Everything You Need to Prepare for Your Session
Welcome, and thank you for choosing MB Graphic & Photography Design for your portrait session. I want your experience to feel easy, enjoyable, and stress-free from start to finish.
This page is your go-to resource for everything you need to know before, during, and after your session. Browse the section that applies to your booking, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions not covered here.
Jump to:
Newborn Sessions | Maternity Sessions | Family Sessions | Milestone & Baby Plan Sessions | Your Gallery & Digital Images | Model Release Form | Contact & FAQ |
Preparing for Your Newborn Session
Congratulations on your new arrival! Newborn sessions are one of my absolute favourite things to photograph, and I want to make sure your experience is as calm and enjoyable as possible for your whole family.
For a comprehensive guide to preparing for your newborn session, please read:
Below is a quick summary of the most important points.
When to Book
Please book your newborn session during your third trimester, ideally around 32–34 weeks. Newborn sessions are best photographed between 5 and 21 days old, when babies are naturally sleepy, flexible, and curled.
Once your baby arrives, contact me right away to confirm your session date within that ideal 5–21-day window.
📧 info@mariamchbazzi.com
📞 226-526-3967
What to Bring
All props, wraps, hats, headbands, and backdrops are provided by me — you don’t need to bring anything for the session itself.
You are warmly welcome to bring:
- A sentimental item (heirloom blanket, special toy, family keepsake)
- A going-home outfit if you’d like it photographed
- Siblings’ favourite toys to keep them entertained
Feeding Your Baby Before the Session
- Feed your baby as close to the start of the session as possible — a full baby is a
sleepy baby! - Bring formula or expressed milk in case the baby needs a top-up during the session
- Don’t worry about a feeding schedule — we work entirely at the baby’s pace
What to Wear — For Parents & Siblings
- Neutral tones work beautifully — cream, white, beige, soft grey, blush
- Avoid busy patterns, large logos, or bright colours that distract from the baby
- Comfortable, simple clothing works best
- Siblings look lovely in soft neutrals or colours that complement the parents
Keeping Baby Warm
Newborns need to stay warm throughout the session. For studio sessions, the room is kept at a comfortable temperature for the baby. For in-home sessions, please ensure the room is warm before I arrive.
How Long Will the Session Take?
Newborn sessions are never rushed. Please allow:
- Basic Package: 30–60 minutes
- Classic Package: 1–2 hours
- Premium Package: 3–4 hours
We take breaks for feeding, settling, and comforting whenever the baby needs it. Your baby sets the pace — always.
In-Home Sessions
If you’ve chosen an in-home session, here’s how to prepare your space:
- Choose a room with good natural light if possible (a room with large windows works beautifully)
- Clear a small area for my equipment — I don’t need much space
- Set the room temperature to warm before I arrive
- Don’t stress about tidying the whole house — we only need one comfortable space!
Safety First
As a PPOC-accredited photographer and certified newborn safety specialist, your baby’s wellbeing is my absolute top priority at all times. All poses are safe, supported, and
baby-led. I will never rush or force a pose that the baby isn’t comfortable with.
If you have any concerns about safety or posing at any point during the session, please speak up — I welcome it.
Preparing for Your Maternity Session
Maternity sessions are about celebrating you — your strength, your beauty, and the anticipation of welcoming your little one. Every session is designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and radiant.
When to Book
The ideal time for maternity portraits is between 28 and 36 weeks. At this stage, your belly has the most beautiful silhouette while you’re still feeling comfortable and mobile.
I recommend booking your session at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your
preferred date.
Session Location Options
Studio Sessions (Windsor, ON):
- Controlled lighting for soft, consistent results
- Full collection of elegant gowns available to borrow
- Climate-controlled and comfortable year-round
- Private and relaxed environment
Outdoor Sessions (Windsor-Essex Area):
- Beautiful natural settings and golden hour lighting
- Please bring your own wardrobe for outdoor sessions (gowns are available for studio sessions only)
- Weather-dependent — we will reschedule at no charge if conditions aren’t ideal
What to Wear
For Studio Sessions:
- Elegant gowns, flowing fabrics, and styling accessories are available at no
extra charge - Simply arrive, and I’ll help you choose pieces that flatter your shape and style
- You’re also welcome to bring your own pieces if you have something special in mind
For Outdoor Sessions:
- Flowing maxi dresses and gowns photograph beautifully
- Soft, neutral tones and muted colours work best in natural settings
- Avoid busy patterns and large logos
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking to locations
For All Sessions:
- Bring a few options if you’re unsure
- Fitted clothing that shows your bump is always more flattering than loose or oversized pieces
- A partner outfit in neutral tones photographs well if your partner will be joining
Hair & Makeup
- Come with your hair and makeup already done, or allow extra time to get ready before the session
- I recommend a natural, polished look that photographs well
- Avoid heavy contouring or very dramatic eye makeup under bright studio lights
- Loose, flowing hair or soft updos both work beautifully
Partner & Family Inclusions
Your partner and/or older children are warmly welcome to join for part or all of the session. Some families prefer a mix of solo maternity portraits and family-together images — just let me know your preference when booking.
