Gallery Delivery: How and When You’ll Get Your Photos

From Session Day to Delivery Day: What Happens Behind the Scenes

You’ve just had your newborn session. You made it out the door (or welcomed me into your home) with a brand new baby, still in the haze of sleepless nights and snuggles that pass too quickly. We spend time together with gentle posing, pauses for feeding, and moments that make your heart melt… and now you’re refreshing your email like clockwork, wondering: “How long until I get to relive those beautiful moments again?” Newborn gallery delivery is the best part, right?

I get it. I’ve been there too—as a mom, and as the person behind the lens who wants to make sure your photos are not just beautiful, but meaningful, polished, and worth the wait. There’s a lot that happens between me pressing the shutter and the moment that gallery link shows up in your inbox, and I want to bring you into that process so you can feel calm and excited (not stressed or left wondering!).

Let’s peek behind the curtain together. Newborn gallery delivery timeline breakdown here we go!

Why Gallery Delivery Takes Time (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

One of the biggest surprises for many new parents is how much work happens after the session. You’ve seen me move slowly and patiently through your session, adjusting for baby-led posing and letting your little one guide our pace, especially during in-home newborn photography. But the session is just the beginning.

I’ve had incredible moms tell me things like, “Marie was so patient with my husband and I as we were first-time parents…and the photos exceeded any expectations we could have had.” That’s because I don’t rush the process—not during your session, and definitely not in the edit.

This is particularly important with newborns. Peeling skin, tiny blemishes, and uneven tones are all part of what makes babies real and uniquely them. But editing those final touches with care (without making them look overly retouched or unnatural) takes time and presence.

What You Can Expect: My Gallery Delivery Process

1. Curation with Care

The first step after your session is to go through every photo and handpick the best moments. This isn’t just about saving the ones with everyone looking at the camera (because spoiler alert: those aren’t always the best!). I’m looking for gentle interactions, quiet snuggles, the way your baby curls into your chest, or how your toddler gently touches their new sibling’s toes.

I remove duplicates, adjust for composition and lighting, and make sure the gallery tells a full, heartfelt story.

2. Editing, Not Overediting

From there, I begin the editing process, which includes:

• Adjusting lighting and tones for a soft, timeless style
• Making selective image conversions to black and white
• Carefully editing newborn skin based on your baby’s needs
• Ensuring continuity across multiple session locations or angles

This is where the real magic happens—but it’s not work I can (or want to) rush. If your session includes multiple rooms, setups, or outfit changes, you can expect a bit more curation and consistency work here. Each image is lovingly finessed so your final gallery feels polished while still completely you.

3. Personal Notification When It’s Ready

Once your gallery is complete, I don’t just hit “send” and move on. I check in with you directly. I’ll send you a personal text to let you know your gallery link has landed in your inbox, so you’re not left guessing. It’s a little thing, but I know how emotional this part can be, and I want you to feel supported all the way through

So… How Long Does It Actually Take?

Typically, I deliver family and newborn galleries within 2-3 weeks.

There may be sessions where you get them sooner (like the sweet client who said she was amazed to receive her gallery early), but I’ll always keep you in the loop. The timeline allows me to create images that feel thoughtful and layered, especially when delicate edits are needed.

If there’s ever a delay or something unexpected (because life with babies and editing is sometimes unpredictable), I promise to communicate with you clearly.

Why the Wait is Worth It

I know these are images you’re excited to share, print, or quietly scroll through at 2am while nursing. I’ve been there too. But more than that, I know these are photos that will live on your walls for years, framed in hallways or included in baby albums your kids will flip through with wide eyes later on.

Taking that extra week to finesse a blemish, align the gallery, or select the right black and white conversion? That’s what turns “pretty pictures” into heirlooms.

These aren’t just digital files to archive. They’re moments of love and connection frozen in time—and I treat them with every ounce of care that deserves.

Ready to Treasure Your Own Family Story?

Whether you’re preparing for your first newborn session or counting down the days until your gallery arrives, know this: I’m in your corner the whole time.

If you’re looking for a photographer who brings calm, connection, and a little child-led magic into your session, let’s chat. Sessions with Marie Koleka Photography are designed to be relaxed, joy-filled experiences that let your family just be while I focus on the details that matter most.

Curious about booking or have more questions? Explore mariekphoto.com to get started.

And when that gallery does hit your inbox…grab a cozy blanket, pour some coffee, and take a quiet breath. You’re about to fall in love all over again.

Newborn and Family Photography

Hey there, I am Marie! A wife and mama of three littles. Picking up my camera and freezing special stages in everyone’s lives brings a smile to my face. I would love to serve you and other families in the greater Pittsburgh, Beaver, Cranberry Township, Robinson Township and Wexford PA areas. Click here to get in touch with me! Make sure to follow along on Instagram and see the latest laughs!