Search online for newborn photographers, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices. To help you get started, here are 10 tips on how to choose a newborn photographer:
- Safety: Is the photographer trained and experienced in safely handling newborns?
- Budget: How much does a newborn photo session cost and what does it include?
- Training & Experience: What kind of training did the photographer get and how long have they been shooting newborn portraits?
- Style: Does their gallery reflect the style you have in mind?
- Type of Newborn Photography: Does the photographer shoot Fresh 48, In-Studio Posed, or Lifestyle portraits?
- Consultation: Can you meet with the photographer and visit the studio ahead of time?
- License: Is the photographer licensed to run a legitimate business?
- Vaccination: Is the photographer vaccinated?
- Contract: Is there a photography contract to ensure protection and accountability?
- Location: Do shoots take place at the client’s home or at the photographer’s studio?
What to Consider When Deciding on a Newborn Photographer
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! You want everything to go just right, so you’re researching baby products and getting the nursery ready for the big day. Then there’s the photography. But unlike baby products, researching and knowing how to choose a newborn photographer may not be as easy.
As a newborn photographer who’s also a new mom myself, I’ve been asked many times, “How do I choose a newborn photographer?” So I have decided to write my answers down to help anyone who may be a bit too busy for a chat with me to get my technical and professional answer.
How reliable are online reviews and recommendations?
You could certainly go by reviews, testimonials, and even recommendations from your local mommy groups, but that won’t guarantee you’ll find a photographer who’s the right fit for you and your baby. And unlike baby products, you can’t return or exchange the photographer after you’ve found a better fit.
That’s why we’ve decided to point out a few things to look for when shopping for a newborn photographer and the types of newborn photography that may best suit you. As you research photographers, consider these questions:
1. Safety: Is the photographer trained and experienced in working with newborns?
Most people shop based on their budget, and that’s totally fine – but your baby’s safety should always come first. What kind of training has a photographer received and how experienced are they in handling newborns? The “About Me” section of their website should include this information.
Also ask to look at the photographer’s portfolio and ask yourself if the photos make you feel comfortable enough to hand over your newborn for a couple of hours. After all, your baby might see your photographer before seeing their doctor after you leave the hospital.
3. Training & Experience: What are the photographer’s qualifications for taking newborn portraits?
With the popularity of powerful digital cameras today, it’s easier than ever to get into photography. But can anyone with a camera be a professional photographer, particularly one who specializes in newborn portraits? Absolutely not.
Check with your photographer’s contract to see if there are additional fees for parent or sibling photos.
Newborn photography is a highly technical niche.
Even photographers with years of experience may not have the expertise to properly and safely pose and photograph a newborn.
In fact, most experienced newborn photographers are trained by industry pioneers like Ana Brandt, Stevie Cruz, and Kelly Brown. A good newborn photographer is also trained by medical professionals to ensure correct and safe handling of babies.
Posing a newborn is very difficult. Getting them to sleep and stay asleep between poses is a technique mastered through training and practice.
4. Photography Style: Does the photographer’s portfolio reflect the look and feel you want?
The best way to determine if a newborn photographer is right for you is to check out their online galleries. This could be pictures from the photographer’s website, Instagram or Facebook pages. See if the photographer’s style is what you like.
5. Type of Newborn Portrait: Fresh 48, Posed, Lifestyle?
There are several types of newborn photography. Let’s go over the three most popular genres: Fresh 48, In-Studio Posed, and Lifestyle.
6. Consultation: Can you visit the studio and meet the photographer before deciding?
Ask to see and get a tour of the photographer’s studio before booking your session. Most photographers actually encourage a pre-session consultation, providing the opportunity to get to know you and for you to see their space, props and samples. Like any professional, a newborn photographer should be insured and licensed to do business in their city or town, in addition to offering a safe space for you and your family.
7. License: Is the photographer running a legitimate business?
A major problem in the field of newborn photography is that it can be a bit of the “wild west.” Many people think they can just buy a digital camera and start a photography business from home without a license or proper training.
This is not to say that every photographer with an in-home studio is operating illegally. But if a photographer states they’ve got an in-home studio, don’t be shy about asking if they’re actually licensed and insured. You work and pay your taxes, so you should also expect that from someone running a business.
Also, if someone is illegally running a photography business, ask yourself how likely they’d be to spend thousands of dollars in education, equipment, and props. You wouldn’t want to compromise your newborn’s safety and comfort, so make sure the photographer’s qualified, experienced, and legal!
8. Vaccination: Should you ask if the newborn photographer is up to date on all vaccines?
Yes! Definitely ask if the photographer and all staff are vaccinated. At the very least, you should expect anyone handling your baby to be vaccinated with TDAP and the flu shot. After all, you don’t want to bring your baby to someone who’s been potentially exposed to and are carrying a bacteria or virus that could put your baby’s health at risk.
NOTE: Unlike adults, babies under a year old have limited medications they can take, so it’s up to you to keep them safe!
9. Contract: Should I insist on a written contract for my newborn photography package?
Absolutely. A contract is important because it protects you and spells out exactly what you’re getting out of the session. It also holds the photographer accountable of their work. If the newborn photographer refuses to provide a written contract, keep shopping for one who will.
10. Location: Are photo sessions in-studio or in my home?
Some newborn photographers will come to your home, while others shoot exclusively at their studios. In the case of the latter, be sure to check where the photographer is located and if there’s convenient parking. Los Angeles County is HUGE, and the last thing you want is the extra stress of traffic and hard-to-find parking on your way to an occasion that’s supposed to be fun!
Bottom Line on How to Choose a Newborn Photographer
While cost is important, it should never be the main reason for choosing a newborn photographer. Your baby’s safety and well-being come first, so make sure the photographer is properly trained, experienced, licensed, and vaccinated.
Also ask for a written contact stating clearly what’s included with the session fee. Are there extra charges, for example? You wouldn’t want to book a session at a great price, only to discover afterwards that you can’t afford to purchase the digitals and products!
Also check out the photographer’s website for their portfolio. Look through their Facebook, Instagram, and other social media posts. What type of newborn portraits do they offer – fresh 48, lifestyle, or posed? Do you like their photography style? Do you see consistency in their images? You want to make sure what you see is what you’ll most likely get.
Location is another consideration. Does the photographer come to your home? If sessions are at their studio, how far away is it, and will parking be a challenge?
There’s a lot more to consider than price when searching for a newborn photographer. With just a 2-week window to capture your newborn’s precious face, you’re investing in memories that you and your family will treasure for generations to come. This is a big decision, so take the time to research.
Good luck on your search for a newborn photographer. Once again, congratulations!
If you have any other questions on how to choose a newborn photographer that’s right for you and your baby, please feel free to contact me.