The Full Newborn Experience With Leah Islinger Photography
Available In Appleton & Throughout The Fox Valley, WI
Details & Pricing
THE FULL NEWBORN EXPERIENCE
Newborn sessions are slow-paced, quiet, and calm. Your full newborn experience can take up to 3 hours, depending on how many breaks your baby needs. These sessions are preferably scheduled around 12 - 17 days old, so please contact me as soon as possible to schedule your session according to your estimated due date.
The Full Newborn Experience has a non-refundable retainer to schedule your session. This session includes up to 3 hours in the studio, and this session can include family & sibling poses. Includes props, posed images & wrapped images.
After your session takes place, you will receive your preview images in a private online gallery. From there you have the choice of one of my 3 collections, and you can also purchase prints and products 'a la carte'.
YOU CAN VIEW COLLECTIONS BELOW
THE FULL NEWBORN EXPERIENCE
$100.00 non-refundable session fee retainer, due to schedule
After your session takes place, you will receive your preview images in a private online gallery. From there you have the choice of one of my 3 collections, and you can also purchase prints and products 'a la carte'.
- SCROLL FOR COLLECTION PRICING -
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Studio location, up to 3 hours
May include family and siblings
Props, posed images & wrapped poses
The $100 session fee retainer for your full newborn experience is not included in or applied toward your final session purchase - it is the cost for your scheduled session day/time and is non-refundable. This fee holds your session date/time and includes the photographer's skilled expertise, use of all studio props, editing & retouching, and convenient online ordering.
SESSION COLLECTIONS
after your full newborn experience, you choose one of these collection options......
1400.00 | Gettin' All Our Faves
Your top 35, beautifully chosen & artfully preserved.
A polished, personalized collection of all of your absolute favorites.
- Private online gallery
- 35 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
- Final images delivered on a custom USB drive
- A set of 4x6 printed proofs in a photo box
- 16x20 mounted wall portrait
- 10x10 coffee table book
- Print release
850.00 | Gettin' Some To Share
A well-rounded set to relive & share the love.
Ideal for a mix of personal favorites and sweet moments to pass along.
- Private online gallery
- 25 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
- Final images delivered on a custom USB drive
- Print release
550.00 | Gettin' Just For Us
A thoughtful little collection for just between you.
Simple, meaningful, and made to hold the moments that matter most.
- Private online gallery
- 15 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
- Final images delivered electronically
- Print release
YOUR EXPERIENCE, EXPLAINED.....
The Full Newborn Experience
This session includes family & sibling poses if you wish to add them to the start of your session. Once those are completed, the remainder of the session will be all about capturing your sweet, new baby. In this session, there will be a mix of props, posed images (including the option to wear outfits), and wrapped poses.
This session requires a session fee retainer at booking. This session fee retainer does not include any digital images, prints, or products & is not applied toward your session order - it is the cost for your scheduled session day/time and is non-refundable. All purchases are made after you receive your final gallery.
Are you unsure what your vision is for your full newborn session? Let’s talk about what you’re hoping to do with your images — I’m here to help guide you to the perfect fit!
** If you wish to send me 'inspiration' photos, please be sure they are from my own website or my Facebook page and not Pinterest or from a web search. I prefer to photograph in my own style and cannot replicate certain poses or ideas **
To add extra people to a full newborn experience, such as grandparents, there will be an additional charge of $50 per person (LIMIT 2), which will be invoiced separately from your session fee retainer.
Please note: no RAW or unedited images will be delivered in your final order. Only the included images in your session or additional purchased digital files will be delivered.
HELPFUL HINTS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN DO I SCHEDULE?
It’s ideal to book your newborn session during your pregnancy, typically around the second trimester (around 20 weeks), to ensure availability and gives us plenty of time to plan. By booking early, you can secure your preferred time frame and avoid any last-minute stress. I will pencil in a session date approx. 12-17 days from your due date. Once your little bundle of joy arrives, simply contact me to let me know the great news! If he/she arrived earlier or later than expected I will adjust the session date accordingly. If you did not book early or simply decided last minute that you want a newborn session don’t worry! I have successfully photographed newborns up to 8 weeks old.
