FAQs

The ideal time for your maternity shoot is when you are between 28 and 32 weeks pregnant, but I am happy to work around your schedule.

I recommend booking at least a month in advance to ensure availability and give you time to prepare.

You’ll start by picking the date for your maternity session from my calendar. When scheduling, I will also ask you for your due date, and I will pencil you in for that date, ensuring you have a spot. Then, we will pick an actual shoot date once your baby is born (typically five days to three weeks after birth).

You can learn more about the Maternity + Newborn package here.

Yes, I offer outdoor sessions during winter. Here are the 2023–2024 options for winter maternity sessions.

If it rains, I am very flexible and will work with you to reschedule your session. If we cannot find a date that works for you, I will refund your deposit. (You can also choose to convert your deposit into credit toward future sessions.)

If you have a flexible schedule, we can wait until the morning of your session to decide whether to proceed or reschedule. The weather forecast can be unreliable, so if your family is willing, we can still show up to the session. If we get rained out, we reschedule, and you will not lose your deposit. With this approach, I can shoot most of the time.

Also, don’t worry about cloudy weather. It adds a unique and moody feel to your photos, perfect for capturing tender moments with your family.

The Deluxe Sessions take place at several beautiful locations around the greater Seattle area that I have carefully selected based on the season, looks, and convenience. Most require 30–60 minutes of driving, but they are not challenging to get to. After you book, I will provide you with options to choose from, including sample photos.

You can also view highlights of my locations in my Maternity Portfolio or explore them in depth in my Maternity Photoshoot Location Guide.

The Maternity Mini-Sessions take place at several beautiful Redmond locations that I have selected based on the season, looks, and convenience. Based on the weather, I will pick the best location and email it to you 1–2 days before your session.

I also offer Maternity Mini-Sessions at Rattlesnake Lake, a convenient location with a stunning PNW backdrop.

Although a sunny day is never guaranteed in Seattle, booking the outdoor Maternity Deluxe session gives you the best chance for golden hour. Aslo, when picking the location for your session, beaches and grass fields are best for the golden light.

At this time, I do not offer a client wardrobe. However, once you book your session, I will send you a prep guide with recommendations on where you can rent or purchase high-quality gowns.

Every photographer has a unique style, feel, and aesthetic in their photos. So before booking a session with me, I want to make sure that you resonate with my work so that I can meet your expectations and deliver photos that you’ll love. That’s why I’ve put together a diverse Maternity Portfolio section so you can get a feel of my style in different locations and seasons.

Sure, as long as you don’t mind changing in nature.

An outfit change is typically requested by moms who want a few fancy shots in a maternity gown that are a bit more “posed” and the rest of the shots in more casual clothes with natural guided posing.

If you want to accomplish this, I’d recommend booking the Deluxe Session. If you’re booking a Mini-Session, there will not be enough time for an outfit change.

After you book your session, I will email you detailed prep information, including the outfit inspiration guide and online styling service, to help you look your best for the session.

You can also email or text me with any styling questions.

I will guide, prompt, and direct your family the entire time, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I aim for natural-looking poses while also capturing candids along the way.

Here’s how one of my clients, Yuliana, describes her experience: “We chose Lana for our maternity outdoor mini session and newborn studio deluxe session. We had a great experience both times! Lana is great at giving directions for poses and makes you feel comfortable the whole session. During our newborn shoot, she was patient while we had to feed and change our baby. Lana really is the baby whisperer and swaddler. We got some adorable wrap photos and family photos.”

If your kiddo is not cooperating – don’t worry (because they will feel that). I will follow their lead and do my best to capture happy moments.

There will never be any pressure to look into the camera to smile. I have plenty of tricks to help get your kiddos engaged and interested, so 99% of the time, I can get you plenty of shots. (And for that 1% – we will work together to do our best.)

Of course! Pets are so fun to include in the photos. When booking, please let me know if pets will be joining and what kind of pets.

After we do a few shots with the pet during the session, you'll need to prepare in advance how to keep the pet safe while we work on the photos without the pet.

A Mini-Session includes 10 hand-edited images (that you pick from a gallery of 40–60 photos), while a Deluxe Session includes 20 (that you pick from a gallery of 80–100 photos).

