QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of newborn photographers out there, you're not alone! It can be tough to know where to begin when it comes to choosing the right person to capture those precious first moments of your baby's life. But fear not – a bit of research and some savvy shopping can help you find the perfect photographer to document this special time in your family's history. Just remember to look for someone with experience working with infants, a gentle touch, and an eye for capturing those fleeting moments of pure newborn perfection. And hey, if all else fails, just go with the photographer who makes you laugh – after all, a little humor can go a long way in those early, sleep-deprived days of parenthood.
Joking aside when choosing a newborn photographer, it's important to look for someone who has experience working with infants and is skilled in posing and handling them safely. You should also look for a photographer who uses safe and comfortable techniques to capture the baby's natural expressions and movements. Additionally, it's important to find a photographer who is able to create a calm and relaxing environment for the baby, as this will help to ensure that the photo shoot goes smoothly. Finally, be sure to look for a photographer who is able to capture the special bond between you and your newborn, as these are the moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Below are a few questions that may be helpful:
Can you provide examples of their work from previous Newborn sessions?
Most professional photographers have websites where you can review their portfolio and get a sense of their style and the quality of their work. This is typically the best way to assess a photographer's abilities, as you can see a wide range of their images and get a better idea of what to expect from a photo shoot. While social media can sometimes be a useful tool for finding photographers, it's not always the best way to evaluate their work. This is because many clients are not comfortable with sharing images of their children on social media, so a photographer's social media page may not necessarily reflect the full range of their abilities. Additionally, social media algorithms can sometimes skew the visibility of a photographer's work, making it difficult to get a complete and accurate picture of their portfolio. In general, it's best to review a photographer's website to get the most accurate sense of their work.
Does the photographer have experience working with newborns and are they comfortable with handling and posing them?
As an NNEB nursery nurse, I have been working with and photographing children for the past 30 years. During this time, I have gained a great deal of experience in this field, and have even spent 12 years specializing in working with newborns. I have also attended extensive hands-on training both in the UK and the US to hone my skills and knowledge in this area. I am passionate about providing the best care and support for the children in my charge, and am always looking for ways to improve my abilities and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of early childhood education. My extensive experience and training make me well-equipped to handle the challenges of working with young children and their families, and I am dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children in my care.
What is your booking process and what is included in your newborn photography package?
The process for booking a newborn photography session is relatively simple. If you are pregnant, you can book your session in advance to secure a spot on my schedule once your baby arrives. This will give you first dibs on available dates and ensure that you have a spot reserved for your little one. Alternatively, you can wait until your baby is born and then book a last minute session. Either way, I am happy to accommodate your needs and will not apply any pressure on you to book before you are ready.
The session fee is used to reserve your due date in my schedule. It does not include any images or products, as these are chosen after you have seen your photographs. Once your session is complete and you have viewed your images, you can then choose the package that best fits your needs. I offer digital images, prints, and other products such as photo albums or frames. The session fee simply secures your spot on my schedule and allows me to plan accordingly for your session.
How long does the photo shoot typically last?
A newborn photography session typically lasts about 4 hours, as this allows for plenty of time to feed, soothe, and make sure your baby is comfortable. I believe that a relaxed and unpressured session is the best way to capture beautiful images of your little one, and I want to make sure you have a positive and enjoyable experience. While 4 hours may seem like a long time, it goes by quickly and my clients often tell me how much they enjoy the session and the time they get to spend with their baby. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease throughout the session, so please don't hesitate to let me know if you or your baby need anything.
Do you have a studio space or do you offer on-location shoots?
All newborn shoots are very much baby led. A relaxed environment is very important to me, which is why I will only take one newborn booking per day, to give new parents plenty of time. It’s not just about getting the best portraits, of course, it’s also about making sure all my clients enjoy their session with me and have some lovely memories to cherish, as well as stunning images.
However, how do you decide which is best for you in terms of studio or a home session? I just wanted to explain the main differences between the two.
Studio sessions take place in my child-friendly studio in Essex. At the studio I have everything to hand, lights, props, toys and the studio can be kept warm and cozy. Everything is set up and I’m ready for when you arrive with your little one. A studio shoot often gives parents a chance to relax while I work my magic with your baby. There’s no need to worry about tidying your home, most people that choose a studio shoot just love the clean look of the images that can be achieved in the studio with seamless backdrops and no clutter. The best age for these type of shoots is before your little one is under two weeks old. After this time they sleep less and the curled up poses are less likely to be achieved.
If I come to you, there are two different options, lifestyle or posed shoot.
There is no right or wrong decision, it’s simply a matter of personal choice. Each type has its benefits, and it’s up to you to determine what scenario will be best for your family’s needs and Preferences.
How do you handle image selection and editing, and when can we expect to receive the final images?
After your photo session, you will be able to view your images within two weeks. I offer both zoom and in-person viewings to make it easy for you to see your photos and choose the ones you would like to purchase. At the viewing, I will have already selected the best images from your gallery and will present them to you in a proof album. Once you have made your selections, I will hand edit your chosen images and send them to you via Google Drive, I will also provide you with a USB drive for your convenience. I am here to help you with your selection in an unpressured way, and will do my best to make sure you are happy with the final images.
