Choosing a Maternity & Newborn Photographer
Our “baby” is eleven. If I tell people how important newborn photos are, I know many think “well of course you’d say that. You’re a newborn photographer!”
Hear me out.
I have been obsessed with baby photos since my teen years. I had Anne Geddes art and calendars all over my room. Before I even knew that the genre of newborn photography existed, I loved the timeless art form.
Nearly 17 years into parenthood I also speak from experience. The “baby days” in our home are long over. The only thing left from the all important baby showers, gift registries, and carefully researched purchases is: well, nothing.
My maternity photos and our youngest son’s newborn photos still hang on the walls of our home in several places. While each boy has a box of baby mementos carefully tucked away in their closet, the only evidence of their baby days are the photos we have on our walls.
When you are expecting a baby it can feel overwhelming trying to make a decision about choosing your maternity & newborn photographer. I hope the following questions are helpful to you when you make your decision about the best photographer for your family:
1. Do you know anyone who has used the photographer? What did they have to say about their session experience, the planning process, and their final photos?
2. Do you like the style of the photos in the photographer’s portfolio?
3. Is the photographer willing to collaborate with you to create images that are unique to your family?
4. Is the photographer experienced in post-production (editing/retouching)?
5. Does the photographer provide you with a contract, prepare you for the session (e.g., what to bring, what to expect), and provide clear expectations about what will happen before, during, and after your session?
6. Ask the photographer about safety during the session. What precautions do they take to ensure the safety and comfort of your baby?
7. Is the photographer’s session fees and pricing structure clear? Ensure that you understand exactly what is included with the fee that you pay.
8. What experience does the photographer have working with expectant parents and newborns? Does the photographer specialize in newborn photography? How long have they been a newborn photographer? What training does the photographer have in newborn photographer?
9. Do the babies in the photographer’s gallery look comfortable and content? (e.g., faces aren't grimacing, babies are posed in a way that ensures circulation to their arms and legs).
10. Ask the photographer what they will do if the baby is fussy or doesn’t want to sleep during the session. Professional photographers are skilled at soothing babies and able to pose babies that are sleeping as well as babies that are awake.
