FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many reasons, here are just a few!

1. Photography is my full-time occupation, which enables me to devote the necessary time and attention to each client. I take immense pride in all aspects of my business and genuinely enjoy what I do.
2. The majority of my clientele is generated through referrals, which speaks volumes about the quality of my work and the overall experience that I provide.
3. Quality and consistency are fundamental components of my business. My over 15 years of professional experience is evident in every image I capture. I am meticulous about even the smallest details while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable for all participants. My portfolio showcases consistently high-quality portraits, and you may view my most recent work on my Facebook page HERE.
4. I love working with individuals of all ages and have developed a reputation for having the patience of a saint. Each age group presents its unique set of challenges, and I remain composed and upbeat while ensuring a positive experience for the child. Newborns are my specialty, and I am affectionately referred to as the "baby whisperer" by my clients. <3
5. As a one-stop-shop, I handle all aspects of the portrait session, from taking the photographs to providing all necessary props, such as backdrops, clothing, and posing aids. I also perform all of my editing and retouching and personally design custom keepsakes, such as digital collages and photo cards. I approach each portrait session in a personalized manner, managing all preparations and communications with clients to ensure that the images reflect their unique personalities and remain consistent with my style. I welcome input from clients who wish to participate in the creative process, as this is the essence of the custom photography experience. I treat each client with the utmost respect and attention that they deserve.
   
   

Selecting an experienced and skilled photographer is key, especially for newborn photography. As with any customized service, there is a broad range of expertise levels and prices to consider when searching for a photographer. Although I am neither the most expensive nor the most economical photographer in the area, my pricing accurately reflects the quality and consistency of my work, my exceptional attention to detail throughout the entire client-photographer experience, and my advanced editing abilities. Professional photography is the ultimate investment in preserving precious, once-in-a-lifetime memories, making it crucial to choose a seasoned photographer. While cost can play a significant role in the selection process, it should not be the sole determining factor. Properly posing newborns and families requires extensive education, experience, and skill, all of which I possess in abundance. Upon reviewing samples of my work, you will notice that the quality speaks volumes about my level of expertise. Achieving such results requires more than a simple click of the camera; it is the culmination of the 15+ years I have devoted to perfecting my craft in this business.

I relish collaborating with new families and participating in their life journeys!

My studio is located in a safe and quiet commercial district in Brooklyn Park, MN; it's only 2 blocks from the 694 & 169 interchange. Parking is free and my building is stroller friendly!

Full Address:
8401 73rd Ave N Suite 58
Brooklyn Park MN 55428

Go HERE for google map directions

I typically book 1-3 months out. Occasionally I am available with only a weeks notice but I highly recommend being in touch as soon as you can.

For newborn portraits, please contact me when you are in your second to early third trimester to secure my services, we will finalize the exact session date once your baby is born.

I am available by appointment only so the hours I am available for photo sessions does vary. I am available most Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day. I do leave 2 Saturdays each month available for clients that prefer a weekend. Since my weekend availability is limited it does fill up quickly though. Sessions are during the day hours except for outdoor sunset shoots and fall mini sessions.

A signed contract along with a $50 retainer are required to reserve my services. The retainer does go towards your balance, it is NOT an additional fee, and is considered non-refundable if you cancel. The remaining balance must be paid in full before or on your shoot date. The contract and payment is an online process.

Yes and Yes!!

Contracts give security, more importantly, they give security to both parties. It’s like a piece of double sided tape, except this will stick a lot better. A contract is a commitment on both sides of the fence: from the photographer to the client, that they will be there for the portrait session without a doubt. And from the client to the photographer, that they will cooperate positively and fulfill their obligation to the agreement.

A retainer (sometimes referred to a a deposit) means business, similarly to the security of the contract, retainers mean that both parties are serious. There is a lot of time that goes into the communication and preparation prior to a photo shoot. If the client was not required to pay a retainer and then didn't show up at the agreed upon time, it truly wouldn't be fair to the photographer.

