One of the most common things I hear from first-time moms when they reach out is some version of this: “I’ve never done this before and I have no idea what to expect.”

I love that question. Because knowing what’s coming makes the whole experience so much more relaxed — for you, for your partner, and honestly for your baby too.

So here’s exactly what happens at a newborn session with me, from the moment you walk in to the moment your gallery lands in your inbox.

Before You Arrive

Once you book, I send you my complete newborn session prep guide. It covers everything — what to wear, what to pack, how to prepare baby, and what the day will look like. My goal is for you to arrive feeling prepared and calm, not rushed and anxious.

A few things that make a big difference:

• Feed baby right before you leave home if possible — a full, drowsy baby is the most cooperative baby
• Dress baby in a loose onesie or sleeper for the drive over so they’re easy to undress when we start
• Give yourself extra travel time — there’s no rushing here, but arriving relaxed sets the tone
• Dress in layers — the studio is kept warm for baby, so you’ll want to be comfortable

When You Arrive: The First 15–30 Minutes

We don’t dive straight into posing the moment you walk through the door. That’s not how I work.

The first thing we do is settle in. You get comfortable, baby gets used to the space and the warmth, and if a feeding is needed we absolutely make time for it. Some babies come in wide awake and need 20 minutes to wind down. That’s completely normal and I build it into every session.

This is also when we chat about your vision — what setups you love, whether there are any special props or outfits you’ve brought, and what you’re hoping to walk away with. I want your gallery to feel like you, not like a template.

There is no such thing as “behind schedule” in my studio. We move at baby’s pace. Always.

Family and Sibling Portraits (20–30 Minutes)

This is one of my favorite parts of every newborn session, and one that families often tell me they’re most grateful they did.

We capture you holding your baby. Your partner holding your baby. The two of you together. Siblings meeting the new addition for the first time — or at least for the first time on camera.

These images become the ones that get printed and framed. The ones your child will look at someday and ask “was I really that small?”

I guide all of it. If you feel awkward in photos — I promise, you won’t by the time we’re done.

Baby Posing: The Heart of the Session (60–90 Minutes)

This is where the magic happens — and where I want you to just breathe and trust me.

I work through a series of setups: wrapped poses on the trampoline (yes, I use a kids trampoline!), unwrapped poses showing all those tiny details, prop setups using baskets, bowls, or wraps from my collection, and anything custom we’ve planned together.

I guide every single pose. You don’t need to know where to put your hands or how to position baby — that’s my job. Your only job is to be present.

I also take all the detail shots during this time — the tiny fingers, the little toes, the eyelashes, the lips. Those are the images that make moms cry when they see their galleries. I never skip them.

What if baby won’t settle?

It happens sometimes, and it is completely okay. We pause. We feed. We do a diaper change. We try a different position. I have been doing this long enough to know that patience is the only tool that works, and I have plenty of it.

I have never left a session without beautiful images. Not once.

Wrapping Up

By the time we wrap up, you’ll have been with me for about 2 to 3 hours. That might sound like a long time, but sessions that move at this pace are so much more relaxed than rushed ones — and the images show it.

Before you leave I’ll let you know when to expect your sneak peek and your full gallery. I typically share a preview image or two within a few days, and your complete edited gallery is delivered within 1 to 2 weeks.

Your Gallery Delivery

When your gallery is ready you’ll receive a link to a beautiful online gallery where you can view and select your images. From here, you can order additional digital images beyond what is included in your collection. Once you select your images, I will get busy editing the final gorgeous portraits. You’ll also have the option to order prints, canvases, albums, and wall art directly through the gallery — all professionally printed and delivered to your door.

Most families tell me opening their gallery is one of their favorite moments of the whole newborn season. I work hard to make sure it feels that way.

What’s Included in Every Session

• Fully guided posing — I handle everything, you just show up
• Access to my client closet — wraps, hats, outfits, and props included
• Baby poses, detail shots, and family portraits
• Unhurried pacing — we feed, soothe, and take our time
• Online gallery delivery within 1–2 weeks
• Option to add additional images or artwork after your gallery is delivered

Newborn Sessions in Evans, GA — Serving Augusta, Grovetown & Aiken

My studio is based in Evans, GA and I serve families throughout the Augusta metro area including Grovetown, Aiken, SC, and surrounding communities.

Newborn sessions start at $450 for a baby-only session and $550 for a full newborn and family session. I take a limited number of sessions each month so every family gets my complete attention.

If you’re expecting, the best time to reach out is around 28–32 weeks pregnant so we can hold your due date. If baby is already here, reach out right away — I’ll do my best to make it work.

📩 Have questions or ready to book? Send me a message on Facebook or email mollyberryphotography@gmail.com. I’d love to meet your family.

While you’re here, you might also love these:

• When to Book Your Newborn Photographer in Augusta, GA
• What to Wear to Your Newborn Session in Augusta, GA

— Molly Berry, Molly Berry Photography · Evans, GA