Get Answers To

Frequently Asked Questions

At Brilianna Photography in Queens, New York

Where do sessions take place?

All sessions are held in our Forest Hills, Queens studio.

DO YOU PROVIDE RAW FILES?

We currently do not offer them. Why? We take great care to ensure that each and every photo from your shoot is edited and touched up to our highest standards. We want to deliver a finished product that showcases unparalleled quality and captures memories you can treasure.

When is the best time to take maternity pictures?

It's best to book your session between 29 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sooner than later with every subsequent pregnancy.

HOW DO I GET READY FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT?

You will receive a detailed session prep guide prior to your session with instructions and suggestions on how to get ready for your photo session.

DO YOU PROVIDE WARDROBE?

Yes! Our studio provides a full wardrobe that includes an exquisite selection of beautiful fabrics, couture gowns, and lace robes for mom, and props/accessories for newborns & babies. For babies, we highly recommend bringing their own clothing options to infuse a personal touch into the session.

CAN MY PARTNER OR CHILD(REN) BE INCLUDED IN MATERNITY PHOTOS?

Of course! We love when families or couples want to capture memories together.

When is the best time to take newborn pictures?

The ideal time to take newborn pictures is within the first 5-12 days of baby’s birth. This age window is the best for capturing those sweet, scrunchy, sleepy newborn photos you see in our portfolio.

This is because most babies at this age are still sleeping most of the day and aren’t as likely to be distracted by noise or touch. Also, they still maintain their newborn curl which makes it possible to pose them and fit them in little baskets and buckets.

How do you schedule a newborn session when due dates aren’t certain?

We pencil in your baby’s due date on our calendar and plan for the session to take place within a range of a week before or after the due date. Once baby arrives, parents contact us within 48 hours of delivery and we schedule our official session date and time.

By scheduling your session in advance, you are guaranteed availability within the optimal newborn photography window.

What do I bring with me TO MY NEWBORN SESSION?

Just you, the baby, and a few other necessities which we will inform you about prior to the shoot. We provide all kinds of props, blankets, wraps, headbands, and hats for both boys and girls in a wide range of colors.

HOW LONG DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE?

On average, 3 hours as long as baby is happy and sleeping. But baby runs the show and we always listen to their needs.

CAN PARENTS/SIBLINGS GET IN THE PHOTOS WITH THE NEWBORN?

I highly encourage parents to get in a few pictures with their newest little one. For dads, there is nothing quite like a tiny little baby in their big hands. Moms are sometimes more hesitant to get in the pictures. We completely understand that as a new mom, you are personally going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally and may feel like you don't look your best. Plus lack of sleep can make you feel like you're loosing your mind, but I assure you that I only photograph moms from the waist up and truly focus on your connection with your new baby. So don’t let those short-term things interfere with beautiful photos of you as a new mother or with your latest child. I promise you won’t regret it!

Siblings are always welcome, but please understand that younger siblings may not have the patience or understanding to cooperate. We’ll do our best to get the best photos and make sure all children are happy during the session.

DO YOU GUARANTEE ALL THE POSES/SETUPS THAT I SEE IN YOUR PORTFOLIO FOR NEWBORN SESSIONS?

While I have the expertise to achieve all the poses and setups you see in my portfolio, it's important to note that the success of each session is contingent upon baby's cooperation.

When is the best time to schedule a milestone session?

We schedule milestone sessions between 6-12 months. Babies at these ages show rapid development, like sitting up, crawling, and sometimes even taking their first steps. They begin to show their unique personalities making it an excellent time to capture their expressions and smiles. Babies at this age are often more cooperative than younger infants and more likely to engage with the photographer, making for better photos.

What is a milestone session?

A session specifically designed to capture a baby's growth and development throughout their first year of life.

What is a cake smash session?

A session designed to celebrate a baby's first birthday by letting them smash a cake and capture their reactions, expressions, and messiness in a fun and playful way.

CAN WE SCHEDULE A SESSION AROUND MY BABY'S NAP TIME?

Absolutely! Our goal is to capture photos of a happy baby. Since all babies are different, it’s hard to tell how they will react during the portrait session and we can't guarantee specific poses or smiles. However, we will do our best to choose a time when they are typically the happiest – after a nap and with a full belly! Please also keep in mind vaccination appointments; try not to schedule a photo session a day or two after these to avoid fussiness or soreness.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK BEFORE THE PHOTOSHOOT?

A healthy child is a happy child! Please let me know within 24hrs of your photo session if your child is sick, has a runny nose, or cough, so we can reschedule your session.

CAN PARENTS/SIBLINGS BE INCLUDED IN THE MILESTONE SESSION?

Parents and siblings are welcome to join in for some photos, however, the primary emphasis of the session is capturing the baby.

HOW LONG DOES THE SESSION TAKE?

The session takes on average between an hour up to two hours if you're including a cake smash. Babies at this age have a short attention span so we work quickly.

WHAT IF MY BABY IS SHY OR CRIES DURING THE PHOTOSHOOT?

Babies are unpredictable and it is totally normal for them to cry or be fussy during a photoshoot. We are experienced in working with babies and are well-prepared to handle such situations. We will prioritize baby's comfort throughout the entire session and will capture beautiful moments even amidst the occasional tears.

DO YOU PROVIDE THE PROPS AND OUTFITS FOR THE SESSION?

The studio is filled with various backdrops, props, and some outfits to be used during your session. We highly recommend that parents bring their own clothing options to infuse a personal touch into the session. This allows us to tailor the session to your unique style and preferences, ensuring that the photos truly reflect your baby's personality.

IS CAKE AND BALLOONS PROVIDED FOR THE CAKE SMASH?

Yes!