How Long Will the Session Take?
- Basic Package: 30 minutes
- Classic Package: 1 hour
- Premium Package: 2 hours
Sessions are relaxed and unhurried. We’ll capture a variety of looks, poses, and settings within your package time.
Maternity + Newborn Bundle
Planning ahead? Book your maternity and newborn sessions together for a beautiful, cohesive documentation of your journey from pregnancy to parenthood.
👉 Learn More About Packages & Pricing
Preparing for Your Family Session
Family sessions are one of my favourite things to photograph — the genuine laughter, the connections, the little moments you don’t even notice until you see them in a photo. My goal is always to capture your family exactly as you are: real, warm, and full of love.
Session Location Options
Studio Sessions (Windsor, ON):
- Controlled, consistent lighting
- Clean, neutral backdrops
- Great for smaller children and babies
- Weather-independent
Outdoor Sessions (Windsor-Essex Area):
- Beautiful parks, natural settings, and scenic Windsor-area locations
- Best at golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for the most flattering light
- Weather-dependent — reschedule at no charge if conditions aren’t suitable
- Popular outdoor locations include Mic Mac Park, Malden Park, and Ojibway Park in Windsor, and many beautiful spots throughout LaSalle, Tecumseh, and Lakeshore
Not sure which location is right for you? Just ask — I’m happy to suggest the best
fit for your family’s style and age of children.
What to Wear — Family
Coordination Guide
Coordinated outfits photograph beautifully without looking too matchy-matchy.
Here’s how:
Choose a Colour Palette First:
- Pick 2–3 complementary colours and build everyone’s outfits around those tones
- Neutral palettes (cream, white, beige, sage, dusty blue) are timeless and elegant
- Earth tones (warm brown, terracotta, rust, olive) are beautiful for fall sessions
- Soft pastels work beautifully in spring and summer
What Works Well:
- Layers add depth and interest (cardigans, jackets, scarves)
- Mix textures — linen, cotton, denim, and knit all work together beautifully
- Solid colours and subtle patterns work best
- Bare feet or simple, coordinated shoes for a relaxed feel
What to Avoid:
- Large logos or graphic tees
- Neon or very bright colours that distract from faces
- Overly formal outfits that feel uncomfortable
- Everyone is wearing the exact same outfit (a little variety is more visually interesting)
- Clothes that don’t fit well or that you don’t feel confident in
A Tip for Kids:
- Dress them in something comfortable that they can move freely in
- Avoid new shoes that may cause discomfort
- Bring a small snack or treat as a reward for little ones during the session
Tips for a Great Session with Children
- Schedule the session at a time when your children are typically at their best
(avoid nap times and meal times) - Don’t tell young children too far in advance — a day or two is plenty
- Let them know it will be fun and not too long
- Bring a small snack, favourite toy, or comfort item just in case
- Try not to stress if things don’t go perfectly — genuine, in-between moments often make the most beautiful photographs
- Most importantly: follow their lead and have fun!
Group Size
Family sessions include up to 6 people. Additional family members are welcome at
$25 + HST per person.
Planning an extended family session? Please let me know in advance so we can
plan the session flow and timing accordingly.
How Long Will the Session Take?
- Basic Package: 30 minutes
- Classic Package: 1 hour
- Premium Package: 2 hours with multiple outfit or location options
Preparing for Your Milestone & Baby Plan Session
Watching your baby grow and change through their first year is one of life’s most
precious experiences — and it happens so fast. Milestone sessions are designed to capture each stage beautifully, so you can look back and truly remember how tiny they once were.
Milestone Session Ages
Each milestone age captures something unique and special:
3–4 Months:
- Tummy time and lifting their head
- First real smiles and eye contact
- Early personality is beginning to emerge
- Best captured during a period of alertness
6 Months:
- Sitting unassisted (or with light support)
- Bright, engaging expressions
- Babbling and responding to voices
- A wonderfully interactive stage
12 Months (First Birthday):
- Standing and first steps
- Exploring and reaching for everything
- Celebratory cake smash setups available in home sessions only
- The most expressive and personality-filled session of the year
What to Bring
All age-appropriate props, hats, backdrops, and styling items are provided. You’re
welcome to bring:
- A special toy or comfort item
- A favourite outfit or milestone outfit (such as a “one” birthday outfit)
What to Wear — Baby & Parents
- Simple, neutral tones for baby work beautifully against our studio backdrops
- If parents will be included in any images, soft neutrals or tones that complement
baby’s outfit is ideal - Avoid busy patterns that distract from the baby’s expressions
Timing Your Session
- Schedule the session during the baby’s most alert and happy time of day
- Avoid scheduling immediately before or after nap times
- A well-rested, recently fed baby makes for the happiest session
- Don’t worry if the baby is having a fussy day — I’m experienced in working patiently with little ones, and always get the shots we need
Baby Plan Coordination
If you’ve booked a Baby Plan package (three sessions: 3m, 6m, 12m), I’ll coordinate styling and colour palettes across all three sessions so your images look beautifully cohesive when displayed together.
