Frequently Asked Questions

• The quickest way to contact me is via cell phone, 720-532-3111, by leaving a voice or text message. If you prefer to send me a question via e-mail, layne@ladolcevitaphotos.com, it might take a couple of hours to receive your reply, as I usually check my inbox once daily.

• I do not answer inquiries during sessions, so please bear with me until I can contact you within 24 hours during the Monday-Friday work week.

We can only travel during a limited time of the year, so these sessions will need to be scheduled ahead of time.

Our studio has a specific process, and your digital images and product orders are estimated to be processed in one to two business weeks.

• Clients out of state can hold their presentation sessions via Zoom. After that, we will schedule your delivery date based on your order.

• Delivery times for albums, folio boxes, and wall art may vary and will be confirmed based on your order specifics and shipping from our vendors.

• An online gallery will be available under certain circumstances.

I typically adhere to a strict schedule. If you request to see any images before the agreed-upon timeframe, an additional fee of $50 will be added to your final balance. This fee covers the extra time spent outside my regular work hours and planned agenda.

• Sanitation is a top priority in my studio. Before each session, I thoroughly wash and prepare all props and textiles with baby-safe detergent. I steam the floors at high temperatures twice, and fabrics with hot-glued ornaments are sanitized using a Rowenta steamer. I also clean all equipment with hospital-grade disinfectants.

• I sanitize my camera and lenses before and after sessions, and waiting area seats are steamed each time. The Cake Smash flooring is also sanitized to ensure food safety.

• Each session begins with fresh masks and clean clothing. I wash my hands before each session and use hand sanitizer when touching a baby or client. Clients are encouraged to sanitize their hands after changing diapers, and the diaper station is sanitized each time it is used.

• We have an efficient air purification system, and require clients and staff to wear masks.

• These health and safety guidelines are essential to our studio policies.

At this time, we are not allowing pets in our studio because we have two small, non-allergic dogs that will be contained in a separate area to minimize distractions during our sessions. If you bring another pet into the studio, it may sense or smell the presence of another animal in the building, which could cause anxiety for your pet. Additionally, our studio is completely sanitized for babies and is not set up to accommodate pets. However, we offer outdoor sessions at a beautiful, nearby location, where you are more than welcome to bring your pets.

To maintain the exclusivity and safety of our studio, behind-the-scenes or real-time photos are allowed only with the photographer's approval. Any additional photography by anyone other than Layne Fernandes, especially if not intended for personal use, is strictly prohibited during the session. This policy applies to all types of photography devices, including video cameras, spy pens with cameras, traditional cameras, cell phones, etc. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding this policy.

It's never too early to book a newborn session. Scheduling it during pregnancy helps you avoid last-minute tasks. It ensures you capture those precious moments, especially within the first 48 hours after birth. The ideal time for a newborn session is when your baby is between 5 and 15 days old. This allows me to capture those beautiful, curly poses you see in inspiration photos. After you select your color preferences, we'll have all our sanitized props ready, including hats, blankets, and various backdrops.

If the baby arrives earlier than expected, please let me know as soon as possible. This will allow me to readjust my schedule accordingly. As I mentioned before, the estimated due date can sometimes vary. Regardless of the timing, we will be here to support you.​

Traditional posed newborn photos are typically taken when babies are very young, usually between 5 and 10 days old, and there's a good reason for this! During the first two weeks, a baby's body remains quite flexible, resembling the position it held in the womb. As a result, the poses will feel more natural and comfortable for the newborn.

Most of the time, the posing process happens organically, allowing parents to receive precious images of their new baby. Another advantage of photographing your newborn within the first two weeks of life is that they are less likely to experience tummy aches and can sleep for longer stretches. This contributes to a more efficient workflow for the photographer, enabling them to offer parents a richer variety of heartwarming poses and, ultimately, adorable, timeless images.

So far, I have photographed the “Fresh 48 Hours of Newborns” exclusively in the Denver metropolitan area. Some of the hospitals I have worked at include Sky Ridge Medical Center, Parker Adventist Hospital, Littleton Adventist Hospital, and Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver.

I am also available to work in other nearby hospitals, so please feel free to ask if I'm able to travel to locations not mentioned here.

Please note: Some hospitals may not permit third parties to visit or photograph. It is always a good idea to double-check these regulations, as they can change frequently.

The newborn session usually takes place in my family-friendly studio, which is fully insured for your peace of mind. We follow all sanitation and pandemic protocols to ensure safety.

If you have concerns, feel free to schedule a studio tour before your session.

LDV Studio is designed for your comfort and safety. We recommend limiting participants to immediate family for a relaxed experience. If siblings are included, the mother should provide specific instructions and carefully plan their involvement to adhere to our safety guidelines.

We understand that some parents may be traveling from surrounding areas to reach our studio. Considering that we experience four distinct seasons, we prioritize your safety, especially in light of possible sudden weather changes. We offer a flexible scheduling option for you and your newborn to accommodate these factors and ensure your photographer's.

