Golden hour (the hour or two after sunrise or before sunset) is the best time of day for outdoor natural light photos. The soft golden glow as the sun sinks lower in the sky is very flattering! I typically schedule my photoshoots to begin about 1.5-2 hours before sunset so that the sun is just dipping below the tree line as we’re wrapping up our photos. If you have young kids with early bedtimes, don’t fret! Sunset time is earliest in the fall, so an outdoor golden hour photoshoot is possible for every family as long as you plan in advance.
Yes! You are welcome to share your pictures with family and friends on social media. When posting on social media, I just ask that you credit Kristin Brockman Photography in the post/caption and refrain from putting filters on the photos so that they are a true representation of my work. All the details you need to know about sharing your photos are described in the Print Release document that you’ll receive along with your final image gallery.
No, unedited RAW files from our photoshoot are not available for purchase. I present all the best shots from our photoshoot in your proofing gallery, and you select your favorite pictures for final editing. I go through every image from our photoshoot and eliminate the test shots, the ones where somebody’s blinking, etc. and pick out the best moments and expressions from each sequence. I do not limit the size of my proofing galleries, so you can rest assured that you won’t miss any of the sweet moments we capture together!
- PA sales tax (6%)
- Possible travel fee if you choose to do the session at a location more than a 20 mile radius (40 miles round trip) outside of Pottstown
- Possible site fee if you select a location that charges for professional photoshoots
I’m always happy to suggest a beautiful location within the 20 mile radius of Pottstown that is free for us to use for families who want to avoid a travel fee and/or site fee.
- A phone conference to share ideas, choose a date/location, discuss tips to help you prepare for your photoshoot, and answer any questions you may have
- My Style Guide with tips to help you prepare for your photos
- Your family’s photoshoot
- Custom editing of your photos
- Travel up to 20 miles (40 miles round trip) from Pottstown
- High-resolution digital image files (specific number of pictures included is based on type of session)
- A color and black & white version of each photo you select for your final gallery
Yes. Absolutely. Wholeheartedly. All families are welcome in my life and in front of my lens. Every family is unique, but love is universal. It brings me such joy to capture every family, beautiful and completely in love.
I typically schedule maternity photos between 28-34 weeks. This timing allows us to capture your beautiful baby belly and also gives us a bit of wiggle room in case the baby arrives a little earlier than the due date so you don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. If you want some examples of how far along you are will look in your photos, you can check out my featured photo sessions. For reference, the Featured Family Maternity Session at the link above (with the mom in the burgandy dress) was shot on the earlier side around 28 weeks. And the Featured Maternity Session (with the mom in the white dress) was shot right around 34 weeks.
I typically take newborn photos in the first month after the baby is born, but this timing is flexible with my natural style of newborn photography because your baby doesn’t need to be asleep to create beautiful memories. You typically get more sleeping photos in the first two weeks after birth, so we’ll want to schedule your newborn photoshoot soon after birth if you’re hoping to capture your baby in that tiniest sleepy newborn stage. Or if you have your heart set on a mix of sleepy and bright-eyed, expressive newborn pictures, I recommend scheduling your newborn photos for around 3-4 weeks old. Some of the babies you see in my newborn portfolio are even 5-6 weeks old due to scheduling issues related to the pandemic, extra time spent in the hospital after birth, or families who reached out to schedule their newborn photos after the baby was born. There’s no such thing as missing the so-called “newborn window” for photos in my book!
My favorite tip is to choose mom’s outfit first and then pick one or two coordinating colors to round out dad’s and kids’ outfits. This is certainly not the only approach you could use, but I find that the pictures are usually AMAZING when mom feels comfortable and beautiful in what she’s wearing. It’s also much easier to shop for an adorable (and affordable) kid’s outfit with so many million options out there, while all women know that it can be tricky to find that perfect piece in women’s clothes. When you book your photoshoot, I’ll also send you my Style Guide with tips and direct shopping links for inspiration to help you look and feel your best for your family photos.
- Springton Manor Farm (Glenmoore) – You’d have a tough time finding a beautiful setting with more variety of backdrops to choose from than Springton Manor Farm. With beautiful old barns, fields, fences, big boulders, tree lined paths, a pond, and animals, this is one of the first spots I suggest for photos all year round.
- Valley Forge (King of Prussia) – There are multiple areas of Valley Forge I love for photos, and each of them has something special to offer. Stone architecture, columns, arches, historic charm, sweeping valley views, and stunning fall colors are just a few of the reasons why Valley Forge is one of the most popular spots for family photos.
- Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square) – Your eyes are all you need to understand why people come from all over the world to take in the gardens and fountains of Longwood. Every time I visit, I find new areas that make me stop and stare with wonder!
- Green Lane (Perkiomenville) – I have a special fondness for lakes and bridges, and Green Lane offers both of these! There’s a really cool bridge and beautiful sweeping lake views that I adore for photos.
- Lavender Farm (Coatesville) – I may have a bit of an obsession with flowers, and rows of soft purple lavender in bloom make my heart go pitter patter. I especially love the lavender farm for families with young kids, which may be why I chose this spot for our own family photos last year!
- I have too many favorites to share! – When you reach out to book your photoshoot, I’ll send you more of my favorite location ideas for each season. And I love discovering beautiful new places, so please don’t hesitate to share a special spot you already have in mind for your photos!
Kristin Brockman is a Professional Newborn, Maternity, & Family Photographer specializing in natural, family-centered lifestyle photography for newborns, pregnancy, and families serving clients in the Greater Philadelphia area including but not limited to the Main Line, Malvern, Wayne, Media, King of Prussia, Collegeville, Harleysville, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Kennett Square, West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, Reading, Gilbertsville, Boyertown, and Allentown.
Email me at kristinbrockmanphotography@gmail.com
to learn more details and reserve your session!
kristinbrockmanphotography@gmail.com
610-914-5272
