FAQ's

When I first started Alicen Lum Photography, I was surprised by the number of questions that I had to answer. People asked questions like, “Where are the photo shoots taken,” “How long are they,” and “How are they done?”

Thankfully, I can answer all of those questions quite quickly and leave all of my clients with the assurance that they are in the hands of a professional who knows what she is doing.

If you are interested in capturing wonderful moments in breathtaking photographs and would love the opportunity to have your child photographed by me, please feel free to contact me. If you have already booked a party and would like to know how a location is done, please read the following for all the answers to your questions.

I do all sessions in the studio or on location if the weather permits it. It will depend on what type of setting you prefer. Beaches, Parks, Trails, and Cityscapes are all great choices. Newborn sessions are all done in my residential studio.

I offer my clients a photo shoot that is relaxed and covers the time needed to capture the best moments. I pride myself on never rushing a photo shoot. Most sessions last about 1 hour but sometimes it can go over that time.

My main focus, besides providing you with the best photographs, is to make this an enjoyable experience for you and your child. My photo sessions allow time for breaks, ample time to change outfits and also time for any much-needed snacks. By the end of the hour, I want you to feel as relaxed and content as you can possibly be. Newborn sessions last about 2 hours, which is enough time to pose newborns in many different ways with or without props.

I have 95% of all knitted hats, props, headbands, and cocoons that are featured in my portfolio images, but feel free to bring any type of item you would like in the photos.

You'll have reproduction rights which means you can print them anywhere you would like. However, you should know that not all labs are created equal, so please choose your lab carefully. I only use a professional lab available to professional photographers, but I'll recommend a great lab for you.

You don't need to bring much. I provide the newborn props, wraps, outfits, blankets, headbands and styling piecesused during your session.

For parents and siblings, I recommend bringing simple, neutral clothing that coordinates well together. It's also helpful to bring anything your baby may need during the session, such as diapers, wipes, a pacifier if you use one, bottles or formula if applicable, and anything else that helps keep your baby comfortable.

Most importantly, come prepared to spend a little time with your new baby. We'll take care of the photography.

The ideal time for posed newborn photography is typically 5–16 days after birth. During these first couple of weeks, babies tend to be sleepier and naturally curl into the sweet, tucked-in positions that are characteristic of posed newborn portraits. 

That said, every baby is different, and beautiful newborn portraits can still be created outside this window. If your baby is older than two weeks, don't worry—I'll work with your baby's individual needs and create beautiful images that suit their age and personality.

I recommend booking your Seattle newborn photography session during your pregnancy, ideally during your second or early third trimester. Newborn photographers often reserve sessions based on your due date because we don't know your baby's exact arrival date in advance. 

Once your baby arrives, we'll choose the best session date based on their actual birth date. If you're already looking for a newborn photographer and your baby has been born, contact me anyway. I'll do my best to accommodate you based on my availability.

My private newborn photography studio is located in Federal Way, Washington, conveniently serving families from Seattle, Tacoma and surrounding areas.

The studio is approximately 30 minutes from Seattle and is designed specifically for portrait photography, with a large selection of newborn props, wraps, outfits and backdrops.

My posed newborn sessions are approximately 2-3 hours. This gives us plenty of time to carefully pose your baby, change setups, take a variety of portraits and include family and sibling photographs.

Newborn sessions are not rushed. Feeding, soothing and diaper changes are all normal parts of working with a newborn, and we allow time for those needs throughout the session.

Yes! You don't need to purchase or bring a collection of props and outfits for your baby.

I have a large selection of newborn wraps, outfits, headbands, props, blankets and backdrops in my studio. I'll help select colors and setups that coordinate beautifully with the style of your session.

You are also welcome to bring a special item or outfit if there is something meaningful you'd like incorporated into your baby's portraits.

Absolutely. Your newborn session can include beautifully posed portraits of your baby as well as photographs with parents and siblings.

I believe these family images are an important part of your newborn session. Your baby will only be this little once, and these photographs preserve not only their tiny features but also the people who welcomed them into the world.

Yes! Posed newborn photography is my specialty.

