How do you choose the right newborn photographer? There are so many CHOICES! Here are a few things to consider:
Are they a specialized newborn photographer?
How safe is my baby in their hands?
What style of photographs do they produce?
Did you just have your baby and completely forgot to schedule newborn photos?
What price am I willing to pay for pictures of my baby?
What do their reviews say?
Can I get in contact with them?
Specialized Newborn Photographers
Most people know someone who is a photographer and that's usually the first person that pops into their head when they think about getting their baby's pictures taken but is that person right for your baby? Consider these factors:
Specialized newborn photographers have an extensive knowledge base on how to handle babies safely, pose them, and create amazing images. They are also able to work with and understand babies that have various issues or disabilities.
As the photographer in my business, Yata Photography, I have worked with babies who have gas, have birth defects, have a tongue tie, poop a lot, are difficult to burp, are cluster feeders (eat every 15-30 minutes), are premies, are difficult sleepers, are older, don't like being on their backs, don't like being on their tummies, etc. It's not easy working with babies and I get complimented on my patience quite a bit but knowing and understanding how to work with babies is what has helped me be successful and many of the photographers I have spoken to say they don't work with newborns because of that. So, choosing a photographer that specializes in newborn photography is key.
Safety and Experience
Another crucial factor to consider is safety. This is your brand new baby and you want them to be safe and sound. Your baby has not developed a strong immune system yet so introducing them to too many germs too soon can lead to your baby getting sick so ensure that your photographer has a properly cleaned studio.
Babies also do not have fully developed motor skills and certain poses can be very dangerous so ensure that your newborn photographer knows how to handle the baby in those poses and can explain the importance of photoshopping out a spotter's hands just to make sure the baby is safe.
How experienced is the newborn photographer? Babies are all so different so understanding how to handle various babies is important. You will want your baby to be in safe hands. Look for a photographer with considerable experience working with newborns by checking out their portfolio and asking them.
Style
Style is also an important consideration. Photographers have their unique styles and it's crucial to find one whose style resonates with you. Take a careful look at the photographer's portfolio, do you like the photos? Are the colors, setups, and poses what you want for your newborn session? Sometimes you can check their blog to see full sessions they have done. If that's what you want and love, then they are probably the right photographer for you!
You can also ask about customizing the session to your preferences and see what lenience they provide. Some photographers offer clients to customize colors, setups, and poses so that the photos hung in their homes match their decor and preference.
Availability
Newborn photography is typically done within the first two weeks of a baby's life because babies sleep better during this time so finding a photographer who has availability during this time frame is definitely essential.
An awake and moving baby can be dangerous or impossible to pose so it's essential to get a baby that is under 14 days old. It's important to find a photographer who is available then and gets back with you quickly. Most photographers recommend booking your session during your second trimester to ensure that you get an appointment. They can typically move around the date depending on when the baby comes.
Some photographers will work with older babies but they usually stipulate that it will be harder to get traditional-style newborn photos during this time frame.
Price
Why are newborn sessions so expensive? Newborn photography takes a lot of time! Newborn sessions take much longer than regular sessions. Being a newborn photographer requires education and experience as well. Most newborn photographers take lots of classes to learn how to perfect their art. Newborn sessions also require a significant amount of preparation such as setting up the studio, warming the studio, and cleaning the props and sets before the session. They also purchase all the props, outfits, and wraps prior to the session. The items used in newborn photography are not cheap. Everything, including the posing tools used under blankets, costs a significant amount.
The cost of newborn photography can vary between photographers but it's important to choose a photographer whose image quality is what you're looking for.
Reviews
Read the photographer's Google and Facebook reviews so that you understand what client's experiences have been with working with them. They can provide insight into the photographer's personality, professionalism, and the quality of their work and how happy the client was hiring them. Asking for recommendations from family and friends can also be a good resource in finding the right photographer.
Communication
Lastly, excellent communication and customer service are also factors to consider when selecting a newborn photographer. You will want to be able to contact your photographer easily to book your newborn session. A photographer should be responsive to your questions and concerns and be able to book you quickly and efficiently.
To sum it all up, choosing the right newborn photographer requires careful consideration of the above factors and price shouldn't be the only stipulation that a photographer is booked for. It's important to find someone who is safe, whose work looks amazing, and who can provide what you're looking for. By taking the time to research and find the best photographer for you, you will create some timeless memories for your family to hang up on your walls!
Yata Photography is a newborn photographer in Duluth, GA. If you're interested in a session, you can contact me here!
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