11th Hour Studios Policies and FAQ

At 11th Hour Studios in Columbia, MD, our goal is to ensure every maternity, newborn, headshot, or hair session runs smoothly and feels professional from start to finish.

Please take a moment to review the studio policies below.

Studio Policies

  • All deposits are NON REFUNDABLE.

  • Your session starts and ends promptly at the agreed time. We cannot be held responsible for delays due to factors such as your lateness, traffic, delays with transportation, makeup artist or hairstylist, etc.

  • If you are more than 50% late for your appointment, your session will be canceled. For instance, if you booked a 60-minute shoot and arrive more than 30 minutes late, your appointment will be canceled, requiring a new deposit for rescheduling.

  • **All dropbox files are deleted after 90 days, please save your pictures to your appropriate hard drives.**

FAQ

  • We are located in Columbia, Maryland, in the heart of Howard County, conveniently between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Our studio serves clients from across the DMV—Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia—including nearby areas such as Ellicott City, Laurel, Elkridge, and Silver Spring. Sessions are by appointment only, and detailed directions and parking information are provided in your confirmation email once you book.

  • We encourage clients to bring any personal props they’d like to include in their session. Our studio also provides a curated selection of chairs, stools, and simple accessories that can be used during your shoot.

    For maternity sessions, we offer a complimentary selection of maternity gowns in blue, pink, and black. You can browse our studio wardrobe here. If you’re looking for additional styles, we recommend Mama Bump Rentals, which offers a wide range of maternity gowns ideal for photoshoots.

    For newborn sessions, we do not provide outfits. Most parents choose simple newborn pieces, wraps, or onesies, and we recommend browsing Amazon or specialized newborn boutiques to find options that match your vision.

  • Maternity Sessions

    Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Many clients choose a fitted dress, a flowing gown, or a simple two-piece set that highlights the bump. You’re welcome to borrow one of our complimentary maternity gowns, or bring your own. Neutral or solid colors photograph beautifully in our studio setting.

    Newborn Sessions

    We recommend simple, soft pieces—like a plain onesie, knitted romper, or swaddle wrap. Avoid busy patterns or logos, as minimal outfits help keep the focus on your baby’s features.

    Headshot Sessions

    Solid colors work best for headshots. Choose tailored, clean lines, and avoid anything overly bright or distracting. Bring a couple of options if you’d like variety.

  • Most clients book 3–8 weeks in advance, especially for maternity or newborn sessions. Weekend spots and popular time frames fill quickly, so the sooner you secure your date, the better. If you’re unsure about timing, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to guide you based on your due date or schedule.

  • Maternity photos are typically taken between 28–34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round but you’re still comfortable moving and posing. Every pregnancy is different, so we can adjust sooner or later based on how you feel.

  • Newborn sessions are best within the first 7–21 days after birth. Babies are sleepier and easier to position during this time, resulting in soft, peaceful images. If your baby is a little older, that’s perfectly fine—we can still create beautiful portraits at any age.

  • At the end of your session, you’ll receive an email with a link to view your RAW images and choose your favorites. Once you submit your selections, the editing process takes approximately 14 days.

    If you need your photos sooner, rush editing is available for an additional fee:

    • $20 per photo for images included in your package

    • $40 per photo for images not included in your package

    You’ll receive your final edited photos via a downloadable online gallery.

  • A RAW photo is an unprocessed image captured straight from the camera. It contains all of the original data—which makes it ideal for high-quality editing—but it has not yet been corrected or enhanced.

    An EDIT is the professionally retouched version of that RAW image. Editing includes color and lighting adjustments, background cleanup, skin and body contour refinement, and removing distractions or imperfections. This process creates the polished, final images you receive in your gallery.

  • Yes. Your spouse and children are welcome to join the session at no additional cost.