When is the best time to schedule a newborn photo session?

The ideal window is within the first 5 to 14 days after birth. During this time, babies are in their deepest sleep cycles, still naturally curled from the womb, and most relaxed about being moved and posed. After the two-week mark, babies become more wakeful and alert — still completely photographable, but the classic curled newborn poses become harder to achieve and require more time.

How do I book a newborn session if I don't have a due date confirmed yet?

You don't need a confirmed due date to get on the calendar. Many families reach out as early as 12 to 16 weeks. We hold your spot with a general due date range and adjust as your pregnancy progresses. The actual session date is finalized once your baby arrives — that's the whole point of booking early.

What if my baby arrives early or late?

Early and late arrivals are completely normal, and the booking process is designed around them. When you book during pregnancy, you are reserving a place in the calendar — not a fixed date. Once your baby is here, you reach out and we find the next available time in that first two-week window. Premature babies may need additional time before a session is appropriate — we discuss this individually and will always follow your pediatrician's guidance.

How long does a newborn portrait session take?

Plan for two to four hours. Newborns are unpredictable by nature — there will be feeding breaks, diaper changes, soothing time, and moments where the baby just needs to be held. The session is not rushed. The studio is warm and quiet, and everything moves at your baby's pace. The family and sibling portraits happen either at the beginning if you have a toddler on a nap schedule, or after the newborn solo work.

Is a newborn photo session safe for my baby?

Safety is the first priority of every session — ahead of any pose, any image, and any aesthetic preference. All posing at Julie Irene Photography uses gentle, certified-safe newborn techniques. The studio is kept warm throughout for the baby's comfort. An assistant is always present, and you're always welcome to hold, pause, feed, or redirect at any time. For any image where a baby could not safely hold a position on their own, composite posing is used. If something doesn't feel right to you, we stop. No image is worth your peace of mind.

Can siblings and parents be included in the newborn session?

Absolutely — and these are often the most meaningful images from the entire session. We plan for family and sibling portraits at the beginning or the end of the session, depending on the age of the children. Bring whoever matters. If you want grandparents in a few frames, that is welcome too — just mention it when you book so we can plan accordingly.

What should I bring to a newborn portrait session?

Bring everything you'd take on any outing with a newborn — diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, feeding supplies, and a pacifier if your baby uses one. Bring any item you'd like included in the portraits: a blanket from home, a special outfit, a piece of clothing with meaning. The studio provides all wraps, props, and styling elements. A full preparation guide is sent before your session with everything you need to know.

Should I feed my baby before the session?

Feed your baby right before you leave for the studio — a full, sleepy baby is the goal. Do not try to keep them awake so they'll sleep during the session. A naturally tired, fed baby settles far more easily than an overtired one. Your preparation guide walks through the full morning-of strategy in detail. Once you arrive we'll give them another quick feed to settle them before starting.

Do you offer newborn and maternity sessions as a package?

Yes, and booking both during pregnancy is the approach most families take. It secures both spots — maternity at 30 to 36 weeks, newborn within the first two weeks of life — in a single conversation. Clients receive a discount when booking both sessions together. Reach out for current availability and details.

Where is Julie Irene Photography located for newborn sessions?

The studio is based in San Clemente, California, and serves new families throughout Orange County — including Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and surrounding communities. Many families make the drive from throughout greater Orange County, San Diego County, and the Los Angeles area for studio newborn sessions.

What's included in a portrait session?

The session fee covers your time in studio, use of the wardrobe and props, a style consultation beforehand, and an ordering and design appointment afterward where you select your portraits and wall art. Digital files are included with every collection.

How far in advance should I book?

Most clients book 4 to 8 weeks out. Newborn sessions are booked by due date — the retainer holds your month, and you call to schedule the exact date once the baby arrives.

Do you shoot on location or only in the studio?

Both. The studio is in San Clemente, fully equipped with wardrobe, props, and controlled lighting. On-location sessions are available throughout South Orange County — Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, and beyond.

How long until I see my photos?

Your ordering appointment is scheduled shortly after your session. Digital files are delivered within two weeks of that appointment once payment is complete.