The retainer payment can be paid with a credit/debit card and with apple or google pay. The final balance can be paid at any time leading up to your session or even at your session. This will be paid via an invoice that gets emailed to you shortly after you submit the contract and retainer payment. The final payment can be paid via credit/debit card, apple and google pay, or ACH (electronic bank transfer). I do accept cash if you prefer to pay your remaining balance that way.

I do require a 24 hour notice to reschedule; exceptions are at my discretion. I would rather have you call me the morning of your session if yourself or child(ren) are sick than expect everyone to be happy and cooperative for photos when not feeling well. Communication is key! The reschedule date does need to be within 30 days of the original session date.

If something comes up and you decide to cancel the $50 retainer is non-refundable. You can think of it like a booking fee. You put the money down to book and reserve your time and if you cancel your booking you do not get the $50 back. Based on the circumstances exceptions are at my discretion.

I shoot with professional Canon equipment and only professional lenses. For my studio, I use professional monolights, backdrops, and light modifiers.

YES! Camera or equipment problems can happen at anytime and to the best photographers.

When picking a photographer, a good question to ask would be, “Do you have redundant or backup equipment (ie: camera, flash, batteries, etc.)?”

Yes, I handle every aspect of your images which includes creative editing and touching-up. In this regard, I am a ‘boutique’ operation, I actually personally handle everything from start to finish!

I do a variety of blemish, spot, and color correction. Every image is inspected by myself to ensure that it meets Beth W Photography standards. Object removal, such as braces or tattoos, body reshaping, hair and nail touchups are available at an additional retouching fee. Please contact me for more details!

The amount of images included in each package varies based on what I have found to be appropriate for the session type and length. The number of images included is factored into the package price. If you would like to purchase additional images you are welcome to but it is not required. Additional images are available for $20/1, $100/6, $200/12 (so 1 free for every 5 you buy). Or if you would like to purchase all of the images from your gallery I can offer them at an even more discounted price, that amount will vary based on how many images there are.

The best location for your portrait session really depends on what type of portrait it is and what look you are going for.

Shooting on-location offers a great variety of scenery. Consider an urban look - downtown can be funky and modern. Brick walls and stone steps add great texture to an image without taking over the spotlight. Of course, you can never go wrong with the beauty of a park or garden. I’m up for anything, so let me know what you have in mind! I have several locations that are my personal favorites. If you need a recommendation or help choosing your location, just let me know and we can discuss the best options for your session.

If you are looking for a very casual, lifestyle photography session, shooting at home can be a great option. Please don’t drive yourself crazy getting your house ready before I come over. I know the reality of life!! If the weather and lighting permits, we can shoot inside and outside in the same session. When I arrive, I will check out various areas of the house for proper lighting and determine where we should shoot. If you have a specific concern about shooting in your home, please discuss this with me prior to your session.

If you're looking for a traditional look or a formal portrait, the studio is a great option. My studio is located in a commercial building in Brooklyn Park and I have the traditional setup with professional photographic lighting. My studio can accommodate up to a group of 5 (6 if 2 or more are small children). If you have a larger group, I suggest going on location.

'On location' is anything but in the studio! This type of portrait shoot can take place at your home, in your backyard, at the arboretum.. possibilities are endless. Especially for family portraits, on-location shoots allow for much more freedom and creativity!

I do monitor the weather forecast as an outdoor session approaches and I will contact you if conditions are not acceptable. Conditions I typically avoid are winds 15 mph and above, temperatures below 50 degrees (unless it’s a winter session), and a chance of rain greater than 30%. In case of bad weather, I will reschedule as many times as needed without any charge or offer the option of an indoor location. I like to make the reschedule decision about 12-24 hours prior to the session so we both can plan accordingly and you aren’t getting ready just to have your session cancelled.

The session time is used consecutively; provided we have enough time, family or maternity session, we can start in a nearby green area and then move to the studio or vice versa.

