How to Choose a Newborn Photographer
Every aspect of having a new baby is exciting but it’s also a lot of work. Throw in some worry, hormones and indecision and it’s a full time job. One thing that may start out feeling like work should actually be fun. Which newborn photographer do you choose to capture one of the biggest milestones of your family? A quick Google search will likely show you a lot of options, perhaps too many options. I want to help you find the best photographer for your family regardless of who they are. Let’s look at a few ways to narrow down your options.
HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR PHOTOS TO LOOK?
Are you super laid back and you want a more lifestyle look? Or do you prefer posed family shots? There’s a big difference between lifestyle newborn photography and posed photography. The name implies the biggest difference.
In lifestyle you’ll likely be in your home doing all the things you do everyday with your new infant. From feedings to diaper changings, a lifestyle photographer wants to capture your family just as they are in your home, messiness and all. One of my favorite photographers in this genre is Krystal Franke. You can see her work here to get a feel for what a lifestyle newborn session looks like.
The other type of newborn photography is posed. As the name suggests this is when the photographer uses various props and posers to get baby to look a certain way. This is the type of photography I do. You can see a variety of these sessions in my baby portfolio page. There are a few types of images where we make the baby look as if they are unposed. This terminology is deceiving because there’s actually a lot of work to get baby to lay in that way. This image is an example of relaxed posing.
HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR IMAGES DELIVERED?
There are essentially two ways for a photographer to deliver your images to you. Either through physical prints and artwork or via digital files. Some photographers offer one or the other and some do both. The question is how will you be using your photos and what do you plan to do with them.
With delivered artwork most photographers will help take the guesswork out of what type of medium you want your pictures printed on, where to display them, and what will look best in your home. I myself guide new parents through this process so that they don’t have to lift a finger when it comes to producing and ordering wall art or albums. Having a new baby is overwhelming and I like to be sure clients walk away with a gorgeous art piece for their home so they can enjoy their photos daily.
Digital files can be delivered online or via drive. Most photographers will give you a print release for these so that you can print your own. They’re also great for sharing online with friends and family or keeping digitally on your phone for those bragging moments. The only problem with digitals are these aren’t an archivable product. Storage systems change frequently, think about those photos you used to keep on a floppy disk….still have those? My best suggestion would be to find a photographer who offers both printed art and digital files, then you can have the best of both worlds.
EXPERIENCE AND SAFETY.
Handling a new baby can be intimidating for some, for a good newborn photographer it should be effortless. All photographers must start somewhere but when it comes to the safety of your baby an experienced photographer makes a huge difference. Ask to see if your photographer has studied under any other expert photographers. Have they attended in person workshops to learn all the necessary skills to get good photos while keeping your baby safe? Are they doing advanced poses with an assistant and as a composite?
A composite is when two shots are taken with the assistants hands still on baby and then photoshopped (computer magic) together to make one seamless image. This way baby is safe but the desired image is still achieved. Here’s an example of how I took 2 images and used photoshop technology to make the end result. I’ll be adding a future blog post to show the entire process soon!
DO THEY OFFER CONSULTATIONS?
No one wants to hand their new baby over to a stranger. A good photographer will offer the chance to chat either online or in person before you ever book a session with them. This way you can meet and make sure your personalities jive and that the overall experience is exactly what you want. Maybe you’ve found a photographer who offers exactly the photos you want but their turnaround time is a little longer than you’d hoped. Maybe the vibe in their studio just isn’t as professional as you’re looking for. A quality newborn photographer will want to make sure that you’re a good fit for them just the same as you are for her. We’re all in the experience together.
In order for your newborn portrait session to be as successful as possible I suggest you take all of these questions into consideration. Afterall, your baby is only little once and that newborn window is so small. Make sure to do your research and book a session before your baby arrives. It’s easy to get caught up in all the things you need to do to prepare for baby’s arrival. Make sure booking a newborn photographer is at the top of your list, you won’t regret it!
If you’d like to meet with me to see if we’re a good fit I’d love to chat here!