• All sessions are available from Monday to Saturday, within a window of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Our studio is located in the Wheatlands, near Southlands Mall and the Aurora Reservoir. The physical address is 25320 E. Aberdeen Drive, Aurora, CO 80016.

Newborns are delicate and sensitive little human beings who are gradually adjusting to a completely new environment. To maintain a calm and quiet atmosphere during the session, it is highly recommended that only parents and guardians accompany the newborn. Older siblings often become bored while waiting for their newborn sibling to finish their photo session.

We love photographing newborns, parents, and siblings and enjoy watching new families grow. If you have other children who want to participate in the newborn session, please let me know during our consultation so we can accommodate everyone.

To ensure safety for the baby, I offer packages that focus on either just the newborn or include siblings and parents. After older siblings finish their part, we typically ask one guardian to take them outside to maintain a calm atmosphere for your baby.

Our sessions are customized to your needs, so we will prepare to ensure everything runs smoothly. Please check the packages that include sibling and family photos.

We offer various packages that include both naked and non-naked baby poses. We always prioritize your choices and preferences, and we will make every effort to accommodate your requests.

The joy is truly incredible when a new baby arrives, especially in sets of twins or triplets! However, the logistics for the photographer become more complex when handling more than one baby at a time. For these situations, there will be an additional charge of $80 for a second baby and $50 for a third baby. We will rely heavily on the skills, attention, and care of our experienced photographer and assistant. Additionally, parents may take turns assisting with various tasks. It is recommended that a larger team be hired in this scenario.

There's no need to worry; everything will be ready for you upon your arrival. Our studio will ensure that the settings, garments, props, and all necessary preparations are in place to create beautiful, heartwarming images of your newborn.

• The only items you need to bring are food for your baby and essential hygiene supplies. This includes extra clothing, fresh and clean diapers, a pacifier, and baby formula if necessary.

• Please note that we do not provide extra diapers, as some babies may experience allergic reactions when new brands come into contact with their delicate skin. We also do not supply diaper creams or wet wipes.

• For a complete list of items to bring, please refer to our "Parents' Kit – What to Bring."

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask. You can always send me a text message for quick clarification.

We can discuss social media images, magazines, and other sources of personal inspiration during your consultation. I will also inform you about the pros and cons of the desired poses based on your baby's age.

We will take extra care to gently assess your baby's level of flexibility before the session. Your baby's safety and well-being are our top priorities. If a pose is uncomfortable for your baby or beyond their level of flexibility, it may not be suitable for the session. Often, babies express their preferences and guide the process, so if a pose isn't working, we'll be ready to suggest an easier alternative.

Newborn sessions vary based on each baby's behavior and typically last 2 to 3 hours. During their first days, newborn babies are extremely sensitive as they adjust to their new environment. Several factors can influence their behavior, including lack of sleep, hunger, hiccups, mood swings, and reflux. Some babies must feel dry at all times; even a small drop of pee can affect their mood. Therefore, ensuring the baby feels happy and safe throughout the session is essential.

To maintain a peaceful and calm environment, we follow a specific protocol. That's why we offer amenities such as restrooms, Wi-Fi, light refreshments, and bathroom facilities for parents during the session. Patience, love, and feeding breaks are highly recommended for a successful experience.

As a mom and animal lover, I understand that newborn babies can be very sensitive to their surroundings. Various factors can contribute to their crying. Our goal is to ensure that your baby feels as comfortable and safe as possible. We will monitor the baby's temperature and pay attention to bodily signals, such as irritability, hunger, and restlessness.

If we try everything and the session is unsuccessful, we recommend rescheduling for the next available day. Hopefully, a good night's sleep and some extra cuddles from mom and dad can significantly improve the session's success.

No Problem! We can customize a session to fit your vision for your baby, keeping it simple, sweet, and classic to match your minimalistic style. During the planning phase, we will discuss all the details before the baby's session.

Don't worry, dear; I've been in your shoes before.

I have created a style guide for you and your family, which you'll receive once your session is booked and scheduled in my planner. If you'd like, and if it fits your budget, I can also refer you to a color consultant before your session.

Remember, your baby is the star of the session, so neutral colors are great options—think blush, cream, tan, light gray, green, or denim. For your outfit, consider off-shoulder tops, maxi dresses, and delicate jewelry that coordinates with your partner's or significant other's attire. I recommend avoiding spaghetti straps.

For the guys, classic long-sleeved shirts paired with slacks or good-quality denim will work well.

Please let me know if you have a family heirloom that you would like to include in your studio session. I will provide guidelines on handling, packing, and preparing it for our studio.

• Be sure to have it sanitized adequately before our session.

• We recommend limiting your selection of heirlooms to 1 or 2 items maximum.

We offer an extensive collection of props to provide our clients with a rich variety of options. Our inventory continually grows, with items recycled and replaced by new selections.

• In addition, I have an exclusive line of handmade props crafted from organic fabrics, cotton, organic wool, twine, and carefully selected, delicate embellishments that enhance the natural beauty of our creations.