My studio is located in a commercial building in Brooklyn Park just off of 169 and Brooklyn Blvd. It consists of professional studio lighting , backdrops, posing accessories, and props. For more details go HERE!

I have a very large collection of backdrops and floor-drops, so much so that I have created a new page displaying them al!! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEM!

OH YES, but keep in mind that not every portrait needs a prop! A prop is meant to compliment your child or family, not be a distraction.

I have a variety of child specific props; a white distressed bench, a variety of colorful chairs, stools, a small white ladder, wagons, baskets, crates, vintage luggage, birthday numbers, hats, super-cute headbands, lace petti rompers, flowers, tutus, toddler knit pants, boy hats, holiday specific items (Easter, Halloween, Valentines, Christmas), and even a small hay-bale!

Feel free to bring your own accessories or props. Themed hats, jewelry, boas, toys, and sporting equipment are all welcome!

For adults and families I have posing blankets (great for outside sessions), stools, and posing boxes.

Prior to your session, we can discuss which accessories and props would work best for you!

Click here for newborn portrait prop details!

We want you to look your best and to achieve that you need to feel your best! Being well rested and fed will help, this goes for adults as well! If your child is not feeling well, please do not hesitate to reschedule!

It's a good idea to avoid any new or radical changes to your normal hygiene regimen just before the shoot, as new skin cleansing and hair care products could bring about unexpected results.

Every type of portrait requires different clothing. For attire details, please click here!

YES!! Of course!! The images provided are for you to print and share! The image files are large in size; this allows you to not only print them in a standard size but also enlarge them! Once you receive your portrait package, I do recommend that you copy the images to a second location so that you have a backup.

When printing I highly recommend using a professional lab, someone that specializes in printing, such as National Camera Exchange or Lindhoff Photo (I am not affiliated with these businesses in any way, they do not pay me to recommend them, I wish!). Please know that I am unable to guarantee the final print results due to variabilities between photo labs. The quality from a professional lab is far superior than your location department store's photo department. If you don't use a professional lab, you won't be happy and unfortunately, it won't represent me and my work in the best light. Keep in mind, you can always order professional prints, convenient and easy, through your gallery!

Your final images are tpically ready within 1-2.5 weeks from the date of your session. This window varies due to a few factor: how fast you select the images for your package and how many clients I have ahead of yours to edit.

My full process: within 24-48 hours of your session you will receive a detailed email from me with instructions and a link to your "selection gallery". From there you will choose the images that you would like to receive with your package. I then proceed to edit those images you have selected. Once they are ready, typically with 1-2 weeks, the images are placed back on your gallery. You will be notified via email when they are ready. You can proceed to immediately download web sized versions for sharing and you can share the gallery with friends and family via email or FB straight from the gallery. Once you have reviewed the images and given me the okay that you do not need any changes I will send you a download email which allows you to save the files to your computer (or certain mobile devices), to dropbox, and google photo. The download contains the high resolution non watermarked image files for printing purposes. The download also contains and print release in case a lab requests one from you. I do provide VERY detailed emails on how to navigate the gallery and how to save your images.

The final high-resolution image files are not watermarked. They do not contain my little logo on them.

For your convenience I do provide web sized watermarked versions of your final images for downloading and sharing. If you are seeing a watermark that means it is a web sized versions. That is one of the reasons I watermark the websized versions, so you know they are the web sized ones and do not try to print them!

Professional print purchasing is available on your final gallery. I offer a variety of options from standard prints to wall decor to albums. Prints and keepsakes are available at an additional cost; my packages do not include printed items. These items are all optional and not required. They are professionally printed and get mailed straight to the shipping address provided. To get an idea of what's available and the cost GO HERE!

You are welcome to take your image files and print them at a lab of your choosing. I do offer some self printing recommendation and tips HERE.