After you see your proof gallery, you can purchase additional hand-edited photos for $20 each. Information on purchasing additional images will be included with your online proof gallery.

In addition, a full-gallery upgrade is available for $200. It includes all the images in your proof gallery with a standard color edit (as they appear in your proof gallery, no hand-edit). Photos will be in full print resolution with print rights.

(See the next question for more information about the difference between hand editing and color editing.)

You will receive your online proof gallery within four days after your session. You will have seven days to pick your images for the hand-edit. Seven days after you submit your selections, your hand-edited photos will be delivered via an online gallery.

If you purchase the full gallery upgrade, you will receive the download link within 48 hours of payment.

Color edit includes an overall color adjustment to make the photos appear brighter, more colorful, and properly exposed.

In addition to the color edit, hand edit includes basic skin smoothing, removal of blemishes, bruises, and a few fly-aways, as well as more detailed color adjustments. It gives your photos a more “polished” look.

Payments are made by credit card. A $100 deposit is required to book your session.

The remaining balance is due at the time of your photoshoot. An invoice reminder will be emailed to you a day before your session. The proof gallery is delivered after the payment is made in full.

The ideal time to photograph a newborn is five days to three weeks after birth. I recommend booking your session two to three months in advance to ensure availability. If your baby is already here and you have not booked your session, please get in touch with me, and I will do my best to get you in.

If your baby is older than three weeks — don’t worry! You can still have a newborn-like session.

Every photographer has a unique style, feel, and aesthetic in their photos. So before booking a session with me, I want to make sure that you resonate with my work so that I can meet your expectations and deliver photos that you’ll love. That’s why I’ve put together a diverse Newborn Portfolio section so you can get a feel of my style in different setups.

When scheduling, choose the date closest to your due date, and I will pencil you in for that date, ensuring you have a spot.

And because babies come on their schedule, we will pick an actual shoot date once your baby is born (typically five days to three weeks after birth).

Need help deciding? See: How to Choose the Right Newborn Session for You

You’ll start by picking the date for your maternity session from my booking calendar. When scheduling, I will also ask you for your due date, and I will pencil you in for that date, ensuring you have a spot. Then, we will pick an actual shoot date once your baby is born (typically five days to three weeks after birth).

See additional details and sample photos from the Maternity + Newborn Package here.

For newborn studio sessions, I have all the props you’ll ever need: headbands, wraps, bonnets, crates, beds, backdrops, etc. The props are purchased from professional vendors and have been tested for safety. After you book your session, I will work with you to pick the theme for the session that will determine the props I’ll be using. I customize every session based on your input.

For in-home sessions, there is an optional add-on of posed baby shots with props. After you book your session, you will pick a few setups and I will bring the necessary props to your home.

I will guide, prompt, and direct your family the entire time, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I aim for natural-looking poses while also capturing candids along the way.

Here’s how one of my clients, Yuliana, describes her experience: “We chose Lana for our maternity outdoor mini session and newborn studio deluxe session. We had a great experience both times! Lana is great at giving directions for poses and makes you feel comfortable the whole session. During our newborn shoot, she was patient while we had to feed and change our baby. Lana really is the baby whisperer and swaddler. We got some adorable wrap photos and family photos.”

If you plan on bringing anything to the session, I recommend considering items only of sentimental value. I don’t recommend purchasing your props for the session, as they may not have been designed and tested for safety and aesthetics.

After completing your booking, you will receive an email with prep info and styling tips, including an online styling service, to help you look your best for the session.

Please, do not worry about your house not being in tip-top shape. We’ll do most of the photos in front of windows, in the baby’s nursery if it’s already set up, and in your bed (if you like).

My cozy, light-filled newborn studio is in Kirkland’s iconic Market Neighborhood at 720 Market St Ste E, Kirkland, WA 98033 (Directions).

My clients typically travel from all over the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Renton, Bothell, Kenmore, Shoreline, and even as far as Tacoma and Everett.

For the in-home newborn session, I travel to any location within a 25-mile radius of Kirkland. Travel fees may apply for locations further away.

