Q&A

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Three rows featuring babies with rabbit-themed props. The top row shows a pregnant woman lying on the beach. The middle row displays three sleeping babies in colorful buckets, each with a cute headband. The bottom row features a baby dressed as a bunny with plush bunnies around, all on a furry rug.

Questions and Answers

Please read through the below answers to our most frequently-asked questions.

In order to capture those adorable sleeping baby portraits, the younger the baby the better.
The best time for photos is within the first two weeks of life, from day 4 to 14; that's when babies are extra sleepy, haven't yet developed baby acne or colic, and can be "folded" easily, just like in the womb! At this age, they are less disturbed for their sleepy portraits, which allows for a greater variety of set-ups and images.
Newborn sessions take place at the Baby Bean Studio in the morning, and are typically about three hours long. Very tiny people are still getting used to being out in the world, so they frequently need extra time for feedings or soothing. Oftentimes, the peaceful nature of the session involves taking short breaks and waiting until Baby is sleeping (or calm) to take her pictures.
It's best to book a newborn session before Baby arrives; Sara often books a tentative date for the photo session during pregnancy to secure your spot. Since babies aren't always very predictable as to when they'll arrive, she keeps part of her schedule open each week especially for newborns.
Even though it is called a "portrait session," the time spent together on the day of the session is actually play time with the baby! Sara's philosophy on photography is that the most magical portraits are the ones that are unpredictable and natural.
Baby sessions typically take place in the Baby Bean Studio during the morning, and last from one to two hours. Sara allows plenty of time to get artistic, beautiful photographs of your little one, leaving time for soothing or feeding if he needs. The portrait session is a relaxed and fun time when Baby is free to be happy and comfortable, and most importantly, himself.
One of Sara's favorite ages to photograph is when Baby is between six to eight months old. Babies at this age can sit, are super expressive, curious, and quintessentially "baby"!
A belly session, also known as a maternity session, takes place some time between weeks 26-35 of pregnancy, usually when Mommy's belly is a pretty round shape and she is feeling good. The session can be held in-studio (during the morning) or on-location (near sunset), at Pacific Beach or Mission Bay. Inquire within about other locations or travel outside of San Diego. Belly sessions last about an hour to an hour and a half.
During the maternity session, Sara looks forward to capturing mommies-to-be just as they are, including the tender, happy, and playful parts, as they begin a wonderful journey into motherhood! Daddy and siblings are welcome. Maternity gowns, props, set-ups, and some styling (i.e. hats, long skirts, scarves, necklaces, cardigans) will be provided especially for your session.
Baby Bean Portraits remains happily devoted to designing heirloom-quality artwork for her wonderful clients... artwork they can touch, hold, and pass on to their children’s children.
Sara lovingly creates many custom treasures, such as fine art professional prints, canvases, press-printed albums, press-printed holiday cards and birth announcements. Print prices begin at $40.
Please email the studio at babybeanportraits@gmail.com for a detailed price list.

Alexis S.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Sara and Baby Bean Portraits. She is truly an amazing photographer and anyone who knows or cares about having excellent quality pictures taken will see the difference in her images.

She uses natural lighting to bring out the "special" in each little "baby bean" she photographs. She has a wonderful disposition and makes families feel welcome and comfortable while shooting. Sara has been featured in books and articles about photography and her style for capturing your baby's personality sets her apart. I cannot imagine going anywhere else!
Michelle K.

Our newborn photo session was absolutely perfect. Sara is a natural with babies and our little baby girl was settled and calm throughout the whole process. The studio is set up perfectly for babies and families. It was a privilege to see how Sara put together such beautiful settings and colors and the care she took to make everything perfect.

I am a second time mom and I know that time passes too quickly. To have important moments like these captured in such a beautiful way is priceless. My four year old son adored Sara and she took some of the best pictures of him I've ever seen. The attention to detail is so evident in the pictures. They are gorgeous!!! Thank you!
Pamela S.

I just wanted to take the time and say how grateful I am to have found Baby Bean! I looked and looked and looked for a great photographer to not only use for now but in the future. I FOUND HER! Not only is she a great photographer; but an even better person.