I carefully pose newborns into beautiful, timeless positions and create a variety of styled portraits using wraps, outfits, props and different backgrounds. My goal is to create the classic sleepy, curled-up newborn images that families love while also capturing beautiful details of your baby's face, hands, feet and tiny features.

Family and sibling portraits can also be incorporated into the session.

Your baby's safety is always the most important part of a newborn photography session. Newborns are delicate and require careful handling, particularly because they cannot independently support their head and neck. 

I use careful, supported posing techniques and never force a baby into a position that isn't comfortable. Your baby is continuously monitored throughout the session, and I make adjustments whenever needed.

Some more complex newborn images are created using composite photography, combining multiple photographs so that the baby is fully supported during each individual image.

Don't worry—babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date!

When you book your newborn session, we'll use your due date to plan your session. Once your baby arrives, simply let me know and we'll select the best date for your baby's newborn portraits.

If your baby arrives early or late, we'll adjust the session date accordingly. My goal is to photograph your baby during that ideal newborn stage while also allowing flexibility for the unpredictable arrival of a new baby.

Over the last decade, maternity photographs have become very popular and I am always overjoyed when I have an opportunity to photograph a woman during her last trimester.

For a maternity photo session, I ask that you book it when you are around 7 to 8 months pregnant. When you do come to a photo session, it is best to bring clothes that not only flatter your complexion but also accentuate your belly. Some excellent suggestions are tank tops and sports bras. I also ask that you bring a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans that we will unbutton for the photo shoot. Lastly, if you would like to bring lingerie or a swimsuit for the photo shoot, by all means, please do so.

I'm proud to offer several beautiful outfits and flowing maternity dresses that are shown on my web gallery for clients to use.

The ideal time for a maternity photography session is typically between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is when your belly is beautifully visible while you are often still comfortable enough to enjoy your session.

Every pregnancy is different, so we can choose a time that works best for you and your pregnancy.

I recommend booking your Seattle maternity photography session during your second trimester, especially if you have a specific date or weekend in mind.

Booking early also gives you plenty of time to choose your favorite maternity gowns and plan the style of your session.

Yes! I have a large selection of beautiful maternity gowns available for your session.

My maternity wardrobe includes a variety of styles, colors and silhouettes designed specifically to photograph beautifully during pregnancy. We'll help you select gowns that complement your style and the look you're hoping to achieve.

You are also welcome to bring your own outfits if you'd like to include something personal.

Absolutely! Your partner is welcome to participate in your maternity session.

We can create a combination of beautiful portraits of you individually as well as intimate and romantic images together. These photographs are a wonderful way to document this special chapter before your baby arrives.

Yes! Siblings are welcome to participate in your maternity session.

We can photograph the whole family together as well as create individual portraits of you, your partner and your children. Including siblings can make your maternity session even more meaningful as you document your family before welcoming your newest member.

Maternity sessions are approximately one hour. This allows enough time for outfit changes and a variety of poses, backdrops and portraits without making the session feel rushed.

My maternity photography combines elegant posing, beautiful lighting and timeless portraiture. I focus on creating flattering portraits that highlight your pregnancy while making you feel beautiful and confident.

We can create a variety of looks during your session, from elegant and classic portraits to more dramatic and artistic maternity images.

Yes! Professional hair and makeup can be added to your maternity photography session for an additional fee.

Professional hair and makeup can help you feel pampered and camera-ready while creating a polished look for your portraits.

Absolutely! Many of my clients choose to document both their pregnancy and their baby's first days.

Booking a maternity and newborn photography experience together allows us to tell the complete story—from your beautiful pregnancy portraits to your baby's newborn photographs.

I also offer special pricing when maternity and newborn sessions are booked together.

With 18+ years of professional photography experience, my goal is to create beautiful, timeless portraits that you'll be proud to display and look back on for years to come.

Yes! Maternity sessions can be photographed in my private Federal Way studio, outdoors, or as a combination of both.

If you'd like the best of both styles, we can do half of your session in the studio and half outdoors on the same day. This gives you a variety of beautiful maternity portraits with different backgrounds, lighting and looks—all in one session.

For outdoor maternity portraits, we can choose a location that complements the style and season you're looking for.