7 tips for choosing a Newborn Photographer

2. Are they the real thing?

We’ve all aimed a camera before, but would you call yourself a photographer? While there’s no substitute for passion, there’s also no substitute for professional experience and demeanour. A good newborn photographer will be up-to-date with their vaccinations and know what is and isn’t safe for your baby through years of working with newborns. You want your photographer to enjoy their work, but you also want to know that they actually have the technical skills and equipment to do their best work.

Loving babies is not the same as being good with babies. Look through that folio again: do the babies look comfortable? Do you want to see your baby peaceful and asleep, or with scrunched up fingers and ankles stuffed uncomfortably under their body? Babies are adorable, but someone who does this professionally will know how to look after your baby as well as capture their beauty.

Being a paediatric nurse for nearly 10 years, I can ensure your baby will be safe at all times.

3. They’re professional

It’s an unfortunate fact, but people can say whatever they want on the internet. A professional takes their work seriously: they have a professional presence such as a website and a dedicated photo studio. They will have a varied folio which shows you the work they do and what they’re capable of, and their testimonials will reflect the experience that you want to have. If they don’t have all of these things, steer clear! Don’t waste your money and newborn baby photo timeframe on someone’s hobby.

You can also gauge experience by the information posted on their website. A professional, experienced photographer will provide a price range, and explain what their fee includes. They will also know approximately how long a session will take and convey that information confidently. A good newborn photograph puts the baby and their needs first.

4. They can say no

Can you come to my house? Can you squeeze me in this afternoon? No, no, no! A professional photographer, who cares about their work and clients, will not compromise their standards to make a quick dollar. It might not be as convenient, but a photographer willing to say no is a photographer who cares about the quality of their work, and their client.

5. You have a good feel for who they are

You wouldn’t hand your baby over to a stranger, so make sure you know your photographer. Has a friend or family member recommended them to you, or did you find them on Facebook with a list of prices and dates? A good photographer knows how to put you at ease, along with knowing their profession. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to make some phone calls. Have a look at their website or online profile, and see what they tell you about themselves, their background and their experience. A good photographer should answer most of your questions without needing to pick up the phone, so if they think cagey is cute, start looking elsewhere.

6. Your investment – how much are your images worth?

Let’s get down to business: there’s a wide variety of prices you can pay for newborn photography, from very cheap, to eye-watering. But consider this: the best time to photograph a newborn is within two weeks of birth, which doesn’t give you much time to take chances. By the time you get photographs back from a sub-standard photographer, it’s too late to reshoot. Good photography can be expensive because most of the work is done without you there. All of the training (never mind the equipment and studio costs), the behind-the-scenes work that happens when you and baby leave the studio, it all takes time.

Babies are born and grow up a little each day. When you pay a professional newborn photographer, you are not just getting their skills and experience, you’re also receiving their promise that they will provide you with beautiful photographs of your baby. Photographs that, when your children show them to their own children, will still make you smile after all those years.

A true photographer knows that when you book in for newborn photography session, it’s not just the prints and files that you want. You’re paying to preserve a moment in time. Make an investment in your memories and remember that while you can’t buy happiness, you can pay for quality.

7. Products on offer

What do you want to do with your images once your session is over? Whether you want to display them on the wall or keep them in a beautiful keepsake box, make sure your photographer can offer this. Don’t choose a photographer that only offers digital images, these files can become corrupt over time or end up on devices that become useless over time… remember floppy disks?! Ensure products are high quality and archival so that these memories outlive us all and can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Please take your time when looking at newborn photographers and consider who will be the best fit for you and your family.

If you have any questions after reading this and want to know more about newborn photography or enquire about a session, please contact me (Elle) at Always Belle Photography. I am more than happy to help!