected your images and products, the final editing and design process begins. Every image is individually hand-edited to highlight all of the newborn details that they outgrow so quickly and that we often forget.
Roughly 4 to 6 weeks after your reveal session, your printed products will arrive and can be picked up in-studio.
As a photographer, we live for the reveal, but the BEST part is when we hand over your beautifully wrapped product at the pick up appointment! And yes!!! You HAVE to unwrap it at the studio.
There is a moment when my clients remove the paper so slowly, they see their baby in print and time just stops. They freeze, they gasp, they are just in awe! THIS is the moment!
Clients always tell me …..
The guided process from start to finish was SO worth it!!
01
the photo session
02
REVEAL & ORDERING APPOINTMENT (IN STUDIO OR ZOOM)
03
Product Delivery
04
Which Products are you excited about to Purchase at the Image Reveal?
Wall art? Albums? Prints?
At the reveal, we will have so much fun customizing your order. You will decide which images you want, which heirloom keepsakes you are drawn to, and we will take care of the design process. Our most popular items are the Acrylic Album Set and Metal Wall Art. Both are breathtaking and can be beautifully displayed in the baby’s room or anywhere in your home so that everyone can ooh and awe over your baby’s cuteness.
04. Product Delivery
To secure your session, a non-refundable retainer of $150 and a signed agreement are required.
How to Book a Shoot?
We'll place your due date on the calendar as a tentative date to guarantee your session. We'll select an actual session date after baby arrives.
Most of our Clients book within the first few months of pregnancy to lock in their spot as we only take on a limited number of clients per month. If only babies could tell us EXACTLY when they were going to make their grand entrance so we could plan better, lol. You can even plan plan ahead and hop on a Pre-payment Plan so that you have your session, or even product collection, paid for before baby arrives.
Most parents LOVE their photos so much that they want to display them in wall art and luxury quality albums as beautiful keepsakes, so the pre-payment plans allow them not to feel hindered in their choices and get what they TRULY want.
If you are ready to book, let’s go momma! Let’s get on the phone! Text me or call me at 757-945-9401.
I’ll answer your Questions, and we can get you on the calendar. After you book, I’ll send you a questionnaire and prep guide so that you will feel prepared for the session. You won’t need to shop, because we’ve already done that for you.
your beautiful baby
All you will need to bring to the session is
or schedule a call here!
Most Common Questions!
How old should my baby be for the session?
The sweet spot to photograph newborns is between 7 & 12 days new. This is because baby is still super sleepy and flexible allowing for all of those sleepy curly images you love. And we can certainly photograph older newborns too.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK MY NEWBORN photos?
We book a limited number of newborns per month to ensure flexibility when baby decides to make their grand entrance. Sessions are booked by your due date/c-section date and once your baby is born, the actual date and time for your session is scheduled.
It is best to book during your second trimester, the earlier the better.
how do I book a session?
1. Text my cell at 757-945-9401 and request a quick call.
2. I'll contact you and answer any questions you may have.
3. We will get you on the studio schedule!
Are props and accessories included in the session?
Yes! All props, headbands, outfits, layers and blankets are included in your session. These props are specifically made for professional newborn photographers by talented artists from across the world.
CAN we BOOK A SESSION IF our NEWBORN HAS ALREADY ARRIVED?!?
Absolutely! We accept a limited number of newborns a month to ensure they all receive the highest level of attention for the session. However, last minute bookings for new babies are always welcome! We cannot guaranteed availability within the recommended time-frame after your baby’s birth, but we will do our best to schedule your session as soon as possible.
Newborn sessions are NOT mandatory to be within the first 12 days. It is often more ideal at that age because babies are still super flexible and we can achieve the adorable curly poses, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be done. After the 10-14 days mark is when babies’ bones start to fuse & fully calcify and become less flexible. Plus, all they want to do is stretch-out as they get older. No matter how new the baby is all poses are baby led. No all babies like all posing positions.
We will happily schedule a session for an older baby (up to 2 months old) and proceed as a newborn session, BUT it all depends on the individual baby whether we can get certain poses or if we capture great bright-eyes shots (which are super adorable!). We will NEVER refuse an older baby! We will work with their motor skills and sleep schedule to create gorgeous images. For any newborn or baby session, our large prop and accessory collection will allow us to get plenty of variety in your gallery, even if baby is limited to certain poses.
HOW SOON WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY PHOTOS?
Often clients will be invited to schedule their reveal ordering appointment within 2 weeks of the session. The type of session you’ve booked and the time of year will affect the timeline, and your personal turnaround time will be outlined in your contract.
At the reveal ordering appointment, you will be able to view the slideshow presentation of the images on the big screen to make your selections.
are parent shots included in my session?
We offer 2 Newborn session options. Our second package includes parents, siblings and even your fur baby!
where is the studio located?
We are located right in City Center in Newport News.
Our address is: 755 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite E
Our Studio is the ENTIRE second floor of this building, featuring an expansive studio space with endless possibilities for your session. It is just under 3000 sq ft! Our clients at not only local but also come from hours away (even crossing state lines!) and tell us the experience is well worth the drive!
or schedule a call here!
Hugs, Lyn & Jenna
We can’t wait to chat with you and start planning for your amazing newborn session!!!
Newborn & Cake Smash
WE ARe Hampton roads' premier full service
Photography Studio!!
schedule a call here!
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