I have compiled a list of questions here that are most frequently sent in. Please take a look!
If you do not find what you are looking for, you can use the Contact section or email me at info@jacicrouch.com and I would be more than happy to chat!
Q. I thought you were located in Shreveport. Are you not taking sessions here anymore?
A. I have resided in DeRidder since 2019 but have been making the 5 hour round trip to Shreveport for sessions, at least once a week and sometimes two times a week since then. However, I am not as young as I once was and the drive has taken its toll on me. At this time, I am completing all pre-purchased sessions in our Shreveport locations, but I am no longer offering new sessions there. Many of my clients have opted to make the drive to the DeRidder studio and I would love it if you did too!
Q. There seem to be a lot of photographers who say they “specialize” in newborns. Should I just look for the one with the best prices?
A. Price is always at the forefront of any consumer’s mind, but you have to remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” Going with the least expensive photographer is not a good way to determine who will take your baby’s portraits. Most often the least expensive photographer is also the least experienced photographer. You have to remember; this photographer will be handling, posing, and soothing your baby. It’s not just about taking the pictures, it’s making sure you are working with someone who a) knows how to appropriately handle newborns in general, b) considers the safety of your baby first and c) will provide you with a beautiful final product.
Q. What should I look for in a newborn photographer?
A. The most important thing is for you to look through their portfolio for certain criteria.
1. The pictures should be classic and timeless in nature.
These portraits will hopefully be an heirloom you will pass on to future generations. Pictures that show off the latest fads such as vignettes, textured backgrounds, and selective coloring (when all of the picture is black and white except for one small part that remains in color) – will look dated in a few years.
2. The baby should be the focus of the portraits.
When you look through the pictures, ask yourself “What is the first thing I notice?” Are you marveling at how precious the baby is, or finding yourself distracted amidst scenes of themed things, huge headbands, tutus, stuffed animals, etc.?
Often, the less “stuff” or props that are in the pictures, the better the photographer is. They have the ability to skillfully pose your baby so that he/she is the sole focus of your portraits.
3. The baby should look comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful in the portraits.
As in all portraits, facial expression is very important. Newborns are so pliable and can be put into all kinds of amazing positions in their first couple of weeks of life. A skilled photographer will be able to pose the baby tucked with their feet up by their chin, accompanied by a peaceful, sleepy – even sometimes smiling face.
Q: What areas of photography do you provide:
A: I specialize in maternity through the first year which also includes newborns and children. Family/Children’s mini-sessions are offered during peak photography seasons such as fall and spring and are announced via our JCP Client Facebook Page (you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/775758822479100/)
Q: Do you have a studio for newborns or can you come to our home?
A: YES and NO! 🙂 We have a studio space located in DeRidder Louisiana that is open for newborns and small children only. JCP does not offer in home lifestyle sessions at this time. We can offer a more relaxed simple style of posing in our studio or we can send you a list of references in the area that specialize in in-home lifestyle photography.
Q: How much will our newborn session with JCP cost and how do I book?
A: A newborn session fee of $150 is due to reserve your due date at booking. We have 3 options to choose from a petite newborn session, signature newborn session, and a luxe newborn session. Each session includes a different number of digital images. Additional prints and products are also available to purchase.
A: You may use the CONTACT tab on our website to let us know that you are interested in reserving your session with JCP. We will send over an email that you will follow step by step to sign your contract, pay your retainer, and fill out our basic questionnaire.
Q: How far in advance do I need to book my session? How can I book a newborn session if I don’t know when the baby will arrive?
A: I suggest that you book 2-3 months prior to your due date. I understand that often life sneaks up on us and before you know it, there’s a brand new little baby in your arms. I will do my best to get you in at any time, but a date can not be guaranteed unless you book in advance. Newborn sessions are most commonly booked in the second trimester and are “penciled” in for your due date. This guarantees that I will get you in within 3 weeks after your baby is born. Dates are adjusted once your child arrives and we will be in contact throughout your pregnancy. You are always more than welcome to contact me if you have found me after your child is born, but sweet sleepy newborn photos can never be guaranteed. We accept only 10 due dates per month to ensure that we can provide quality images in a timely manner and the best experience to our JCP family.
Q: Why do we have to do our newborn session within the first 30 days?
A: Newborns are very flexible, sleepy little angels and let’s face it, we can make them do some ADORABLE things! All of those sweet little poses that you see and fall in love with, are taken very early on. After about 30 days, your baby begins to be more alert and much less flexible which becomes a safety issue. I do not photograph newborns in props such as baskets, buckets, etc. that are not in a deep sleep. Our session will be with your baby’s safety as my first priority. I also do not photograph newborns with “normal” clothes on. I do have custom sets such as little pants, rompers, etc that are specifically made for newborns that you will have use of during your session. These sessions generally last 1-3 hours, so please come patient and prepared. Mom, Dad, and siblings are encouraged to join in for a few shots as well at no additional charge. I do most of my images while baby is asleep, however I will capture some moments if your baby is awake **if they cooperate**. Awake babies aren’t easily able to be posed or photographed which again brings out a safety issue.