Yes, I am available to travel to NYC monthly. Learn more about my newborn photography services in New York here.

Each Newborn Session includes a base number of hand-edited images. After your session, when you see the proof gallery, you will have the option to purchase additional hand-edited photos. They are available at $20 per photo. Information on purchasing additional images will be included with your online proof gallery.

In addition, for the Deluxe Session, a partial gallery upgrade is available for $200. It includes all the natural images of parents with the baby (no posed shots with props) with a standard color edit (exactly as they appear in your proofs gallery, no hand-edit). Photos will be in full print resolution with print rights.

Similarly, for In-Home Lifestyle Session, a full-gallery upgrade is available for $200. It includes all the images in your proof gallery with a standard color edit (as they appear in your proofs gallery, no hand-edit). Photos will be in full print resolution with print rights.

(Also, see the next question for more information about the difference between hand editing and color editing.)

Color editing includes an overall color adjustment to make the photos appear brighter, more colorful, and properly exposed.

In addition to the color edit, hand-editing includes basic skin smoothing, removal of blemishes, bruises, and a few fly-aways, and more detailed color adjustments.

You will receive your online proof gallery within four days after your session. You will have seven days to pick your images for the hand-edit. Seven days after you submit your selections, your hand-edited photos will be delivered via an online gallery.

If you purchase the full gallery upgrade, you will receive the download link within 48 hours of payment.

Payments are made by credit card. A $100 deposit is required to book your session.

The remaining balance is due at the time of your photoshoot. An invoice reminder will be emailed to you a day before your session. The proof gallery is delivered after the payment is made in full.

The Family Deluxe Sessions take place at several beautiful locations around the greater Seattle area that I have carefully selected based on the season, looks, and convenience. Most of them will require 30–60 minutes of driving. However, they are not challenging to get to. I will provide you with options to choose from, including sample photos, after you book.

If it rains, I am very flexible and will work with you to reschedule your session. If we cannot find a date that works for you, I will refund your deposit. (You can also choose to convert your deposit into credit toward future sessions.)

If you have a flexible schedule, we can wait until the morning of your session to decide whether to proceed or reschedule. The weather forecast can be unreliable, so if your family is willing, we can still show up to the session. If we get rained out, we reschedule, and you will not lose your deposit. With this approach, I can shoot most of the time.

Also, don’t worry about cloudy weather. It adds a unique and moody feel to your photos, perfect for capturing tender moments with your family.

The Family Mini-Sessions take place at several beautiful locations around the Redmond area that I have carefully selected based on the season, looks, and convenience. Based on the weather, I will pick the best location and email it to you 1–2 days before your session.

Although a sunny day is never guaranteed in Seattle, booking the outdoor Family Deluxe session gives you the best chance for golden hour.

After you book your session, I will email you detailed prep information, including the outfit inspiration guide and online styling service, to help you look your best for the session.

You can also email or text me with any styling questions.

If your kiddo is not cooperating – don’t worry (because they will feel that). I will follow their lead and do my best to capture happy moments.

There will never be any pressure to look into the camera to smile. I have plenty of tricks to help get your kiddos engaged and interested, so 99% of the time, I can get you plenty of shots. (And for that 1% – we will work together to do our best.)

I will guide, prompt, and direct you the entire time, so you don't have to worry about a thing. I aim for natural-looking poses while also capturing candids along the way.

Of course! Pets are so fun to include in the photos. When booking, please let me know if pets will be joining and what kind of pets.

After we do a few shots with the pet during the session, you'll need to prepare in advance how to keep the pet safe while we work on the photos without the pet.

Every photographer has a unique style, feel, and aesthetic in their photos. So before booking a session with me, I want to make sure that you resonate with my work so that I can meet your expectations and deliver photos that you’ll love. That’s why I’ve put together a diverse Family Portfolio section so you can get a feel of my style in different locations and seasons.

A Mini-Session includes 10 hand-edited images (that you pick from a gallery of 40–60 photos), while a Deluxe Session includes 20 (that you pick from a gallery of 80–100 photos).

After you see your proof gallery, you can purchase additional hand-edited photos for $20 each. Information on purchasing additional images will be included with your online proof gallery.