What is the investment?

Sessions start at $395 weekday and $495 weekend. Collections start at $1,590. Most families invest between $2,500 and $10,000 on portraits, wall art, and albums. Everything is reviewed at your consultation — no surprises at the ordering appointment.

Do you work with newborns and young children?

Yes — newborns and babies are a specialty. Sessions are fully guided and paced around the baby. Parents relax while I work. Kids consistently leave saying it was the most fun photo session they've ever had.

san clemente • cajulie irene
Photography

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san clemente • cajulie irene
Photography

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July 8, 2014

Orange County Newborn Photographer | Nicklaus

I was really looking forward to Nicklaus’s newborn session. I had the privalage of photographing his mom for her maternity pictures. Nicklaus was such a sweet newborn baby boy and I just love all that hair!

A newborn baby sleeps peacefully on a fluffy, brown textured blanket, with one arm bent and a relaxed expression. The photo is by Julie Irene Photography. A newborn baby sleeps curled up on a soft, knitted blanket in neutral tones. The baby is unclothed, with eyes closed and head resting on small hands. The photo has a watermark reading Julie Irene Photography. A newborn baby sleeps peacefully on a soft, light-colored blanket with hands tucked under the cheek and legs curled. The baby is unclothed. The logo Julie Irene Photography appears in the bottom left corner. A close-up of a sleeping newborn baby with dark hair, lying on a soft, textured blanket. The baby’s face is peaceful and relaxed, with one hand resting near the cheek. The image includes a watermark for Julie Irene Photography. A newborn baby wrapped in a yellow blanket sleeps peacefully on a brown, fuzzy surface. The baby is smiling gently with eyes closed. Julie Irene Photography logo appears in the corner.

Tags: Baby Photographer, Best Newborn Photographers, Laguna Niguel newborn and baby photographer, New Baby Photography, Newport Beach, Orange County Newborn Photographer, Orange County Newborn Photography, San Clemente Newborn Photographer, San Clemente Newborn Photography, South Orange County Newborn Photographer

Julie Irene Photography, a luxury portrait studio in San Clemente, California. Newborn, family, maternity, headshots and personal branding for Orange County

san clemente, ca

Follow @JULIEIRENE

julieirene

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Luxury portrait studio in San Clemente, Orange County. Newborn • Maternity • Family • Seniors • Headshots. Full-service, fully guided.

Two summer weekends left available on my calendar. If this is the summer your family is all together, reach out. It doesn`t happen as often as we think it will

#orangecountyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #ocfamilyphotographer #sanclementephotographer #legacyportraits

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Two summer weekends left available on my calendar. If this is the summer your family is all together, reach out. It doesn't happen as often as we think it will

#orangecountyphotographer #extendedfamilyphotos #ocfamilyphotographer #sanclementephotographer #legacyportraits

Dr. Christina Jenkins is a board-certified colorectal surgeon who also runs an aesthetic medicine clinic in Irvine. She built both practices around one idea: that patients deserve to feel heard, safe, and genuinely cared for.

She came in a little camera-shy. She left with these.
That`s the job.

She Means Business sessions booking now. Link in bio.
@NuVieMD

#shemeansbusiness #sanclementephotographer #brandingphotographer #ocwomenentrepreneurs #orangecountyphotographer

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Open post by julieirene with ID 17875485918611116

Dr. Christina Jenkins is a board-certified colorectal surgeon who also runs an aesthetic medicine clinic in Irvine. She built both practices around one idea: that patients deserve to feel heard, safe, and genuinely cared for.

She came in a little camera-shy. She left with these.
That's the job.

She Means Business sessions booking now. Link in bio.
@NuVieMD

#shemeansbusiness #sanclementephotographer #brandingphotographer #ocwomenentrepreneurs #orangecountyphotographer

This is what an extended family session actually looks like before you see the final images.

Two strobes on the beach are a must with this many people if you plan on getting that gorgeous sunset perfect. Twenty-some people in eucalyptus trees requires hauling some stools.