I have worked with her for my Maternity, Newborn and Six Month photos. I adore her Key Eye on getting the best OMG moment photos a girl could ask for. I currently bought one of the bundle packages that was well worth every penny. I have a canvas hanging in my house that I and every visitor gleams over :) If you're looking for a photographer, you found her! Trust me these photos are timeless!
Kris A.

Baby Bean Portraits are some of the finest I've seen. When I look at [Sara's] images they melt my heart. Her images are full of creativity and love. They are like fine poetry, every image telling its own story. One look at Sara's work tells me she is displaying her true passion and calling...Thank you so much for sharing your work, Sara.
Victoria C.

Sara Kovacs/BabyBean Portraits is by far one of the most talented photographers I have ever used. In fact, she is the ONLY one I use now. When I was deciding on who I was going to use, several factors came into play. Someone who could take very unique, quality portraits that didn't look like everyone else's photos. In addition, I wanted pictures that were timeless and not generic and look dated in a few years. I also wanted a photographer who had a keen eye for lighting and also knew how to pose you so that they captured you, or your children's best features. Awkwardly posed photos can make even the most attractive people look funny.

Furthermore, I wanted someone who was great with children. I used Sara for my newborn photos and she was so tender and gentle with my newborn. In fact, my daughter never woke up during the whole shoot! Furthermore, I was more impressed when I went back and had my daughter's first year pictures taken. My daughter is the wiggliest, busiest, high energy kid and she never sits still. Despite all her wiggling, she was able to get the most beautiful shots. I was so impressed!

Lastly, Sara has become such a wonderful friend that I now share my special family moments with her. I went through 8 years of infertility, and when we finally adopted my daughter, I really wanted the newborn pictures to be special, and she exceeded expectations. I've had several people tell me that the newborn shot she took of me holding my sleeping baby was the most beautiful picture they have ever seen. In conclusion, Sara is extremely honest and ethical. We were in the process of adopting a second baby and so I paid for the session in advance, to secure a day for the shoot. When my adoption fell through and the birthmother changed her mind last minute, Sara refunded the full amount, no questions asked. Most photographers will keep the deposit, she didn't do that. I was so grateful.

Full Service Studio

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Signature Style

Beautifully hand-edited portraits in Baby Bean’s soft and sweet signature style. Your images will be presented to you in your own personal slideshow gallery to share with family and friends.

assortment of colorful ice cream bars on sticks, including cookies and cream, chocolate, and vanilla flavors with varied textures and toppings.

Collaborate Openly

Do you like something you saw in my portfolio? Let me know! Clients may request colors, themes, or props. I love brainstorming up new ideas... especially for you!

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Props & Wardrobe

Full Service: Wardrobe and set. Use of the studio’s high-end clothing line for babies, children, & mothers. All props, organic knitted hats, clothing and set-ups are planned and provided for your session. Just bring Baby!

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Artistic Heirloom Add Ons

Plus, choose from a carefully curated line of professionally-made art. Choose from fine art prints, fine art canvases, signature albums, press-print custom cards, and artisan frames ...plus other fun custom items you can’t get anywhere else!

Open photo album resting on a thick knitted cream blanket, showing a sleeping newborn baby with arms tucked under its head. Behind the album, plush toys including sheep and a sun-shaped decoration are visible on a cream-colored tufted sofa.

Blurry photo of two women, one with dark hair and the other with blonde hair, taking a selfie together, with a mirror and beige walls in the background.

TANGIBLE HEIRLOOM ART

In a world of mindless scrolling, and fleeting social media posts, it is even more meaningful to preserve our loved ones' stories. Baby Bean Portraits is joyfully old- fashioned and custom-makes tangible artwork for her clients. All mommies and daddies come away from their Baby Bean session with quality images meant to be made into a beloved art-piece of Baby to hang or display in their home for the next 50+ years. In this digital age, Baby Bean strongly believes that it’s even more essential to own tangible art of your babies to pass on to your children’s children.