FAQ
GENERAL
Where is your studio located?
We are in Cypress, Texas (Northwest Houston area). Our address is 13122 Kathy Lane Cypress, Texas 77429.
Where is the blue truck and the tree swing?
Both are outdoors at our studio.
Where is your pricing?
Our full price list isn’t published online. If you would like a full price list, please email us and let us know what type of session you are interested in and we would be happy to email you a full price list.
Do you offer gift certificates?
We certainly do. They make exceptional gifts…baby shower gifts, birthdays, etc.
What time of day do you shoot?
Erin is a natural light photographer so she shoots early morning or late afternoon. Anything in between is just too bright.
Do you shoot families inside your studio?
Our studio is set up for photographing newborns. So we prefer to photograph families outside. But the studio has beautiful spots outside to photograph children and families.
Do you take sessions on the weekend?
Erin works one weekend a month. She saves all of the other weekends for her family….attending soccer games, basketball games, volleyball tournaments, etc.
How long is a session?
Sessions run 45 minutes to 1 hour depending upon the setting, the number of individuals and the age of the individuals. Newborn sessions typically last 2-3 hours, as we go at the pace of the baby and allow time for feedings and diaper changes.
Do you photograph extended families?
While Erin does some extended family work on occasion, her specialty is immediate families rather than large group portraits.
Do you photograph weddings or seniors?
Erin does not photograph weddings or seniors. She keep her focus on newborns, children and families.
READY TO BOOK A SESSION
How do I schedule a session?
You can email us at erincarlylephoto@aol.com when you are ready to book and we will let you know what dates we have available!
How do we pay for our session?
Once you reserve a date/time, we will send you an email to let you know how to pay for your session. Payment is due within four days of booking session.
Where does the photo session take place?
Erin is a natural light photographer so she shoots outdoors. Her favorite location is outdoors at the studio (the light is best in the afternoons at this location). But we aren’t limited to that location. We always love new places so if you have an idea, please share! Some clients like to be photographed outdoors at their homes or a grandparents home. We just have to make sure there is enough shade to allow us to take pictures. We can send you a list of locations that we typically shoot but aren’t limited to.
What if it is raining on the day of our session?
We will reschedule your session as soon as our schedules and the weather allows.
What if it is windy?
Erin watches the wind just as much as she watches the chances of rain. If the wind is blowing over 10 mph she will reschedule your session. Our goal is for your session to be perfect and hair blowing all over doesn’t make for pretty pictures.
What if my child is sick?
Let us know as soon as possible and we will reschedule. We definitely want them feeling their best for their pictures!
We have some ideas of our own. Can we try them?
You bet! Come prepared with any props your idea may require, and let us know what you’re thinking. We are always up for trying new things. Think of your kids favorite toys, special books, or bring fresh flowers for your photo studio session. These could be valuable in making children feel comfortable and the photography experience personal.
What should we wear?
Once you book, we will send you a “What to wear” email for some inspiration.
Can I take pictures on my camera or camera phone during a session?
As it states in our policies, Erin’s camera is the only camera allowed at the session. Thanks for understanding!
When will we be able to view the pictures?
About two weeks after your session, we will send you an email to let you know your gallery is ready. You will then tell us what 4 days you would like for your gallery to be live. On the first day of your gallery being live, we will send you an email that will include a password and instructions for ordering your prints.
Can I put the photos on my blog or Facebook?
ABSOLUTELY! If you see your images on my facebook page, please tag yourself. Once you have placed your order, you can request 3-4 specific favorites from your ordered images for me to add to facebook as well. Please leave my logo on your images when reposting them.
MATERNITY
Do you take maternity pictures?
Yes, we offer mini maternity sessions if we are photographing your newborn session. They are 30 minutes long and take place outside at our studio in NW Houston on a weekday evening.
When should I book my maternity/newborn session?
Between 7-8 months is a great time to have your maternity portraits taken. At this point, momma-to-be has a nicely pronounced belly and is still comfortable enough to move around to get versatile shots.
What should I wear?