A Canvas Gallery Wrap is a canvas printed with an image and stretched over 1 1/2 inch deep hardwood bars. Several sizes are available; 11x14, 16x20, 10x30 (panoramic), and even an amazing 30x40 inch. Your favorite image is printed on a cotton-blend canvas and covered with a matte laminate finish that enhanced color depth and protects from UV light. The image wraps around the edges for a three-dimensional look that will stop people in their tracks. The Canvas Gallery Wrap comes with a paper backing and hanging hardware already installed for you. It is ready to be hung as is!

The canvas is perfect for above the mantel or fireplace or even above the bed! Also makes a great family holiday gift!

For more information, click here!

If your baby arrives early and needs a little extra hospital time we can schedule your session once baby is released. I like to give you a few days (up to about a week) at home before coming in for your photo session. I am happy to work with a baby of any age so whether your baby arrived 8 weeks early and spent 8 weeks in the hospital or arrived full term and spent 8 weeks in the hospital I will still capture those adorable cuddled up portraits! Newborn portraits are typically taken within 1-2 weeks of being born but it is still possible to do it after that, it just takes a little extra patience, time, and care. And you have found the right photographer for you because I have worked with many "older" babies with great success!

I recommend that you schedule your maternity portrait session in the late second or early third trimester (30-35 weeks). You want to be clearly showing but still feel comfortable enough to enjoy the process. Earlier than that and the belly may not be prominent enough, later than that and you may feel uncomfortable. But every woman and every pregnancy is different, so listening to your body is always a good idea.

The session itself can take place outdoors at a location of your choosing or in my studio. Outdoor sessions can be a bit more candid and casual looking, whereas studio portraits have a classic posed and/or artistic look. Or if you would like studio and outdoor portraits I do have a lovely area just outside my studio that's on a little pond. Outfit changes are welcomed and encouraged, especially with a studio session. Click here for attire information.

You will have access to dozens of gowns (2 in above image are examples), top-shorts/skirt sets, fabric wraps, and maternity sashes to accentuate your form. The wraps give a more intimate look while while keeping things completely discreet.

Just be prepared to look your best! It's a good idea to avoid any new or radical changes to your normal hygiene regimen just before the shoot, as new skin cleansing and hair care products could bring about unexpected results. Also avoid long durations in the sun without sunscreen, burns or tan lines are move obvious in pictures. Being well rested will help, though I know that is sometimes difficult during pregnancy. Also eating light but more frequently the day of the shoot can help you feel less bloated but not hungry. Professional hair and/or makeup for your session is not required but I HIGHLY encourage it. Aside from your wedding day there is no better time for this! If you do not have your own regular makeup and hair person I recommend the following who is located about 10 minutes from my studio:

Jasmine P. Contact Details
Phone: 612-219-5628
Email: jasmineppro@gmail.com

This will all help you look your best!

Fresh 48 is a special session for those new families who want the first few hours of their newborn’s life captured without having the entire labor or birth documented. Held within the first 24-48 hours of your baby’s life, this lifestyle session is perfect for remembering that first day forever. Shots of your little one’s first yawns, cute little baby feet, fingers, belly button will be documented. First feedings. Diaper changes. All of those amazing family meetings. Also, I will capture those quiet moments between you and your new little one. I will come to your place of birth within 48 hours of baby's birth. Please note that this is not a traditional newborn session; I will not be posing the baby or bring props.This will just be me capturing your baby’s sweet new moments in a fresh natural way!

First and foremost, the comfort and safety of your newborn is my #1 priority. I am a mom myself so I have plenty of newborn experience!

What package is best for me
If you are looking for a small (or budget friendly) package the Mini Newborn Package is perfect! The Basic Newborn Package can be used for just baby as well (3-4 setups) or it can incude family or sibling poses and 1 maybe 2 setups of just baby. One hour may seem like a good amount of time but working with a newborn does require lots of patience and extra time.