Can you provide references or reviews from previous clients?
If you would like to learn more about my work and hear from my past clients, there are many reviews available on my website (insert URL here). Most of my business comes from word of mouth, and I am proud to have many clients who come back to me on a yearly basis for their photography needs. I encourage you to browse through the reviews on my website to get a sense of the experience and quality of service that I provide. I am confident that you will be happy with the results of your photo session, and I look forward to working with you.
How much does a Newborn Photo Session cost?
When it comes to choosing a newborn photographer, the most important factor should be the quality of the images. Sure, it's important to find someone who fits your budget, but don't sacrifice the beauty and lasting power of the photos for a lower price. There are plenty of photographers out there at various price points, so take the time to do your research and compare prices. But above all, make sure to look at the photographer's portfolio and ensure that you love their style and the quality of their images. By prioritizing the quality of the photos, you'll be able to capture beautiful, timeless memories of your newborn without compromising on your budget.
How do I book a newborn photo session if I don't know when my baby will arrive?
If you are not sure exactly when your baby will be born, you can still book a newborn photo session with a photographer. Many photographers, including myself, offer flexible booking options and will work with you to schedule the session at a time that is convenient for you. This means that you can either book your session in advance while you are pregnant, or wait until your baby arrives and then book a last-minute session. The choice is entirely up to you, and I am happy to accommodate your needs and schedule the session at a time that works best for you and your family. Whether you choose to book in advance or wait until your baby is born, I am here to help and will do my best to make sure you have a positive and enjoyable experience.
How do you ensure the safety of my newborn during the photo session?
The safety of any newborn in my studio is my absolute priority. It is important to note that the newborn photography industry is unregulated, which means that anyone with a camera can set up a website and call themselves a newborn photographer. However, as someone who has specialized in newborn photography for 12 years and has received extensive training in the UK and the US, I can assure you that I have the knowledge and experience to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your baby. During my training, I learned about safe posing, equipment handling, and studio cleanliness, and I was taught how to monitor a newborn's comfort at all times. As an NNEB nursery nurse and mother of three, this information was not new to me, and I am confident in my ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your little one. I take the safety of your baby very seriously, and will always prioritize their well-being during our photo session.
How do you handle siblings during the photo session?
I understand that it can be challenging to entertain older siblings during a photo session. To address this, I offer a few options to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
- schedule a mini shoot for siblings and family images on another day, such as a weekend. This allows older siblings to be involved in the photo session without feeling bored or restless.
- I can work with you to find a suitable nearby location where a parent or grandparent can entertain older siblings, such as a nearby park or playground.
- If you live locally we could always do the sibling and family images first and then a family member can take your older child/children home.
- we can incorporate activities into the photo session that will keep older siblings engaged and entertained. For example, you can ask them to help with the poses, or to assist with props or accessories. You can also encourage them to be creative and come up with their own poses and ideas for the photo session. This will not only keep them entertained, but it will also give them a sense of ownership and involvement in the process. Additionally, you can provide age-appropriate activities and toys for them to play with during breaks in the photo session. This will keep them occupied and prevent them from getting bored or restless.
I am happy to be flexible and accommodate the family's needs to ensure that everyone is comfortable and happy during the photo session.
Do you have a good selection of props to choose from that we can use during our session?
I have a selection of props that I can use in my newborn photography sessions, including hats, wraps, and headbands. However, my goal is to let the natural beauty of your baby shine through. I typically use only a few props in order to focus on capturing your baby's innocence and uniqueness. If you would like to use more props in your photos, we can discuss the options I have available and you can choose the ones that you like best. Ultimately, it's up to you and your preferences as the parents. My main goal is to help you create beautiful, timeless photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.
If you are looking for a photographer who uses many props in their newborn photography sessions, I may not be the right photographer for you. As I mentioned, I prefer to use only a few props in order to focus on your baby's natural beauty. However, there are many talented photographers out there who have different approaches and styles, so you may want to do some research to find one who specializes in using a lot of props. I wish you the best of luck in finding a photographer who matches your preferences.
What is your policy on rescheduling the photoshoot?
I am used to rescheduling shoots due to illness or other reasons that's what happens when you work with small children and young babies. All I ask is that you give me as much notice as possible so that I can offer your initial session to someone who might be on the waitlist. I am incredibly flexible and, as a parent of three children myself, I understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. Please let me know if you need to reschedule your session and we can work together to find a new date and time that works for both of us.
Do you offer any guarantees or refunds if I am not satisfied with the photos?
I can happily say I've never had a client that didn't like their images but in the unlikely event that for any reason you are not satisfied with your photos, you are not obligated to purchase anything. We can discuss your preferences for the images before and during the shoot to make sure I tailor the session to your requirements.
Can I request specific poses or shots for the photoshoot?
As a seasoned newborn photographer, I know that it is not always possible to promise specific poses. Every baby is different and may not be comfortable in every pose. I prioritize my clients' wishes, but safety and comfort always come first. The age of the baby can sometimes affect which poses are possible and whether the baby will enjoy them. Younger babies may be more flexible and willing to be posed than older babies, but this is not always the case. Ultimately, I do my best to create beautiful photos that capture the unique personality and innocence of your newborn, but specific poses cannot be guaranteed.