Form-fitting tops, tanks, long flowing skirts that sit just under the belly are also great choices. Choose clothing that really accentuates the belly, it is a maternity session after all!
NEWBORNS
When should I book my newborn session?
ASAP. Get penciled in now! We only take a few newborns each month due to the extra time involved with these sessions. So if you want Erin Carlyle Photography to take your newborn pictures, get on our books as soon as possible. We initially pencil in a time within the 5-10 day mark of your due date. Most of my newborn sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays because that is when we have our baby whisperer assistant. If the baby is born earlier than your due date then you let us know as soon as possible and we reschedule the session to an earlier date.
When is the best time to shoot a newborn?
We like to photograph them when they are 5-10 days old. At this time mom is starting to feel better and the baby is still young enough to be sleepy and "curled up."
How long do newborn sessions last?
Our newborn sessions are often a bit longer than a typical session and tend to last 2-3 hours. We follow the baby's lead with lots of time for diaper changes, nursing, etc. We try to keep things relaxed and stress-free. We ask moms to try to feed the baby right before the session starts. A REALLY full baby from the start has a faster session.
Do I feed the baby before our session?
Yes, try to feed your baby just before the sessions or at least top them off with a snack so they are good and sleepy. A full, full baby will stay asleep longer and be easier to pose...therefore your session would be closer to the 2 hour mark than 3. The babies who come into the studio that need to eat 30 minutes after they arrive are the ones that take a lot longer as they are starting to wake up right when they arrive so we never get them posed. Then they need to eat. So we don't actually start taking pictures until an hour after they arrive.
What should they wear?
Nothing…the birthday suit works best. I have a variety of props including hats, covers, headbands, wraps and blankets available for use during the session. Clothes tend to bunch up on babies, it really isn’t the best look. Please make sure you have your baby in loose fitting clothes and no socks at least an hour before our session. We don’t want any unwanted lines on their sweet bodies!
What if they poop and pee?
No worries. We work with newborns all of the time and chances are they will poop, pee and spit up. We clean it up and move on. And don't worry if it gets on our blankets, they get washed!
What if it is too cold for them not to be swaddled?
No worries. We have the studio nice and warm and use a space heater to warm the blankets {which is usually draped over a very comfy bean bag or boppy} before we put them down. It will make them happy and make us sweat.
What if they won’t sleep?
If it is the first 2 weeks, they will! We have a white noise maker we will have going to help that baby cakes relax and fall right asleep.
What if we want pictures of the baby with mom and dad?
If Mom or Dad would like to participate in a few photos, please let us know prior to the session so we can have it set up accordingly. Erin likes to start with family pictures otherwise the parents look melted at the end of the session after sitting in the studio heat.
What if we want pictures with an older sibling?
When taking newborn pictures with siblings she will start with those pictures (unless we are doing family also and then we start with family and then move to sibling pictures) so that the older sibling doesn't have to stay at the studio. Some people bring a grandparent with them that then takes the older one home or sometimes Dad will take the older sibling to a park down the street. Otherwise the older sibling will be bored to tears at the studio in a small quiet space for 2-3 hours. And we want to create an atmosphere for the baby and photographer that is soothing without distractions. Sibling pictures with a newborn mostly go great, but sometimes the sibling isn't thrilled with having a newborn at home and isn't very happy about taking pictures with them. But we always try my very best to get those amazing sibling pictures for you!
What if my baby is older than 2 weeks?
Generally we photograph newborns when they are 2 weeks and younger, as that's the time period when the "curled up" sleeping images are most likely to be captured (see the "itty bitty ones" gallery on the website). After 2 weeks babies are awake a bit more, often more irritable, etc., so those types of shots are less likely. Still, at this age (2 weeks--4 months) we can capture lovely images of the baby interacting with mom and dad (lots of "in arms" shots are necessary just b/c of the developmental stage of the baby). Another alternative is waiting until the baby is 4 months or around 6 months. Around 4 months we would be get smiling shots, tummy time shots, lifting her head up, etc., And at 6 months (often closer to 7, depending), we'd be able to get sitting up shots.