baby milestone welcome guide
Services offered by Kalispell Baby Photographer, Valerie Clement
I'm so happy you're here! Chances are, you've already "met" me via my website but if not, Hello! I'm Valerie. I'm a mom of three (including twins) and married to my complete opposite, I'm an introvert and a homebody so I chose an interesting career that requires me to leave the house and meet new people all the time. 😂 But I love every minute of it! I hope we'll have the chance to meet in-person and create some beautiful memories for your family.
Let's make something magical together.
Hello & Welcome!
If we haven't worked together before, thank you so much for considering me for your child's Milestone session. I know how precious these moments are and I would be honored to capture them for you.
This Welcome Guide has some important information about the Milestone photography experience, as well as pricing details, and tips to help you prepare and plan for your session. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me.
location & scheduling
My studio is located in South Kalispell about 10 minutes from downtown. It is located in its own building with its own entrance and parking on my property and was custom designed by me. I have a fully stocked prop closet (some might say too full!) and provide everything needed for your session.
I generally recommend booking at least one to two months prior to your session to ensure space on my calendar but if you don't have that much time, let's chat as I sometimes have last minute openings. Keep in mind that editing takes about 2-3 weeks so if you need photos by a certain date, you'll want to allow enough time for processing after your session. For less than one week turnaround, I do offer a $100 rush fee option.
Studio sessions are generally scheduled Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm (start time). Weekends may on occasion be available, so let's chat about what you're looking for. If you are adding family photos to your Milestone session, please keep this in mind when booking. Milestone sessions are generally 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of session booked.
As we get closer to your session date, I will be in touch to confirm your session and all the details.
props + more
I provide props, backdrops, outfits, cake stands, etc., so there is nothing you need to worry about. The only exception is for cake smash sessions, I do not provide the cake for potential allergy concerns. My advice is to avoid red, black, or brown frosting (a little detail is ok but I would avoid doing a lot of these colors), naked cakes are a great choice as they photograph beautifully and have less frosting for babies that may be intimidated or bothered by sticky frosting on their hands. :)
I have multiple session types from mini to full to elaborate. With 3, 6, 9 month milestones, I usually do fairly simple setups with more focus on baby versus props. When it comes to cake smashes, most commonly, I do general themes such as florals, outdoors, camping, color schemes, etc. If you are looking for something very specific and more elaborate (specific characters, cartoons, etc.), I offer a specific cake smash session to accommodate more elaborate props and themes so be sure to keep this in mind when booking your session.
working with children
As a mom of three, I totally understand the stress of family photos with young children and worrying if they will behave, will they smile, or will they just cry? First things first, don't stress! I promise that I won't be phased by children crying or not listening.
Will we get just one smiling photo? I will definitely try my best but the more pressure we add, the less likely it is to happen. If parents relax, kids are more likely to follow suit. We can't predict how babies will react to being photographed, eating cake or maybe refusing to touch it, but at the end of the day, we are documenting this specific stage of life and your babies, just as they are.
And even though you often think we got nothing, I promise that I always end up with adorable images (peep that beauty above who was tired and teething but still gave some gorgeous smiles in between!)
I want your photography session to be easy, relaxed, and most importantly, an experience you enjoy! My studio session pricing for milestone sessions includes use of my extensive (and always growing!) professional props and wardrobe.
When you book a studio session, I'll discuss styles, colors, props, etc. in advance so that when you arrive for your session, I'll have everything set-up and ready to go.
baby milestone sessions
mini milestone
- 30 minute studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit/setup from studio
- 5 Digital Images of your choice with print release
- Add $100 for twins + 5 additional images
- Additional $25/image or $150 full gallery upgrade
- Mini sessions do not include themes
- $100 retainer to reserve your date
3, 6, 9 Month $225
full milestone
- 1.5 hour studio session time for baby only
- Includes 3 outfits/set-ups
- Use of professional props, outfits, and accessories
- Setups are typically fairly simple, minimal props as this is all about capturing milestones like tummy time, first smiles, & sitting on their own!
- All Edited Digital Images with print release (typically around 30+ images but dependent on baby)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)
- $150 RETAINER TO RESERVE YOUR DATE
3, 6, 9 Month $425
mini cake smash
- 30 minute studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit for portraits and one for cake smash (may be borrowed from studio)
- 5 Digital Images of your choice
- Add $100 for twins + 5 additional images
- Additional images may be purchased upon delivery for $25/image or $150 full gallery upgrade
- Cake not included
- Mini sessions do not include themes.
- Includes a white floor and backdrop as pictured and your choice of balloon color and/or a simple banner or garland (balloon garlands are not included in mini sessions).
- $100 RETAINER TO RESERVE YOUR DATE
One Year $225
simple smash & splash
- Up to 1.5 hour studio session time for baby only
- Includes one outfit for portraits, one outfit for cake smash photos, & bubble bath or milk bath photos, A second outfit for portraits may be substituted in lieu of bubble/milk bath, if preferred
- Use of professional backdrops, props, outfits, and accessories (cake not included)
- Includes more general themes and less props, such as certain colors, simple balloon garlands, or themes like "floral", "outdoors", etc.
- Includes all Edited Digital images with print release (typically 40+ images but this is dependent on baby)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)
- $150 RETAINER TO RESERVE YOUR DATE
One Year $425
themed smash & splash
- This includes everything that my general smash and splash includes: portraits, cake smash, bubble or milk bath, props, outfits, cake stand, etc. (cake not included)
- This session accommodates for those who want very specific themes or elaborate setups with lots of props such as specific characters, cartoons, etc. that I will need to create or acquire for the session (generally requires a little more advanced booking)
- Includes all Edited Digital images with print release (typically around 40+ images)
- Add $100 for twins (generally includes more images)
- $150 RETAINER TO RESERVE YOUR DATE
One Year $525
family session
- 30 minute Mini Family session may be added to any Milestone Session and will include your choice of a solid backdrop, lifestyle portraits using studio couch, or images outside of the studio
- Includes an additional outfit for baby (either from home or studio).
- Includes photos of baby and family and baby with each parent and siblings (if applicable). Limit 6 people max (including baby) due to studio size.
- includes 5 Images of Your Choice, $25 /Additional Image or $150 Full Family Upgrade
- Please keep in mind that milestone studio hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 1pm (start time). Family photos are usually taken at the beginning so if needed the other parent/children may leave once those photos are complete.