The Classic and Deluxe Packages are available if you’d like family and sibling portraits and a good variety of the styled and posed portraits of just baby. The Classic Newborn Package is my most popular package because it has a good amount of images included; it can be used to document just baby or even sibling poses and then just baby. If you are open to investing a little more into your newborn portraits the Deluxe Package includes a little more time and even MORE final images. Please refer to the table just below for additional help deciding what package is best for you. I am always happy to discuss my packages further so feel free to contact me!



When and Where
I recommend booking your photographer no later than the end of your second trimester. I do only accept so many newborn clients each month so I can dedicate enough time to each one. The earlier you are in touch the better! Once your little one is born we will actually schedule the session; under 2 weeks new is best (I prefer 6-12 days new). I am always happy to work with an older baby though if circumstances require it, I've done newborn portraits with babies up to 2 months old. Newborn sessions are typically held during the week, my weekend availability is very limited and varies.

The session with the Classic and Deluxe Newborn Packages can be done in my studio or at your home. After being in the hospital for a few days, you may not be up for heading out into the world with your little one so I like to give you that option. My mini newborn session is available in the studio only. My studio does provide the comfort of home (I have a stocked changing table and nursing pillow) and you will have access to ALL of my props, large and small. If I come to your home I will need a small space to work, around 6x6, and I will bring along a limited amount of props to use along with studio lighting equipment. Also, I do like to keep the environment very peaceful during these sessions, so if I come to you please keep your audience to a minimum. And please don't feel like you have to super clean your home, I know what it is like to have a family!

With What
In my studio you will have access to to all of my props and accessories. I provide everything that we will need; backdrops, blankets, soft layers, headbands, hats, and all kinds of posing prop accessories (I literally own hundreds of newborn props and in every color imaginable). The props I use are items that are going to fit baby properly, items I feel comfortable using, and they match my style; so please do not feel that you need to shop for anything for the session. Prior to your session I will have you fill out a newborn questionnaire which reviews the colors that you would like included and styling options. I can tailer your newborn session to match the colors of your nursery, birth announcements, where you will be displaying the images, or just your personal taste.

I offer two different looks in the studio; the fabric and the prop look. I typically start with the prop look and then move onto the fabric look (which is fabric draped over my posing table, only available in-studio sessions), time allowing and if you are comfortable with this look. If you are including family portraits, we would do those first. You may request a specific pose but please keep in mind that every newborn is unique and I will not force the little one into something I do not feel he/she will be comfortable in. My style of photographing a newborn is more baby led, I go with the flow and ensure that baby is comfortable and safe!


Family with Baby
For family poses with the newborn there are a few different background looks. My dark wood backdrop matches clothing of any color but I do recommend that you avoid white; this backdrop is by far my most popular option. The chestnut and pecan backdrops are warm and lovely and looks great grey or warm colored (tans, browns) clothing. The cream backdrop looks good with neautral and light colors (gray, pink, light blue, light green, creams). Then there is the classic and minimal black on black look. Parents wear all black (or a dark color) and are posed on a black background. This allows you to really focus on the skin and baby. With a light gray backdrop you can pretty much wear anything, this is also a good choice is additional family members are going to be included. Lastly if your session is being held in your home using your actual home as the background is absolutely an option!

Either way, with any drop, I recommend keeping it solid and simple, no patterns or large pockets or buttons on the clothing. For more specific details on what to wear for newborn family portraits GO HERE.


Sibling with Baby
There are two different posing techniques for getting baby with older sibling(s); one may work better than the other depending on the sibling(s) age and cooperation. With children around 2-3 years old the lay down look tends to work best. With older children a prop look can be fun (example: readying stories) or if the 2 year old just wants to pop in for a kiss!! Either way the safety of the newborn is priority!


Final Product
Once you select your final images it takes me about 1-2 weeks to professionally retouch the images. At the end of this time, the images will be viewable on your private viewing gallery. I do take special care when editing and retouching your newborn portraits. I want to showcase those pouty lips, squishy cheeks, and tiny toes but dry-red-rash patches, discolorations, and baby acne can be distracting. My intent is to preserve that cuteness!

