What To Expect

WALKING YOU THROUGH MY PORTRAIT SESSION PROCESS, STEP BY STEP


Bergen County Photographer, New Jersey Maternity Photographer, Maternity Photoshoot, Bergen County NJ, Best of Bergen County NJ, Maternity Session

Step 1: Session Design & Consultation

Interested in finding out more about scheduling your one-of-a-kind photoshoot with this Bergen County, New Jersey maternity and newborn portrait photographer? Complete the Contact Form to schedule a complimentary in-person or virtual consultation to dive deep into your visions, goals, ideas and expectations to make your dream photoshoot become an unforgettable reality.

At your consultation, you’ll get to explore my client closet filled with an exquisite wardrobe that includes: maternity dresses, bodysuits, fabrics, accessories, etc., view printed product samples, check out my selection of custom canvas backdrops, paper backdrops, professional lighting, props, newborn outfits, wraps, loveys, etc. I will plan, customize and style your special photoshoot to perfection.

Check out my Investment page to find out more information regarding your portrait session. Once you’re ready to book, I will lock in your session date on my booking calendar. You will receive your very own Welcome Packet filled with all the necessary information and documents to make our time together the most memorable experience.

Step 2: Photoshoot Day!

Arrive to my studio at the appointed time for your special portrait session. It’s time to have some fun! We'll finalize your wardrobe selection from items in my fabulous client closet that include stunning maternity dresses, luxurious silks and fabrics, and more. You can expect to play dress up for a beautiful collection of images that includes several looks throughout your session. Don't worry if it's your first time having a professional photoshoot - my ultimate goal is to make you feel comfortable, beautiful, confident, and empowered. You'll receive full guidance on posing to capture stunning shots to document this special time in your life.

Cristina has been trained on maternity posing and lighting and newborn safety and posing at in-person workshops and mentoring sessions by world renowned newborn and maternity photographers, as well as continuous education from online learning, workshops and training programs.

Cristina Marie Photography, LLC is a registered, legal and fully insured business in New Jersey.

Step 3: Viewing & Ordering

After your session, you will receive a link to preview your stunning images for the first time. This is where you will make your final selections of the images you absolutely love.

Once you've made your final selections, I'll work my editing magic to ensure your final images are transformed into timeless masterpieces. Your stunning images will be ready for you to enjoy from your secure online gallery within 2-3 weeks from when your final selections are made. You'll be able to download the digital images and share them with loved ones. 

Next, it’s time to create your custom wall art and/or other printed products. I’ll be available throughout this process to assist you every step of the way. Your custom artwork will be delivered to my studio where we will coordinate the best date and time for you to pick up your gorgeous artwork.

You'll finally have the chance to hold your prints and experience the beauty firsthand. Display your artwork in your home to enjoy and cherish these precious memories of your family forever.

** To ensure your memories are preserved beyond the digital realm, my clients receive a complimentary archival print matching every digital image included in their collection. You are welcome to print your digital images anywhere you choose. *My studio encourages my clients to print through me to ensure your final artwork is of the utmost quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Maternity portrait sessions are typically scheduled when mama is between 29-34 weeks. The timing is different for everyone. I recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute because you never know when the baby will actually make their arrival and I want you to feel your absolute best!

    Please contact me at least 2-3 months prior to your due date in order to guarantee a spot for a newborn portrait session. I only take a limited amount of newborn portrait sessions each month to allow myself the flexibility to adjust newborn session dates for when your baby is born.

    Newborn portrait sessions are ideal when done within the first 7-15 days after birth. If this window has been missed, I recommend waiting until baby is at least 3-4 months old for the best results. Of course, for unusual circumstances, baby is born early, etc., please reach out and we can work something out.

    Outdoor family portrait sessions are generally offered from April through November, and mostly scheduled one hour prior to sunset for those warm, dreamy tones. Please try to contact me at least 1 month prior to your preferred session date, especially if you would like to reserve a weekend spot.

  • After planning your session, it's time for the easy part. This will be laidback, natural and fun for everyone involved. I love nothing more than documenting your journey into motherhood, your little one’s first portraits, and watching families connecting with one another while special memories are being made.

    You will be sent a 7-day online proofing gallery to view the images we captured at your session for the first time. You will select the images you absolutely love, (included in your purchased collection), for me to professionally retouch and edit each to perfection. Your final gallery will be delivered online where you can download and share your final images with loved ones. You can also print your final images anywhere you choose.

    A virtual ordering appointment via Zoom can be requested where you will be asked to place an order for additional products with the final images from your session. I will collaborate with you to create beautiful, archival, and museum quality printed products to enjoy in your home for years to come.

