Sacramento Newborn Photographer | In Home or Studio Session?
January 9, 2023
Why I Don’t Travel for Newborn Sessions (and Why That’s Awesome)
If you’re searching for a Sacramento newborn photographer who offers a fully equipped, temperature-controlled studio – you’re in the right place. Below I’ll walk you through exactly how my studio sessions work, why I don’t travel for newborn sessions, and what you can expect from the moment you arrive.
As a Sacramento Newborn Photographer, I am often asked, “Where do we do the session? Your Place or Mine?” There are some newborn photographers who travel for their sessions; however, I am not one of them.
Don’t go running away just yet. Let me explain why I do not travel for my newborn photography sessions.
After being a Sacramento Newborn Photographer for several years, I’ve learned what it takes to make the session run as smoothly as possible. One key factor in this is temperature. It’s important for the temperature in the room to remain at a specific level throughout the session. This helps keep your baby nice and sleepy. I photograph babies naked, wrapped, and even in some clothing, and I’ll adjust the temperature in the room as needed throughout the session. I keep the studio space at about 90 degrees throughout the session.
I know the lighting in my studio space, and I know where my flash needs to be positioned for certain poses. Lighting equipment is heavy and expensive and doesn’t always transport well.
While clients select me because they love my art and the memories that I create for them, a huge part of creating that is the large variety of props I have in my studio. With a large variety of backdrops, baskets, buckets, blankets, etc there’s truly no way to transport everything from one client home to another. If you’d like to see the wide variety of props that are available, I give a studio tour during my consult. Book yours today!
I have everything set up for our session when you arrive, the studio has been heated to perfection (which takes hours), props have been selected and the session has been designed. I’ve set everything up ahead of time to make things flow as smoothly as possible for my clients.
So, while I know it may feel like you want to have your newborn photos inside your own home, know that I make it a priority to make my in-home studio as comfortable as possible for you. Know that we will create beautiful images for you that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
What to expect at your Sacramento newborn session
Every session at Megan Escheman Photography is designed to be calm, unhurried, and completely stress-free for new parents. Here’s a quick look at what the experience is like from start to finish.
Before your session
Once you book, you’ll receive a planning guide that walks you through everything – what to bring, what to wear, and how to prep your baby the morning of the session. Most Sacramento families find that a full feeding right before you leave the house makes a big difference in how smoothly things go once you arrive. I’ll also reach out before your session to go over any specific props, colors, or themes you have in mind. For families who want help with color coordination, I have a full client wardrobe and prop closet available at the studio at no extra charge.
During your session
Plan for 2–3 hours. We move entirely at baby’s pace – there’s no rushing, no clock-watching, and no pressure to perform. If your baby needs a feeding break, a diaper change, or just twenty minutes of cuddles before they’ll settle, that’s completely normal and fully built into the session. I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns across the Sacramento area and I can tell you: patience is the whole job.
After your session
Your gallery will be ready within one week. From there, we’ll schedule your ordering appointment – this is where you get to see your images for the first time and choose the artwork that will live in your home. Most families invest in a combination of wall art and a keepsake album. If you want to learn more about the full experience before booking, you can view the complete Sacramento newborn photography experience here.
FAQ – Sacramento newborn photography sessions
Q: Do you ever do in-home newborn sessions?
A: Not currently. My studio is specifically designed and equipped for newborn safety and comfort – the controlled temperature, professional lighting, and full prop closet aren’t things I can replicate in a client’s home. Keeping sessions at the studio also means everything is ready and waiting when you arrive, so you’re not standing in a hallway while equipment gets set up. For Sacramento families who prefer a home environment, the studio genuinely feels like a cozy, personal space – not a sterile commercial setting.
Q: Why keep the studio warm?
A: Babies are happiest – and most sleepy – when warm, just like they were in the womb. The studio stays at around 90 degrees throughout the session, which is the sweet spot for getting those soft, curled, deeply asleep poses you’ve probably seen in my gallery. I adjust the temperature between setups as needed so your baby stays comfortable the whole time.
Q: What should I bring to the session?
A: Just a few things: any special clothing or outfits you’d like to include, comfort items like a pacifier if your baby uses one, snacks for yourself (sessions run 2–3 hours and you’ll be glad you packed something), and whatever your baby needs to feed. I have a feeding area, and I encourage parents to feed as much as needed throughout the session – a full baby is a sleepy baby.
Q: How long is a newborn session?
A: Plan for 2–3 hours. This gives us plenty of time to move through different setups, take breaks for feeding and soothing, and get a variety of both posed and natural images. I never rush a session – baby sets the pace, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Q: When should I book if I’m in the Sacramento area?
A: The best time to reserve your Sacramento newborn session is during your second trimester — ideally around 20–28 weeks. I limit the number of newborn sessions I take each month, and fall and spring dates especially fill quickly. Once your baby arrives, we’ll confirm the exact session date. Newborns photograph best in the first 7–21 days of life, so having your spot already reserved means there’s one less thing to coordinate in those first bleary days at home. Check availability here.
Ready to book your Sacramento newborn session?
Megan Escheman Photography serves families throughout the Sacramento area — including Elk Grove, Roseville, Rocklin, Natomas, Folsom, Citrus Heights, and surrounding communities. Sessions are limited each month to ensure every family receives the full, unhurried experience. To learn more about pricing, artwork options, and the complete newborn experience, visit the Sacramento newborn photography page. Or if you’re ready to check dates, reach out here and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
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I photograph every portrait session personally.
I provide you with the individual attention that you and your family need to create a timeless masterpiece to cherish forever. You will not feel rushed, or pushed through a “system.” I treat every client like they are my family. Each portrait experience is customized and planned just for you! I’m just an email, phone call, or text message away, answering questions and giving suggestions along the way.
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