The best time to photograph your child is when they make strides in their development. So in other words, it's not so much the right age, but the right milestone!

At around 3 months, your baby is now smiling! Yep, they know who you are! Babies at this age will smile and interact a lot. This is something that they did not do as a newborn. Since at this age your little one can just hold their own heads up they are styled and posed similar to a newborn. We can use cute fur or fabric backgrounds while baby is laying down on his/her back, we may even capture them attempting to play with their feet. Some babies with also be able to have some tummy time and place their head up, perhaps peak a smile just long enough for me to capture it! At this age, clothing should still be minimal; diaper cover or a knit wrap (I provide) to cover the diaper.

What does this look like?

At about 6 months, there is another milestone, your baby will be grabbing for toys, laughing, and even sitting up! This is a great age and one of my favorite to photograph. At this age it is fun to include small elements of clothing; tutu, pants, shorts. I don’t think babies need a lot of props to enhance photos or clothing for that matter, but as they get older adding them can be fun and their personalities shine so much that your little one for sure be the center of attention in any photo! It's also positively adorable doing at least one bottomless (meaning no diaper or clothing) pose! If baby is unable to sit unsupported I may use a bucket or basket to give them a little stability.

What does this look like?


Around 12 months, crawling, standing, and maybe even walking are milestone for sure! Celebrating your baby’s first year is for both of you! Little man suits and girly dresses and skirts are great at this age! Now that your little one is on the move toddler chairs work great for this age. Kids love a chair sized just for them!

What does this look like?

A cake smash photo session is a fun, joyful way to commemorate the milestone of your little one’s first birthday. Capture your baby’s surprise, curiosity and delight as they tear into their first taste of sugar. A cake smash is a great way to express your baby’s unique personality in a relaxed and carefree way.

Choosing a Cake
Second only to your adorable little one, the cake or large cupcake is the most important part of the photo session. I offer a professionally made 6 inch cake or large cupcake that will be ready and waiting for your session!

What to Wear
The outfit your baby wears will be an important part of the photo session. I recommend that you choose the cake first, as it along with your baby will be the star of the show. Then choose clothing that complements the color of the cake. Some additional things to consider:
• White onsies and tutus always photograph well. I recommend simple with lots of skin showing to get messy.
• Accessories such as bows, ribbons or fun ties and necklaces can add interest to your photos. I have a selection of accessories.
• If you choose to leave your baby mostly undressed for the session, remember that a cute diaper cover will be more attractive than a disposable diaper alone. I have several to choose from.
• Of course, if you purchase a specific outfit for the smash cake, make sure it will be easy to wash after the festivities are over.

The Mess
Naturally, your little one is going to make quite a mess during the photo shoot – and that’s a big part of the fun! I always have clean towels on hand for clean up and there is a bathroom directly off of my studio. Please bring a comfy and easy to put on outfit for baby to wear after the festivities; and a backup outfit for you in case baby get's you messy as well!

We can collaborate together to design your birthday look and cake. Click here for more details!

The Milestone Packages include multiple portrait sessions. You can choose which best fits your portrait needs from the many packages available. These portrait packages do require that the total be paid for in full at the time of the first session to take advantage of the discount.

YES!! If there are 3 or more people needing business portraits, I am able to travel and setup at your business location for no additional charge. All I require from you is an area of around 10'x5' and a few electrical outlets! Conference rooms work great for this. I bring all of the lights and camera equipment that is needed. That may seem like a lot of stuff but it really isn't; I have the best studio bag on wheels and I pack well. It takes me around 30-45 minutes (depends on the parking and check-in process) to unload and setup. The photo shoot itself can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes depending on how many people are being photographed.

Background colors are available, but I am able to use a simple white wall and make it appear white or gray.

Every client gets the option of having a sneak peek preview or not. Unless you request otherwise, I will post a public sneak peek preview on my facebook page within a day or so of your session.