  • A 50% non-refundable initial payment (retainer) for the collection you desire to purchase and a digitally signed copy of my portrait agreement (contract) are required to reserve your session date with me. This retainer shall be applied to reduce the total collection price and the final remaining balance of your collection is due 48 hours before your specified portrait session date.

    Session fees are due upon booking in order to lock in your session date and are non-negotiable. Payments can be made via cash, major debit/credit cards using Square and other processors. AfterPay is available.

    The retainer/booking fee includes: an in person (or online) consultation to design and style your dream session and prepare for your big day, a variety of outfit changes and studio setups, full access to my client closet and accessories, a fully guided photoshoot with Cristina, guidance in selecting your best images from your 7-day online viewing/proofing gallery, optional virtual viewing appointment via Zoom to create gorgeous artwork for your home, custom professional and artistic image editing of your final selections, the creation of your custom artwork, prints and products from your session, and more …

    *MATERNITY CLIENTS MUST ARRIVE TO THEIR PORTRAIT SESSION CAMERA READY. I can connect you with several amazing professional hair and makeup artists (HMUA) that I have worked with closely, who specialize in bridal glam and glam for editorial photography.

  • I do not send clients any of the RAW or unedited images, as the editing process is a major part of my role as a photographer. RAW or unedited images will not be provided under any circumstances. No exceptions.

    Instead, you will receive a link for your online proofing gallery to view a well curated gallery of the best images from your session. From this gallery, you will select the images included in your purchased collection to be professionally hand edited and retouched by me.

    Your final images will be delivered via a secure online gallery where you can download and share them with your loved ones. Your gallery will remain open for up to 30 days, so it is recommended to download and backup your final images as a form of redundancy within that timeframe.

  • I offer parenthood sessions that include mom, dad, or grandparents. These sessions are super special to capture sweet moments between you and your children to remember this amazing time in your lives. Moms have full access to our client closet and professional makeup can be included for an additional charge. Hair and makeup is not included; everyone must arrive camera ready!

  • It's best to schedule maternity sessions between 28-34 weeks to ensure that you don't get too close to your due date, yet you're far enough along to show off your beautiful, growing belly.

    You will have full access to my exquisite client closet filled with dresses, bodysuits, fabrics, etc. for your maternity portrait session. Please let me know ahead of time if you have something specific in mind in case it's not in my collection.

    Please contact me when you’ve safely entered the 2nd trimester to secure your spot on my booking calendar. I always say, “It’s never too early to book!”

    *MATERNITY CLIENTS MUST ARRIVE TO THEIR PORTRAIT SESSION CAMERA READY WITH HAIR AND MAKEUP DONE. I can connect you with several amazing hair and makeup artists (HMUA) that I have worked closely with, who specialize in makeup specifically for brides and photography.

  • You’ll have full access to my client closet filled with an exquisite wardrobe of gowns, dresses, bodysuits, fabrics, etc. for all of my gorgeous mamas.

    If you’ve booked an outdoor session, I highly suggest dressing weather appropriate and keeping your session location in mind.

    Neutral colors, layers, and combining different textures is a great idea. I recommend dressing your family in complementary colors, but try not to match exactly.

    The most important rule that I urge all my clients to follow is to wear an outfit(s) that makes you feel CONFIDENT and BEAUTIFUL!

    Reach out to me if you have any questions regarding your outfit for your session. I’m always happy to help!

  • The best time to photograph your newest little love is preferably when baby is 7-15 days new. This is when they're the sleepiest and can be posed in those familiar newborn poses since their home was inside mom’s womb just a few days prior. After this time, newborns may be a little harder to settle and things like colic and baby acne can begin to flare up. I recommend reaching out to book your newborn session based on your due date and I can schedule the exact date for the session once your little love is earthside.

    Newborn portrait sessions take place at my full service studio in Township of Washington in Bergen County, NJ where you will have access to professional lighting, props, wraps, my client closet filled with newborn outfits, headbands, bonnets/hats, etc. You don’t have to bring anything to your session. I will take care of everything for you!

  • I want you to feel beautiful and completely relaxed during this special portrait experience. I want you to cherish and treasure your final images. Professional and artistic retouching is included in your session, so you don’t have to worry about any imperfections, such as blemishes, bruises, stretch marks and certain body contours. I specialize in the most comprehensive and detailed editing and will enhance and transform the image into a stunning work of art. *For extensive retouching, such as color changes, hair removal, face swaps, etc., additional fees may apply.

  • Not at all. Every maternity portrait session is completely tailored to my client’s goals and vision. Some clients prefer simple, artistic nude photographs captured, while other clients prefer to be fully clothed, and guess what? Both options are exceptionally beautiful and make the absolute best memories!

    This is all about YOU and what makes you feel the best. My biggest goal and motivation is to bring your dream photoshoot to life and make you feel like the goddess you are!