The reason newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first 12 to 17 days after birth is that they are typically sleepier and more flexible in posing during this time. The early days also capture their tiniest features, such as their soft, curled-up poses, that are only present in the first few weeks of life.
WHERE DOES A NEWBORN SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Newborn sessions take place in my downtown Little Chute studio which is located inside The Main Street Plaza. The studio is fully equipped with all the professional gear needed to capture your baby & family. Just pack your baby’s essentials and I provide the rest! I have an abundance of props, backdrops, fabrics, tiny outfits, baby sized hair pretties, bonnets and more! There is a Keurig, a bottle warmer, a mini fridge stocked with beverages and plenty of small snacks for you to help yourself to. Once your family images have been taken you are welcome to settle into my ‘parent lounge’. You can look over my product samples on display or even take a little snooze. Moms will be able to relax and put their feet up for feeding baby as well.
Please let me know ahead of time if you have any special items of your own you would like to use such as grandma's knitted blankie, stuffed lovies, daddy's guitar, or an old baseball glove. This way I can properly plan ahead when I style and plan out your session.
WHAT TIME IS OUR SESSION?
I find that morning sessions work best, so I like to schedule sessions to begin at 10:00 AM. Newborn sessions can last several hours (approximately 3–4 for the full experience), so I kindly ask that you avoid scheduling other commitments during this time. The length of each session is entirely baby-led; some babies sleep peacefully throughout, while others may need more frequent breaks.
If sibling images are included, I strongly recommend that once siblings have been photographed, one parent or a trusted adult takes them home. This is not because I don’t enjoy having all of your little ones present, I truly do! However, the studio contains many tempting items to explore, as well as delicate and expensive equipment that could be accidentally damaged. Having siblings depart afterward helps ensure a calm, relaxed environment for you and allows me to focus my full attention on your newborn, so you can fully enjoy the session.
HOW DO WE HELP BABY BE SLEEPY?
Planning a little awake time one hour before your session can help burn off some energy, so baby will be sleepier upon arrival at the studio. Try to avoid your baby sleeping all morning, as a too well-rested baby may have difficulty settling during the session, which can limit our ability to capture the sleepy, posed images you booked me for.
A bath is a wonderful way to help tire your baby. Afterward, apply a gentle lotion to help reduce flaky skin, but please avoid oily or greasy products, as they do not photograph well. Dressing baby in a button or zip-up sleeper without a onesie underneath makes it easier and less disruptive when I need to undress them at the studio.
Please be sure to give your baby a full feeding right before you leave for your session.
If you are traveling a longer distance to the studio, it can be helpful, if possible, to keep your baby from sleeping for the entire drive, though I know this isn’t always easy!
WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?
My newborn photography style is a blend of wrapped images and softly posed, implied-nude portraits. I love highlighting those beautiful baby rolls and fresh newborn skin, while also providing variety through a selection of wraps and tiny outfits supplied by the studio.
While it can be tempting to bring store-bought or handmade outfits, I recommend using the pieces available in my studio. These items are specifically designed for newborn photography and tend to fit and photograph much better than typical retail clothing. If you do have a special outfit that you’re set on incorporating into your session, please send me photos of it prior to your session date so I can thoughtfully plan the best way to include it.
WHAT SHOULD PARENTS WEAR?
For parent-and-baby poses, I recommend wearing solid-colored tops such as black, cream, blue, or other neutral tones. Color is absolutely welcome, but patterns can be distracting and may take attention away from your baby. Parent and family images are captured on my simple, neutral backdrops as well as seated on my studio couch.
For a more timeless and classic look, we can also do skin-to-skin poses. For mama-and-baby images, you’re welcome to use my studio gowns or a variety of soft fabrics to wrap mom’s upper body while holding baby. Dads are welcome to go shirtless as well if they’d like—this looks great for highlighting muscle tone and showing off any meaningful or fun tattoos.
Because hands are often featured prominently in these images, please be sure to moisturize beforehand and either remove old nail polish or apply fresh polish prior to your session.
WHAT TYPE OF EDITING DO YOU DO?
I do retouch temporary skin concerns such as baby acne and small scratches. If your baby has significant flakiness, I will edit what I can while preserving the natural texture and integrity of your baby’s skin, ensuring the final images still look realistic and true to your newborn.
