What Happens After Your Photoshoot with Claire Dubost Photography — A Complete Guide
The session is over. You drove home, probably replayed your favourite moments on the way, and now you're wondering — what happens next? How long will it take? What do I actually receive? And what should I do with these photos when I get them?
This post answers every question, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect from the moment we say goodbye to the moment your photographs are on your wall.
1/ I get to work on your images
The editing process begins. I go through every photograph from your session and select only the very best — the ones where the light is right, the moment is real and the feeling is true.
I don't deliver everything I shoot; I deliver what I would want on my own walls. Your gallery will typically contain around 50-80 beautifully edited images, sometimes more. I don't guarantee a specific number — some sessions naturally produce more than others — but I promise you that every single image I deliver is one I'm proud to put my name to.
In terms of editing, every image receives careful, natural retouching. I will remove anything temporary — redness, bruises, obvious blemishes — while keeping everything that makes you and your baby real. Newborn skin flakes stay. They're part of the story and, honestly, they're just too beautiful to erase.
How long does this take? Typically 2 to 3 weeks. I work through galleries in order, and I give every family the same care and attention — which means I don't rush. If your session falls during a particularly busy period, I'll always let you know in advance.
2/ Your gallery is ready
This is the moment I love the most — sending that email. You'll receive a private, password-protected link to your online gallery. Take your time with it. Put the children to bed, make a cup of tea, sit somewhere quiet. Your first look at these photographs deserves a moment of its own. You can mark your favourites using the heart icon inside the gallery. I always recommend doing this on your first viewing — before you start sharing them with family — so your instinctive reactions are captured before everyone else's opinions get involved.
At the same time as your gallery, you'll also receive a quote if you'd like to upgrade to more images. More on that below.
3/ Upgrade if you wish
Most clients fall in love with far more than they expected. If you find yourself wanting more than your package includes, I offer collection upgrades that give you access to your full gallery of images.
The upgrade quote arrives automatically by email with your gallery. Simply choose the collection you'd like and pay online — it's straightforward and there's no pressure at all.
4/ Invest in something you can hold
Your photographs deserve more than a screen. I believe this so strongly that I've built my entire product offering around it.
A fine art print on cotton rag paper. A beautifully bound album. A folio box on a shelf. These are the things your family will reach for in twenty years, not a folder on a phone that nobody can find.
Inside your gallery you'll find your full product shop, and I'll also send you my product guide by email, so you can have an overview of what I love.
I offer fine art prints, albums, accordion books, acrylic blocks, folio and framed prints. If you'd like a size or format that isn't listed, just ask — I'm always happy to check with my printer.
5/ Download and back up your digitals
Once you've made your selections and any upgrades, I'll send your digital files directly to you by email.
Please — and I cannot say this clearly enough — back them up in multiple places. An external hard drive. A USB stick. A cloud service like Google Photos or iCloud.
Your gallery will not remain open indefinitely ( I only keep it open for 3 months if you upgrade) , and digital files can be lost far more easily than a framed print on a wall. If you upgrade to the full gallery, you'll also be able to download directly from the gallery link at any time while it remains active.
6/ Your prints and products arrive
If you've ordered any physical products, I'll place the order with my printer once your selections are confirmed. Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery — fine art printing takes time, and it's worth every day of the wait. I'll send you a message as soon as your order is on its way.
7/ Find them a home
This is my favourite part to imagine. A print going up on the nursery wall. An album sliding onto a coffee table. A framed portrait landing in a hallway where your children will walk past it every single day.
These photographs are not decorations. They are a record of who you were, right now, in this season of life. And they belong somewhere you can see them.
If you decide later that you'd like additional prints or products, I'm always here. Just get in touch.
Any questions? I'm always happy to help — whether it's about your package, your products, your gallery, or anything else. Just send me a message and we'll figure it out together. Thank you for trusting me with your family. It is, always, the greatest privilege. 🤍