Before each session, I’ll be in touch to confirm the details and share any specific preparation tips for that milestone.
Your Gallery & Digital Images
After your session, here’s everything you need to know about receiving and using
your images.
Gallery Delivery Timeline
Your beautifully edited gallery will be ready within 3–4 weeks of your session date. You’ll receive an email notification with a private link to your online gallery as soon as it’s ready.
Downloading Your Images
Your private online gallery allows you to:
- View all of your edited images
- Download your digital files in high resolution
- Share a private link with family and friends
- Place print orders directly through the gallery
Please download your images and back them up to a secure location (an external hard drive or cloud storage) as soon as possible after receiving your gallery.
How Many Images Will I Receive?
The number of edited images depends on your package:
Basic Packages:
- 5 professionally edited digital images
Classic Packages:
- 12 professionally edited digital images
Premium Packages:
- 20 professionally edited digital images on a custom USB
Baby Plan — Classic:
- 12 images per session (36 total)
Baby Plan — Premium:
- 20 images per session (60 total)
For full package details and pricing:
👉 Sessions & Investments
Can I Purchase Additional Images?
Yes! If you fall in love with more images than your package includes, additional
edited images are available for purchase. Please contact me for current pricing.
Printing Your Images
You are welcome to print your digital images at any professional print lab of your choice.
For the best quality results, I recommend using a professional photo lab rather than
a standard consumer printer or drugstore.
I also offer premium heirloom print products, including:
- Wall Art (20×16 and larger): Starting at $550 + HST
- Matted Prints (5×7 on 8×10 mat): Starting at $99 + HST
- Photo Album (7×7): $350 + HST
- Photo Album (13×11): $670 + HST
Classic package clients receive a $50 credit toward any print product purchase.
Premium package clients receive a $75 credit toward any print product purchase.
Copyright & Personal Use Rights
When you receive your digital images, you receive personal-use rights. Here’s exactly what that means:
✅ You May:
- Print your images at any lab you choose
- Share your images on social media
- Send images to family and friends
- Display images in your home
- Store and keep your images indefinitely
❌ You May Not:
- Use images for commercial purposes (advertising, business promotion, etc.)
- Edit, filter, or alter the images
- Resell images or prints to others
- Submit images to publications or contests without written permission
Full copyright remains with MB Graphic & Photography Design. This is standard
practice for all professional photographers.
Social Media Sharing
I’d love to see how you share your images! When posting on social media, please:
- Tag @marian_cheaitou on Instagram
- Tag MB Graphic & Photography Design on Facebook
I regularly share client images on my social media and website. If you prefer your images to remain private and not be shared publicly, please let me know in writing before or after your session, and your wishes will be fully respected, except for the Model Call, for which I use images from the Model Call session for marketing purposes and for competing in competitions.
Model Release Form
If you are participating in a Model Call session, you must provide written consent for your images to be used in my portfolio, marketing materials, or on social media. Please complete the Model Release Form below.
Completing this form is entirely optional for regular client sessions. Your images will never be shared publicly without your permission.
Complete Model Call Booking
If you have any questions about how your images may be used, please don’t hesitate to reach out before signing.
📧 Email Me
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are the answers to the questions I’m asked most often.
Can I reschedule my session?
Absolutely. Life happens — especially with newborns! For newborn sessions, flexible rescheduling is always available since the baby’s arrival date can be unpredictable.
For all other sessions, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule without penalty. Outdoor sessions affected by bad weather are always rescheduled at no charge.
What if I’m not happy with my images?
Your satisfaction is my top priority. If you are not completely happy with your session, I will reschedule it at no additional cost — guaranteed.
Do you travel outside Windsor-Essex?
Sessions within Windsor, LaSalle, Tecumseh, and Lakeshore include no travel fees.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! For Premium packages and Baby Plans, I offer flexible interest-free payment plans split into 3–4 convenient monthly installments. Payment plans are arranged at the time of booking. Contact me to discuss options.
How do I book a session?
Simply contact me through the booking form on the Contact page, and I’ll be in touch within 1–2 business days to confirm your date and next steps.
I have a question that hasn’t been answered here.
I’d love to help! Please reach out directly, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
📧 Email ME
📞 226-526-3967
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Ready to Get Started?
I can’t wait to create something beautiful for your family. If you have any questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always happy to help.
📧 Email ME
📞 226-526-3967
📍 Windsor, Ontario
Serving LaSalle, Tecumseh,
Lakeshore & Essex County
Proud Accredited Member of the Professional Photographers of Canada
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