Finding the Perfect Newborn Photographer / Carrie Howland Photography

All of my newborn sessions are customized to parents' tastes.  Some prefer soft neutrals and others love bold colors.  This family requested lots and lots of color so that is exactly what they got.  Don't these photos just make you happy?

About a year and a half ago, I shared some tips on how to find an experienced photographer.  I thought it would be timely and helpful to share again.  Here are what I think are important considerations to finding the perfect newborn photographer.    

TRAINING. With the advancement of digital cameras and technology, the barrier to entry into photography is very low (nearly nonexistent). So, there are lots of people marketing themselves as photographers.  it is very important with newborns to understand what training the photographer has undergone.  I'd personally recommend someone who has been trained in newborn safety and posing and someone who understands newborn physiology.  Newborns cannot speak for themselves so understanding how to pose them safely, how to read their cues (are they hungry, experiencing discomfort, gassy, cold or too warm) is important.  In addition to posing and safety, training in lighting, composition and editing are also important for beautiful photos.   

EXPERIENCE  Ask how long a photographer has been photographing newborns.  Is it their primary focus?  How many newborns do they photographer each year?

CONSISTENCY It is possible to get that great, lucky, "wow" shot every once in a while even with little experience.  Therefore, it is SO important when choosing a photographer to look for consistency.  Do they have a large body of work that you can look at and know that they can reproduce the same beautiful results time after time?   When I was helping my brother find a wedding photographer a few years ago, we came across a photographer that was in his budget but only showed about 10 photos on his website.  Three of them were amazing shots and others were not even close to the same quality.  I explained to my brother that this was a huge red flag.  Those great shots were likely from a workshop or from this photographers job as a second shooter where another photographer set up, composed and lit the shot.  Consistency....look for the same results across a large portfolio.

PROP DESIGN and CUSTOMIZATION  Find out whether the photographer has a variety of props and backdrops available to you.  Will they customize these to your tastes?  Do you like the style of shooting and design that you see in the photographer's portfolio?  My sessions are 100% fully customizable and I have a studio full of gorgeous props at your disposal.  

HOW DO THEY HANDLE ILLNESS  We're only human and us photographers get sick too.  Ask them what their backup plan is for illness?  Is it possible to reschedule?  Perhaps they have a backup photographer that they can refer to?  It's good to have a plan. 

WHAT DOES THE PACKAGE INCLUDE  The spectrum of packages and pricing offered by photographers is very wide.  Some photographers offer a low "session fee" that includes the time of the photographer but images must be purchased separately and others offer all-inclusive packages.  It is important to understand exactly what is included for your fee.  If all-inclusive, how many images or different "looks" will you get?  Are digital images included?  What about prints?  Do they offer discounts for bundling sessions (i.e. maternity plus newborn or milestone sessions)?

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO YOU BOOK and HOW DOES THE PHOTOGRAPHER ENSURE TO RESERVE A SPOT FOR YOUR BABY (since arrival is usually unpredictable). So often, I have people reaching out to me for photos after the baby has arrived.  Sometimes, I have a spot available but often I am already booked.  If possible, try to book in your 2nd trimester to ensure getting on your favorite photographer's calendar.  Find out if your photographer limits the number of.babies due within the same time frame to ensure that every baby can be photographed once they arrive.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION IN PANDEMIC. What safety precautions is the photographer taking to reduce risk of Covid exposure.  Is she wearing a mask, sanitizing props and studio, spacing sessions apart, etc.  I never would've guessed when I originally wrote this piece a year and a half ago that I'd be adding this paragraph but here we are. 

I hope these tips help you find the perfect photographer for your newborn.  Now, here are some of my favorite's from this sweet girls very colorful session.