Story time- when I was a pregnant, looking for a photographer, I had no idea what questions to ask. Everyone had beautiful photos. Everyone described their work as timeless and authentic. Now as an experienced mom of three who has photographed over 800 newborn sessions, I know that beautiful images are only part of the experience—especially when you’re recovering from birth and bringing home a brand new baby.
Here is my honest advice on what to look for in your newborn photographer.
1. Decide what style ACTUALLY feels like you. There are really two different styles of newborn photography- “lifestlye” and traditional/posed. Truth time- I didn’t have a great experience with my first daughter’s newborn photos. That’s because I went with a style that wasn’t right for me! The photographer was frustrated that she wouldn’t sleep, or that she wanted to be held. Which I know now, as a mom of three, is the most normal and natural way for a baby to be! But as a nervous first-time parent? I felt like there was something wrong. That experience is the OPPOSITE of what I want for my clients. I shoot newborns in an organic, natural, lifestyle way, which means I don’t put them in poses. When I had all three of my babies it never felt right to me when my babies weren’t in my arms. I felt so attached I had to sit on my hands when other people wanted to hold them. So when I take newborn photos the majority of photos end up having babe snuggled up, right on mom and dad, just where they want to be. Lifestyle sessions include lots of candid family shots and quiet moments.
On the other hand, posed photography is just that- in involves putting the baby into poses and getting those sweet portraits that often include lots of props. Photographers who do this style often have lots of tricks up their sleeve to get babies to sleep, including heating their studio, and are often photoshop wizards. If you are interested in this style, it’s extremely important to make sure your photographer is safety conscious, and never forces positions.
2. Ask questions! An experienced photographer should never make you feel like you’re a bother.
Questions you could ask-
- Can I see an entire gallery? (This is huge. Instagram can show you a photographer’s best image- but a great photographer is consistent—not lucky.)
- What happens if baby won’t sleep?
- What if we need feeding breaks?
- What if my toddler melts down?
- Do you require our session to be in studio or in home?
- What if my house is tiny? Messy?
- How old should baby be?
- Do you provide wardrobe?
- Do you retouch baby acne?
- When will we receive our gallery?
- Can we print our photos?
- What if baby arrives early?
- What if we’re exhausted?
3. Think about how you want to remember this season. Years from now, you probably won’t care whether your baby slept for every photo. You’ll remember how tiny they felt on your chest. How your toddler wrapped their arms around them. The way your partner looked at your new family.
The best newborn photographer isn’t the one with the biggest Instagram following. It’s the one whose work makes you feel something—and whose experience helps you relax enough to enjoy this fleeting season.
Whether that’s me or someone else, I hope you find someone who helps you remember these first days exactly as they felt.
To wrap it up, here are some search terms that might be helpful:
