Choosing a Newborn Photographer / Babies of 2022

Whether she was a happy surprise addition or a miracle first baby that is finally happening after years of struggling to conceive, your newborn is the most precious thing in your life and you want to find a photographer who will provide beautiful, cherished memories AND keep her safe and protected through the photoshoot.     I thought I'd share a few things to consider when selecting your 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.  

Unlike family photography, newborn photography is highly specialized and technical so investing in a professional newborn photography with years of experience will pay off in the end.  

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?  

STYLE Do you prefer rich, luxurious tones or low contrast, bright and airy?  Check out several different photographers and find one whose style speaks to you.

PROP DESIGN and CUSTOMIZATION  Find out whether the photographer has a variety of props and backdrops available to you. From bowls, buckets, beds, moons, stars, and hearts, the possibilities are endless.  A professional photographer should have a fully stocked studio with oodles of choices for 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?

DO THEY HAVE A STUDIO If you've chosen studio photography, ask the photographer if they have a commercial studio space or will you be coming to their home. 

HOW DO THEY HANDLE ILLNESS  We're only human and we 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.  On the same note,  it may be important to you to ask your photographer if they have had the Tdap vaccine to protect against Pertussis (whooping cough). 

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)?

BUDGET  Consider your budget.  There are a wide range of prices in the market today.  Photographers in the $100-$350 range for a full set of images are typically just starting out and are building their portfolio.  They will be less experienced in photography and editing in general and you'll want to be sure they've received solid training in newborn safe posing.  In the $400-800 group, you'll find photographers who are beginning to specialize in newborns and starting to define their style.  Most professional, licensed and insured photographers with a studio and years of experience and training will be above $800.  These photographers have a trusted reputation, years of experience and a well defined portfolio and "style".  

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.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect photographer for your newborn.  Now, here are the newborns I had the joy to photograph in 2022.  Each one of them melted my heart in their own unique way.  I am honored to have gotten to take their first professional photos and make lasting memories for these families.  Thank you for trusting me with your precious sons and daughters.