Raw, emotional,
melt-your-heart moments
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, every child is unique. Soon their personality will start to show, they’ll be talking and walking in no time, and before you know it they’ll have grown up in the blink of an eye. But for now, cherish this special time with your baby.
Your baby’s life is just beginning. Never forget the start of their journey.
Newborn portraits might seem impossible—you never know what a baby will do, right? But with a little trust, a lot of patience, and tender care, your newborn portraits will be filled with rosy cheeks, little tiny fingers, and irresistible smiles that’ll make you fall in love with your baby all over again.
"Christina is AMAZING!!! I wanted to do family pictures when my son turned one, and my husband reluctantly went along with it. When the time came for the session, Christina made it so easy and fun. My son, being a normal one year old boy, wanted to move all over and do his own thing. My husband wanted to hurry up and finish taking pictures. Christina was incredibly tolerant and accommodating, and the results were amazing - beautiful, real pictures that perfectly capture our life in SF. Even my husband admitted it was totally worthwhile and was so glad we did it!
We absolutely love our pictures, and will absolutely hire Christina again for another session with our family!" - Nikki
A Little About Me
1. We’ll Schedule A Call
Once I receive your contact information we’ll plan to hop on the phone and discuss your upcoming newborn photo session. If this is your first time, don’t worry! I’m here to answer any questions or address concerns you might have about the process. We’ll talk packages, rates, location ideas, and all things baby to make sure you’re comfortable and confident moving forward.
2. I’ll Send You A Booking Agreement
If you’re ready to move forward I’ll send you an electronic booking agreement to sign. This contract, plus a Booking Fee that’s due when we schedule your newborn portrait session, will hold your place on my calendar.
3. Let’s Take Some Photos
I'll arrive at your home, or another cozy, private spot, for a 60-minute newborn session. Most sessions happen in the first few weeks after birth, when babies are sleepy and curly. No props, no complicated posing, just you, your baby and the real moments in between. With more than 30 years of photographing people, I'll guide you through every step so you and your baby are comfortable the whole time.
4. Your Adorable Newborn Portraits Are Ready
I’ll send you your live newborn portrait gallery no later than 2 weeks after our photo session. I’m more than happy to suggest digital prints, albums, or wall art to display your photos. Keep in mind the prints, albums, and wall art will be sold separately from the booking fee for your session.
Hello Baby, Welcome to the World!
Without warning, our little bundles of joy grow up faster than we can believe. Don’t let this moment slip by, let’s start planning your newborn portrait photos today!
Wondering what it's like to work with us? Check out our Yelp reviews and Google reviews to hear directly from clients who've experienced our newborn sessions.
LET'S CHAT!
A Little About Me
I bring so much more than a camera to your session. I show up with a passion for seeing the things you might be too busy to notice in the moment: the incredible love your family shares as it grows, those little fingers and toes, the way your baby feels when she falls asleep on your shoulder, and the joy of sharing this experience with your partner.
When you work with me, you're getting a lifelong professional, not a photography enthusiast. I'm Christina Hernandez, and I spent 15 years as a staff photojournalist at the San Francisco Chronicle before founding Nightingale Photography. For more than 30 years, I've been photographing families, and today I work in homes across the Bay Area and St. Louis, creating meaningful portraits of the most special time in your life: becoming parents and growing a family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my newborn session?
Book during your second or third trimester to hold a spot on my calendar. We'll set a tentative date around your due date, then confirm it once your baby arrives. Most sessions happen within the first few weeks after birth.
Where do newborn sessions happen?
Almost always in your home, where your baby is comfortable and you don't have to go anywhere. I photograph in homes across Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, San Francisco and Palo Alto. In St. Louis, I work in Clayton, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Chesterfield, St. Charles, O'Fallon, Belleville and Edwardsville.
Do I need to clean or decorate my house?
No. I usually work in one or two rooms with good window light, often the nursery or your bedroom. A tidy corner is all we need.
Can siblings and pets be in the photos?
Yes, please! Big brothers, big sisters and family dogs make some of the sweetest images.
Is newborn photography safe for my baby?
Your baby's comfort and safety come first. I don't use risky props or complicated poses. Everything is baby-led, and we take breaks for feeding, cuddling and diaper changes whenever needed.
How long is a session, and when do I get my photos?
Sessions run about 60 minutes. Your gallery will be ready within two weeks.
How much does a newborn session cost?
Newborn sessions start at $275. Prints, albums and wall art are available separately.
Can I book maternity and newborn sessions together?
Yes, and many parents do. See my Bay Area maternity sessions and ask about booking both when you get in touch.
christina@nightingalephotos.com EXPLORE THE BLOG
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