Portrait Session FAQs
Planning photographs should feel simple. Here are answers about booking, collections, locations, and receiving your images with Ashley Walker Photography in Mission Viejo and South Orange County.
Have another question? You’ll work directly with me. Send your session inquiry →
Investment
What do sessions cost?
Sitter portraits: $325 · 20 minutes · 5 digital images.
Petite family: $350 · approximately 30 minutes · 5 digital images.
Lifestyle newborn: $500 · one hour in your home · 5 digital images.
Cake smash: $500 · customized setup and cake · 8 digital images.
Full family: $500 · approximately 60 minutes · 8 digital images.
All collections include individually hand-edited, high-resolution digital images and personal printing rights. Choose your included images from a private proofing gallery; additional images and gallery upgrades are available. Prints and products are optional.
For senior portraits and sports photography, inquire for current options and pricing.
Send an inquiry with your session type and preferred date. We’ll discuss the location and details before I send your photography agreement and reservation information.
Family and newborn sessions require a $100 non-refundable retainer, applied toward your total fee. Your agreement explains the remaining payment terms. I’ll confirm reservation requirements for other sessions when we plan.
Seasonal mini sessions are released on specific dates and use a separate online calendar →
HOW DO I BOOK?
When will I receive my photographs?
Your private gallery is delivered by email within two weeks of your session. I select and individually edit the best photographs before you choose the images included in your collection.
The number of photographs available depends on the session. You may purchase additional images or an available gallery upgrade. High-resolution final images include personal printing rights.
Gallery
WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
I’m based in Mission Viejo and serve South Orange County, including Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and nearby communities.
Outdoor portraits take place at a setting we choose together for the light, season, and look you want. Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in your home. Location planning is included.
Select Los Angeles dates are available in La Crescenta, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Glendale, and surrounding areas. Travel fees may apply outside my regular service areas; we’ll discuss them before booking.
WHEN WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Sessions are by appointment. Outdoor times depend on the season, location, and light, often in late afternoon or early evening. Some specialty sessions take place in the morning.
For in-home newborn photographs, we’ll discuss the natural light in your home and your family’s needs. I’ll recommend timing when we plan.
Family sessions are about preserving your family as you are right now.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, updating your annual family portraits, or simply documenting a season you don't want to forget, sessions combine gently guided portraits with natural interaction and genuine connection.
Two family experiences are available:
Petite Family Session — $350
Approximately 30 minutes with 5 digital images.
Full Family Session — $500
Approximately 60 minutes with 8 digital images and additional time for family combinations, siblings, and individual portraits.
Sessions include immediate family members. Extended-family sessions are also available; please contact me for customized pricing.
FAMILY PORTRAITS
Lifestyle newborn sessions are photographed in the comfort of your home and focus on the natural connection between your new baby and the people who love them most.
Your session includes baby, parents, and siblings and is approximately one hour.
There is no expectation that your newborn sleep through the session or pose a certain way. We follow your baby's lead and make time for feeding, changing, soothing, and snuggling whenever needed.
Lifestyle Newborn Sessions are $500 and include 5 digital images.
Because I reserve a limited number of newborn sessions each month to accommodate unpredictable arrival dates, booking during your second or third trimester is recommended.
Lifestyle Newborn
Sitter
Sitter portraits are for babies who can sit confidently without assistance, typically around 6–9 months. Readiness matters more than a specific age.
The $325 collection includes a 20-minute session, two outfit looks, a planned setup with coordinating props, access to available sitter client closet outfits, and 5 edited digital images.
Turning one is worth celebrating!
Cake smash sessions are customized around your baby's first birthday and include a thoughtfully designed setup, coordinating décor and props, a smash cake, and access to available pieces from my client closet.
We'll begin with clean portraits of your little one before introducing the cake and letting them explore, taste, and make as much—or as little—of a mess as they'd like.
Every baby's reaction is different, and that's part of what makes these sessions so much fun.
Cake Smash Portrait Sessions are $500 and include 8 digital images.
If you'd like to use your photographs for birthday invitations or party décor, I recommend scheduling your session approximately 3–4 weeks before the celebration.
Cake Smashes
Tell me what you’d love to capture and I’ll help you choose the right session.
Do you offer senior portraits and sports photography? Yes. Senior portraits celebrate graduation and personal milestones. Sports photography includes water polo action; families, coaches, and teams are welcome to inquire about coverage.
Can you help with outfits? Yes, styling guidance is included. Available client closet pieces vary by session, size, and availability.
What if someone is unwell or the weather changes? Please contact me before your session so we can discuss the plan and the terms in your agreement.