I do not remove birthmarks or other permanent features unless specifically requested by the parent and only within reason.
WHY IS IT SO HOT IN HERE?
My studio will be kept warm to ensure your baby’s comfort during those mostly birthday-suit moments. You’re welcome to bring a change of cooler clothing for yourselves to wear after family photos are completed. Since your baby will be undressed for some poses, maintaining a warm environment is essential for their comfort.
I also use a space heater to provide gentle, direct warmth, along with a white noise machine to help soothe your baby into a peaceful, sleepy state.
WHAT IF MY BABY CRIES?
Babies cry & that's ok! I never do anything that could hurt your baby, and I never force them into poses that are uncomfortable. Some poses require a bit of flexibility, and thankfully newborns are naturally very flexible. Babies may wake or fuss simply from being gently repositioned.
Certain poses can take up to 20 minutes to achieve. If you request a specific pose, I am always happy to try; however, if your baby resists, I will not force it. Every baby is different, and not all babies enjoy or tolerate every pose, and that is perfectly okay.
If you have already introduced a pacifier (even if your baby doesn’t typically like it), please bring one with you. A pacifier is one of the most effective tools I have for soothing your baby and can be especially helpful when achieving certain poses.
We will take as many breaks as your baby requires for feeding, changing, and snuggling.
"OH MY GOSH, YOU ARE SO PATIENT!"
I hear this said in nearly every session! My regular response is "In this job if you cannot be patient then you are in the wrong line of work."
Some poses take time, and occasionally your baby may need a little extra soothing to drift into a deeper sleep. Babies aren’t used to being adjusted so frequently during what would normally be nap time, just as they get comfortable, I may need to reposition them again.
You may often see me sitting quietly with one hand resting on your baby’s head and the other on their bum or feet. This helps them feel secure and supported, which encourages them to settle more easily. If your baby seems uncooperative at times, please don’t worry, this is completely normal. The calmer and more relaxed we all remain, the calmer your baby will be as well.
A SPRINKLE OF EXTRA INFO....
No worries about pee, poops, or spit-ups — they’re completely normal and expected! All of my blankets, furs, wraps, little pants, and props are washed after every session, so nothing to stress about.
If you forget anything on this list, just don’t forget the milk! If you’re supplementing or bottle feeding, be sure to bring extra — more than you think you’ll need. All the moving and posing often calls for an extra snack or two. Don’t worry, there’s a bottle warmer ready for you to use.
If you’re nursing, plan to nurse during the session. It might be a quick snack or a full feeding — whatever your baby needs. There’s a cozy couch, a nursing pillow, and plenty of privacy. If you’re pumping, feel free to bring your pump along as well, as many moms find they need to pump during the session.
Newborn Photography | Little Chute, WI | Serving Appleton & the Fox Valley
Preserve Your Baby’s First Precious Moments
Newborn photography is for parents in Appleton, Little Chute, and the Fox Valley who want to capture the magic of their baby’s earliest days. Whether this is your first baby or you’re expanding your family, these sessions preserve the sweetness, innocence, and tiny details that make these moments unforgettable.
What to Expect
Your newborn session will be calm, safe, and personalized. I specialize in gentle posing and natural setups that highlight your baby’s unique personality. Sessions are done in my Little Chute studio, where everything needed for a professional newborn session is readily available. I guide you through every step, wardrobe suggestions, poses, and tips to keep your baby comfortable, ensuring a stress-free, beautiful experience.
Why Choose Me
I bring a patient, professional, and creative approach to newborn photography. My goal is to create timeless, high-quality images that families in Appleton and throughout the Fox Valley will treasure for a lifetime. With a welcoming studio in Little Chute, I provide a safe and comfortable environment where your baby, and you, can feel relaxed and celebrated. Choosing me means capturing your baby’s first days with warmth, care, and artistry.
Book Your Newborn Photography Session in Appleton & Fox Valley
Your baby’s first days are fleeting. Let’s capture these precious moments in beautiful, timeless images you’ll treasure forever. Contact me to schedule your newborn session in Little Chute, Appleton, or anywhere in the Fox Valley.