• Our crafted items are safely knitted to highlight your newborn's natural beauty. We offer a delightful range of accessories, including headbands, hats, blankets, wraps, rompers, baskets, crates, half-moons, half-stools, bean bags, wicker and metal items, mini strollers, stools, and wooden bowls.

• All our items are brand new and undergo thorough safety inspections before use. You will also find a variety of color combinations to suit your taste.

In this case, you will describe the prop you have in mind, and we will assess whether we can replicate it or purchase it. Some props may need to be sourced from overseas, and due to shipping and handling delays, it may not be possible to acquire them in time for your session.

If the item is already in our inventory, we'll be delighted to use it. Otherwise, we will explore options for obtaining the prop in time for your session.

Once we formally receive your retention fee in our system, we will begin developing a customized plan for your session.

• We will collaborate closely as a team to ensure the success of this process. You can expect to receive all necessary details and guidance from us.

• Please remember that it is our clients' responsibility to adhere to the provided session guidelines to ensure the session's success.

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Your digital files will be delivered via electronic transfer for download, and you will receive instructions on how to proceed with downloading your images.

• The package you selected will specify the number of items you will receive in your collection. These files will be presented to you in a professionally edited, high-resolution format in color and black and white. Additionally, you will receive a print release.

• Any remaining extra files will be conveniently delivered in web-sized format, in color.

You should back up and properly store your images as soon as you download them. I will keep a copy of your files for three months in case of any accidents or damage on your end.

• After these three months, I will charge a fee of $60 to recover your images.

• Please note that after three months, I cannot guarantee that your images will still be stored on our system.

• You are responsible for ensuring that your files are safe and backed up.

No worries. You can begin with one package or even a single à la carte selection from our menu and upgrade your choice as you progress.

Extra albums are available with an additional discount.

• After our phone conversation or meet-and-greet consultation, we recommend paying your retaining fee to secure your session and date.

• The retaining fee ranges from $120 for regular sessions to $200 for newborn sessions. All prices are subject to sales tax. Please note that the non-refundable retaining fee will be deducted from your final balance.

• The remaining payment is due on the day of your session. For your convenience, you can also pay in installments until the session's ordered product is delivered.

• You can start with one package in mind and later upgrade to a different one that better suits your needs.

• We offer payment plans for albums, home décor, and wall art. As a courtesy, we offer in-home and office décor consultations.

• We accept payments via Visa, Zelle, Venmo, checks, cash, or invoicing through QuickBooks. Please let me know your preferred payment method, and I will provide the necessary details.

• As a courtesy, a retention fee is required instead of a session fee. In the event of a cancellation or no-show, the retaining fee will become a non-refundable session/creation fee for your session's selected date and time.

• Please note that the retaining fee covers the photographer's time and expertise and does not include prints, products, or digital images. 

• Images and products must be purchased through one of the Collections listed in our Portfolio.

• If your photographer is affected by a sudden personal or immediate family sickness or accident, you will receive a full refund of your deposit or the option to reschedule your session for the next available opening in our schedule.

• Outdoor sessions can be rescheduled in case of adverse weather conditions.

• We kindly ask for your understanding and commitment regarding these policies from both parties.

• Session dates and times are based on availability and may be subject to change due to the unpredictability of newborn arrivals. In this case, bookings will be prioritized.

• La Dolce Vita Photography by Layne Fernandes shall not be held liable for the cancellation of a session due to events or circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, equipment failure, sickness, injury, or acts of God.

• A new session date will be arranged if a session is canceled due to extenuating circumstances.

Yes!

• All images displayed on my social media platforms, website, composites, and marketing materials have been previously authorized by clients or the parents/guardians of minors through a document known as a Model Release. To prioritize safety and confidentiality, your personal information will not be shared, and we will respect your preference should you choose not to have your images featured in my online Portfolio.

• The copyrights for all photographic images are owned solely by La Dolce Vita Photography, operated by Layne Fernandes. I, Layne Fernandes, Photographer and Owner, retain the right to utilize and publish these images in any form, including but not limited to editorial use, trade, advertising, marketing, composites, and display.

• All image and video content is copyrighted and owned by La Dolce Vita Photography, under Layne Fernandes.

• Please note that images on the La Dolce Vita Photography website, viewing gallery, Facebook, Instagram, and all other online and social media platforms may not be saved, copied, or downloaded to ANY storage device, including computers and cell phones, through ANY means such as screenshots, screen grabs, or direct downloads.

• Any images downloaded, transferred, distributed, or used without purchase will be invoiced for the full amount, with payment due on demand.

Yes! Clients have the right to make prints and share their images on social media for personal use only. This right applies to images purchased as part of a collection, album, or wall art only.

• All sales are final due to the custom nature of my photography work, products, and services.

• There are no refunds or exchanges.

• Gift cards cannot be refunded or redeemed for cash.

• We are a legal business, licensed and insured to work worldwide, and we follow the guidance of the City of Aurora and Colorado Federal Labor Law. 

• All sales are subject to applicable Colorado Sales Tax and are paid at the time of your order.