Frequently Asked Questions

We do live in the NW so that is a possibility. I will pay close attention to the forecast in the days leading up to the shoot and we may need to slide the time around a little bit to get a dry window or get creative with an indoor location or umbrellas & rain boots. I will usually only reschedule a session due to weather if I’m concerned that damage to my equipment could prevent me from shooting. If you are scheduled during our rainy season then it is helpful if your home can be a back-up location.

I always suggest picking a color palette and then chose clothes for each member of the family that represent that color theme (shades of blue, green, fall colors etc.) without being too “matchy-matchy.” You want the camera to be able to pick up some definition between people – for example, avoid everyone wearing black shirts with blue jeans.

Embrace the color! I know most of us tend to wear a lot of neutrals, grey and black in everyday life (myself included) but color really pops in pictures.
I tend to prefer richer, more muted tones with a lot of pigment. (Think wine, plum, raspberry, royal blue, orange, mustard yellow, navy, kelly green)

For the guys, steer clear of narrow stripes or small checked patterns on collared shirts unless you’re wearing a solid color over it. Please avoid shirts with logos, writing or characters on them.

Layers, boots, scarves and headbands or flowers for girls all photograph well.  Also, keep your location and the time of year in mind.

You can find outfit inspiration on my Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.com/nicolehartphotography

Yes, I do! I usually offer 1-2 mini sessions per year on a prescheduled weekend. Keep an eye out on my social media (facebook & IG pages) for event details. Mini sessions are not available on an individual basis.

Yes, absolutely! If the location we’re shooting at allows pets so please let me know ahead of time.

Bribes work! I keep stickers among my gear when shooting with children in case they get restless but treats or a little present from Mom & Dad can work wonders in getting your little ones to cooperate. I do recommend leaving any treats out of sight, however, until after our session is over.

The best time to photograph your newborn for an in-studio session is between 10-16 days while they are still in that sleepy and curly stage.  After two weeks of age, they tend to be disturbed more easily while sleeping and baby acne can start to flare. You can shoot a lifestyle session anytime in the first 4 weeks.

Newborn sessions can be accomplished two ways – as a lifestyle session which is a more natural, organic approach to really focus on the baby and the new family together. This will include more family pictures and the baby will likely be clothed and/or swaddled most of the session without any posing or use of props. These are done in the comfort of your own home.

An in-studio session will include access to all of my props and posing of the baby. There will be less focus on the family pictures and more on the baby. These are done at my in-home studio.

Once the baby arrives, I will send over a newborn packet for you to look through and give you tips on how to better prepare for the day of.

Newborn sessions usually take about an hour and a half.

To ensure availability please call me BEFORE your baby’s due date so that I can get you on my calendar. I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month so it’s best to get on my calendar early!

Yes, several and I can send you a list of some of my favorites but I also like exploring small parks or neighborhoods that hold some meaning to your family.

Occasionally I will, if my schedule allows. A travel fee is charged for locations beyond 25 miles of Tigard, Oregon.

A $100 deposit is due at the time of booking. It is non-refundable. Your date is not confirmed until I have received your signed contract and deposit. Things happen and I definitely understand that so I allow clients to transfer this fee one-time to a new session date within 90 days of the original date.

The deposit is applied to the final amount. Payment is due in full on the day of your session. For Babies & Bellies packages, payment is due in full at the maternity session. A payment plan is available for the Baby’s 1st Year package.

Yes. Clients will receive $25 off a future regular priced photo session for every friend or family member they refer who books a photo session with me. Mini sessions do not apply. I am always grateful and honored when a client thinks enough of my work to recommend me to someone else. If you have referred someone that has booked a session, just let me know!

Referral credits are good for one year, so book your next session as soon as you hear your friend did!

Your final gallery will be ready within 4-6 weeks after our session. I custom edit every single image from top to bottom and really take time perfecting them.

Once your images have been edited, I will upload them to a private online gallery  from which you can download to your own computer. USB Flash Drives are available for $8/per session.

It’s best if you can avoid using an auto lab (think drugstore photo lab) as the prints will have different coloring than you see on your computer. I custom retouch and color correct every image for the desired effect so I suggest using a lab that allows for “as is” printing. For the best results I recommend purchasing your prints directly from me or through mpix.