In addition, a full-gallery upgrade is available for $200. It includes all the images in your proof gallery with a standard color edit (as they appear in your proof gallery, no hand-edit). Photos will be in full print resolution with print rights.

(See the next question for more information about the difference between hand editing and color editing.)

The sweet spot for many of my clients is to photograph their families once per year. I’ve also created a 10-year family photo plan to help you create a collection of family photos you’ll love.

You will receive your online proof gallery within four days after your session. You will have seven days to pick your images for the hand-edit. Seven days after you submit your selections, your hand-edited photos will be delivered via an online gallery.

If you purchase the full gallery upgrade, you will receive the download link within 48 hours of payment.

Color edit includes an overall color adjustment to make the photos appear brighter, more colorful, and properly exposed.

In addition to the color edit, hand edit includes basic skin smoothing, removal of blemishes, bruises, and a few fly-aways, as well as more detailed color adjustments. It gives your photos a more “polished” look.

Payments are made by credit card. A $100 deposit is required to book your session.

The remaining balance is due at the time of your photoshoot. An invoice reminder will be emailed to you a day before your session. The proof gallery is delivered after the payment is made in full.

The base price of this session includes a 6-inch naked cake styled with berries or flowers and a number “1” topper.

I also offer a premium cake option for an additional $100. This cake is slightly more dressed, with specific colors and frosting designs. After you book, I will provide a few color options to choose from.

If your child has an allergy, I require you to bring your cake. (For best results, I recommend a 6-inch naked cake.)

Yes, absolutely. I will provide a cake stand.

I will also style the cake with fruits or flowers and add a number “1” topper.

My cozy, light-filled newborn studio is in Kirkland’s iconic Market Neighborhood, at 720 Market St Ste E, Kirkland, WA 98033 (Directions).

My clients typically travel from all over the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Renton, Bothell, Kenmore, Shoreline, and even as far as Tacoma and Everett.

After completing your booking, you will receive an email with prep info and tips to help your family look their best for the session.

If your kiddo is not cooperating – don’t worry (because they will feel that). I will follow their lead and do my best to capture happy moments.

There will never be any pressure to look into the camera to smile. I have plenty of tricks to help get your kiddos engaged and interested, so 99% of the time, I can get you plenty of shots. (And for that 1% – we will work together to do our best.)

Payments are made by credit card. A $100 deposit is required to book your session.

The remaining balance is due at the time of the session. An invoice reminder will be emailed to you a day before your session.  The proof gallery is delivered after the payment is made in full.

You will receive your online proof gallery a few days after your session. You will have seven days to pick your images for the hand-edit. Seven days after you submit your selections, your hand-edited images will be delivered via a separate online gallery.

If you are purchasing the full gallery upgrade, you will receive the download link within 48 hours of payment.

Depending on the add-on options you pick, your session will include 10 to 20 hand-edited images. If you would like to purchase additional hand-edited images, they are available for $20 each. Information on purchasing additional images will be included with your online proof gallery.

In addition, a full-gallery upgrade is available for $200. It includes all the images in your proof gallery with a standard color edit (as they appear in your proofs gallery, no hand-edit). Photos will be in full print resolution with print rights.

Color editing includes an overall color adjustment to make the photos appear brighter, more colorful, and properly exposed.

In addition to the color edit, hand-editing includes basic skin smoothing, removal of blemishes, bruises, and a few fly-aways, and more detailed color adjustments.

To redeem your gift card, please follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Book a Shoot section.
2. Click the “Redeem Gift Certificate” button.
3. Enter your unique code from your gift certificate. The system will display the type of session your gift certificate covers.
4. Proceed to booking the desired session by picking the date and time, and filling out the booking form.

Your gift certificate should indicate the type of service that was purchased.

Alternatively, you can check online by following these steps:

1. Navigate to Book a Shoot section.
2. Click the “Redeem Gift Certificate” button.
3. Enter your unique code from your gift certificate. The system will display the type of session your gift certificate covers.

Absolutely. My popular services can be purchased as a thoughtful gift for special occasions, like baby showers, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and Christmas.

The entire process is straightforward and is sure to delight the recipient. Learn how it works here.