Q: Do you provide the props or do we need to bring that in?
A. Your investment includes access to our extensive prop collection in our studio including buckets, baskets, hats, pants, blankets, wraps, headbands, etc. Your session will include the use of items selected by Jaci that coordinate with the color scheme and style that you would like to achieve. Once your baby has arrived and we have set up a date for your session, you will receive a questionnaire to complete where you will choose your colors, props, and other options that we offer during our sessions. Not every baby will cooperate with every pose or prop. We will adjust to your baby. I never force a baby to do anything that they don’t want to or feel comfortable doing. Your session may last anywhere from 1-3 hours. Some babies sleep very soundly for their session and are finished in an hour, while others tend to need more soothing and take longer. We will not go beyond 3 hours under any circumstances. My back, your sanity, and your sweet baby’s patience just can’t take it!
Q: How often do you recommend photographing my children?
A: There are 3 stages in the first year that I feel are worth really investing in. Newborn, the sitter milestone, and 1 year. I do not photograph babies less than 6 months or babies that can not sit safely unassisted as they are difficult to capture in flattering poses and catch their interest. After this 1st year, I recommend seasonal mini-sessions such as Spring and/or Fall that are a great and inexpensive way to capture those two missing front teeth, that growth spurt, or specific stage your child may be going through. I do recommend family pictures yearly if you are able to invest in them. Time passes so quickly and we are not guaranteed next year. Please make memories of your family while they are still here.
Q: How do I book my session?
A: Please use the CONTACT tab at the top of the page to put in your initial request to work with us. Once we have settled on a date and chatted about specifics, I will send you a booking proposal via email. Your retainer is due at the time of this proposal and it must be completed to reserve your spot with JCP. Our emails often go to your spam folder, so please check there. We do our very best to provide prompt replies within 24 hours. You are always welcome to call or text as well, but PLEASE be sure to check your emails as this will be our primary form of communication.
Q: How long after our session will we have our images?
A: After your session, you will receive a sneak peek via social media if requested with 2-3 days. Your final images are ready for viewing and ordering within approximately 2-3 weeks. You are welcome to return to the studio to place your order so that I may assist you with ordering products such as canvas, wall art, and albums.
Q: If we are purchasing the digital images, can we print anywhere or do we have to print through your website?
A: Each digital images purchase will include a full print release which will allow you to print your images at any location of your choice. However, I highly recommend purchasing enlargements from your online gallery instead of using chain stores such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Snapfish, Shutterfly etc. as they greatly reduce the quality, color, clarity and often crop of your images. Our professional prints are very reasonably priced and will show the true quality of your images. After all, this is an investment and a piece to be displayed in your home. You want the best! Our gift prints start at $25 and our gallery wrapped canvas start at $100. We do not give copyright releases, only a print release which means you are not allowed to crop, alter, edit or change the picture in any form. This includes filters on Facebook and Instagram. All images to social media sites require credit to JCP in either the name or description or the social media sized watermarked file provided to you from your online gallery.
Q: Can I get a copy of my images un-edited and just edit them myself?
A: No, I do not sell or provide any form of un-edited work as it does not correctly display final images of JCP, and any changes to your images including crops, color adjustments, text, digital frames, etc are against the copyright law.
Q: What do I need to do if I have to reschedule?
A: I completely understand that with a crazy hectic life that things happen. I will be in contact with you up until your session date and if you need to reschedule for any reason, please contact me as soon as you know. You are allowed to reschedule for convenience one time and your session fee is transferred. No hard feelings, things come up and I totally understand! I do ask if your child is sick before the session, please let me know so that we can reschedule. Sick sleepy babies do not make for good pictures and our time is valuable. I would rather you spend it at home rocking your sweet babies and I’ll do the same until we can get them better and back to themselves!
Q: What precautions are you taking in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?
A: I am a Registered Nurse with 7 children, so sanitizing and keeping things germ free has always been a priority in my studio. I have also received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination. We have always cleaned and sanitized between sessions, washed and sanitized any fabrics used during the session between clients, and used regular hand washing and sanitizing before and during your session. A few of the additional precautions that are being taken at this time include:
1) Only immediate family members being photographed during the session are allowed in the studio.
2) Increased hand washing and sanitizing throughout the session.
3) Any immediate family members showing any symptoms possibly related to or that have been exposed to COVID-19 will require the session to be rescheduled after 14 days.