Are you expecting a little addition to your family? Do you want to find a newborn photographer but are unsure of what to ask? Well, don’t worry! I’ve put a few tips together to get you started. Read on….
Tip One- Start Early!
The best thing to do is start early! Ideally you would have your newborn photographer selected by the beginning of your 3rd trimester. You’ll want to look at their website & blog, their style, how they process their images and start thinking about what type of photography appeals the most to you.
Tip Two- Lifestyle versus Posed Newborn Photography
There are two main types of newborn photography- lifestyle and posed. Lifestyle photography captures newborns and their families in an artistic manner and the art of everyday life.
Posed newborn photography is much like the title. Photographers will work with positioners, props and backdrops and pose your newborn for their portraits.
Many times a newborn photographer will focus on either lifestyle or posed photography, but not both. Choose the style that most appeals to you & your family.
Tip Three- In Studio or In your Home?
Some newborn photographers work only in their own studio, some work only in your home (even for posed photography) and some give you the option to choose. Make sure to ask your photographer how they work and if they give you a choice, the pros and cons to each.
Tip Four- Safety!!!
Be sure to ask prospective newborn photographers about their experience. Newborn photography is special because the photographer is handling and caring for your baby for hours at a time. You want someone who is experienced in caring for, posing, and photographing an infant.
Tip Five- Pricing and Products
It’s likely that you will find many different pricing structures when speaking with professional photographers. Make sure you understand what their session (or creative) fee does and does not include. Some photographers offer just the newborn session while others offer a baby plan that covers this first year in several sessions. Ask for a complete pricing guide and most photographers should be able to give you an average price range for investment in their products.
Tip Six- Timing for the Session
Most babies don’t arrive on their due date, so how do you schedule a session in advance? Well, most newborn photographers leave room in their schedules for these sessions. Once you select a photographer, they will most likely “soft schedule” your session and request that you put Dad or another family member in charge of contacting them once your little one arrives. Newborn sessions are best completed within the first 10 days, so it’s important to hand this task over to someone else as you will be consumed with your new bundle of joy!
I hope these tips will help as you start your search for a newborn photographer. There are many factors in choosing the right one for your family. Having a baby is a important event and you deserve to have it captured with quality photography.