Then you have me trying to get everyone to look the same direction at the same time, which never happens.... but good thing I know how to head swap!

Swipe to the last slide.
That`s the part they actually hang on the wall.

#extendedFamilyPhotography #SanClemente #OrangeCountyPhotographer #familyportraits #southOC

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Open post by julieirene with ID 18002407394930359

This is what an extended family session actually looks like before you see the final images.

Two strobes on the beach are a must with this many people if you plan on getting that gorgeous sunset perfect. Twenty-some people in eucalyptus trees requires hauling some stools.

Then you have me trying to get everyone to look the same direction at the same time, which never happens.... but good thing I know how to head swap!

Swipe to the last slide.
That's the part they actually hang on the wall.

#extendedFamilyPhotography #SanClemente #OrangeCountyPhotographer #familyportraits #southOC

Yesterday I took a mental break. I’ve been dealing with some perimenopause symptoms for the last few years and the worst part of it all has been my sleep.

2am. Wide awake. Again.

my mind goes from thing to thing – nothing important, not one clear thought I could actually grab onto. I’m laying there doing breathing exercises, hoping that will help but sometimes that just makes me more aware that I’m still awake. My heart’s going a little faster than it should be. I’ve read enough about cortisol at this point to understand why, but understanding something and being able to fix it are two different things.

I have been doing everything. Functional medicine appointments, every few months, bloodwork, daily workouts because they’re supposed to help, supplements I could fill a small cabinet with. I just received a cooling mattress pad last week in hopes that will help as well. I cut off all caffeine after 10 AM. Even warm showers at night. Next step I’m gonna consider acupuncture.

Some months are great. Then all of a sudden weeks will go by without one good night sleep.

The thing that nobody told me about Perry menopause is that it’s different for everybody. Nobody hands you and manual, and most of the advice you get doesn’t actually apply to you.

I’m figuring it out. Slowly. Some nights are better than others.

If you’re in the same place, I generally love to know what’s helping you. I’m sharing this for another reason then I know I’m not the only one lying awake at 2 AM doing math and how many hours of sleep I can still get.

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Open post by julieirene with ID 17976299307041579

Yesterday I took a mental break. I’ve been dealing with some perimenopause symptoms for the last few years and the worst part of it all has been my sleep.

2am. Wide awake. Again.

my mind goes from thing to thing – nothing important, not one clear thought I could actually grab onto. I’m laying there doing breathing exercises, hoping that will help but sometimes that just makes me more aware that I’m still awake. My heart’s going a little faster than it should be. I’ve read enough about cortisol at this point to understand why, but understanding something and being able to fix it are two different things.

I have been doing everything. Functional medicine appointments, every few months, bloodwork, daily workouts because they’re supposed to help, supplements I could fill a small cabinet with. I just received a cooling mattress pad last week in hopes that will help as well. I cut off all caffeine after 10 AM. Even warm showers at night. Next step I’m gonna consider acupuncture.

Some months are great. Then all of a sudden weeks will go by without one good night sleep.

The thing that nobody told me about Perry menopause is that it’s different for everybody. Nobody hands you and manual, and most of the advice you get doesn’t actually apply to you.

I’m figuring it out. Slowly. Some nights are better than others.

If you’re in the same place, I generally love to know what’s helping you. I’m sharing this for another reason then I know I’m not the only one lying awake at 2 AM doing math and how many hours of sleep I can still get.

The women who book She Means Business sessions are usually the ones who have been doing kick ass things for years and still don`t have images that show for it.

They`ve got speaking gigs, writing books, and clients who trust them — and a headshot from 2016 they`re quietly embarrassed by every time they have to use it.

The session is a full day at my San Clemente studio. Hair and makeup. Multiple looks. Behind-the-scenes footage they can use for their businesses. A feature in the She Means Business Orange County magazine at the end of the campaign. As well as an invitation to the campaign-end Gallery Exhibition.

We still have space for 17 more amazing women. If you`ve been meaning to do this, this is the one for you!

Link in bio to start the conversation.

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Orange County Newborn Photographer | Nicklaus

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