How to choose a newborn photographer

by Anna | May 31, 2023 | Newborn Photography, Uncategorized

HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

How to choose a newborn photographer?!

I imagine this question has crossed your mind at least once. After all, this is such a precious and wonderful time. You want to make sure you have chosen the right photographer to capture your beautiful memories.

The first days and weeks are filled with many emotions, sleepless but beautiful nights and many adjustments. Knowing that you have chosen that photographer, takes away the worries you might have and gets you feeling all excited for the day.

Photographing your new family should always be a beautiful experience.

Not only do you need to feel comfortable during your photo session but you also want to achieve the results you were looking for.

It can certainly feel daunting when you first start looking.

Therefore I have put together some steps to help you get started:

1. ALLOW YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME

I always recommend to start planning and looking for a photographer at around 20 week mark.

Although, any time after 12 weeks is even better.

This gives you plenty of time to plan ahead and properly do your research, look at different photographers, their styles and what they offer.

Once you have found your photographer and booked, all you need to do is let them know your baby is here and you can confirm your photo session date.

However, as a busy mum myself I know doing anything ahead of time can be challenging. So, if you haven’t managed to do it in time. I would always suggest to enquire anyway. Chances are you might still get in, as babies are hardly born on time.

how to choose a newborn photographer, in home session

2. CHOOSE A STYLE YOU LOVE

This is probably one of the most important tips.

Don’t just pick any photographer with any style.

They are creating your memories, choose someone with the style that really speaks to you.

Take your time in making this decision. And also consider where and how you want to display your photographs and what will look good in your space.

There are various newborn photography styles out there, here is a short list:

Posed – usually created in a studio space or by a mobile photographer, using a number of props, different fun poses and various colours that you might love.

Lifestyle – usually created in the comfort of your own home, mainly photographing the authenticity of you and your bundle of joy. Keeping posing to a minimum and focusing on genuine moments and interactions in your own loving environment.

Natural – a natural styled shoot, is what you will find on this website. There is still an element of posing your baby and guiding you into beautiful lighting. However the posing is natural, with the focus remaining on your baby and all their little details. These kind of shoots can be created in both studio space and your own home.

Documentary – very similar to a lifestyle shoot, but the emphasis is more on capturing you and your family in your environment, doing your thing, just the way you are.

The above are just short descriptions.

Take a look and research each one and see what resonates with you the most.

Consider your emotional connection to the style. Some styles may resonate with you on a deeper level, evoking certain emotions or capturing the essence of your newborn in a way that feels authentic to you.

Maybe even create a Pinterest board, add everything that you like to that board.

You will soon see exactly which style is your favourite.

close up of baby in parents arms, how to choose a newborn Photographer

3. READ THROUGH REVIEWS

Reviews & testimonials create trust.

Finding a trustworthy, professional photographer to work with should also be at the top of the list. After all, you have to know you’re in safe hands.

Although there are no qualifications required to be a professional photographer. Asking the right questions and doing your research will help you in making your decision.

Personal referrals are always the best when it comes to looking for a photographer. Ask your friends and relatives first. But if you don’t know anyone who has had an experience with a photographer, make sure you check out reviews and testimonials.

Take your time in reading them to get a good idea of the experience previous clients have had.

This feedback can help you gauge the photographer’s reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

how to choose a newborn photographer, baby curled up

4. PREPARE QUESTIONS

When first looking for a photographer, you most likely have many questions. These could include, posing style, safety, time it takes, can parents or siblings be included, prices and packaging, etc.

Some of these questions will already be covered on the photographers website. But I would always encourage writing some down anyway.

Then, I would recommend to schedule a consultation or a call with your shortlisted photographers.

It allows you to discuss your expectations, ask the questions, and get a sense of their personality. It’s important to build a relationship with the photographer, as they will be handling your newborn and capturing intimate moments. You will feel much more relaxed during your photo session, having already built a relationship with them.

However if for any reason you can’t speak to them, always send everything you want across on an email.

how to choose a newborn photographer, candid family shot

NOT SURE WHAT TO ASK?

DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS GUIDE

5. GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Why do I need to get to know them and build a relationship?

I would always recommend to build a little bit of a relationship and trust before your session. Book in a call, a virtual meeting or even face to face if it’s possible.

It’s important to do so, as they will be handling your newborn and capturing intimate moments.

It also allows you to discuss your expectations, ask the questions, and get a sense of their personality.

I know this may seem like an extra task, but trust me, you will feel much better having got to know them!

Chances are you might feel tired or even a little emotional on the day, not long after giving birth. Having someone you know a little and trust, makes all the difference.

how to choose a newborn photographer, baby sleeping on tummy

PREFER VIDEO CONTENT?

HERE ARE 5 SIMPLE STEPS ON “HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER” OVER ON THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

I hope this blog “how to choose a newborn photographer” has been helpful in getting you started with your search. If a natural or a lifestyle newborn shoot is what you are after, just get in touch here, I would love to hear from you.

And if you have any extra suggestions or questions that you might like me to answer. Please pop a comment below.

Anna x

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed with the ID 8 found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

5 reasons to photograph an older newborn

by Anna | Mar 28, 2022 | Newborn Photography, Portraits

In the world of photography, the rule of thumb is that you have to have your newborn baby photographed in the first 3 weeks of their life. And of course newborns do change during those weeks faster than they will ever change. So, if you want to preserve the details from this time; all the wrinkles, dry skin, the puffiness around their eyes. I would 100% recommend doing the shoot during those first few weeks.

But, life happens and it’s not always possible to do that. And you shouldn’t feel missed out or miss out on a newborn shoot, just because they are older than 3 weeks.

So here’s my 5 reasons as to why you should still book a newborn shoot if you have passed the 3 week mark.

1. PERSONALITY

Of course I had to start with the most obvious one.

Although babies show their personality from the start, in many different ways. It really does start shining through about a month in. Some of those little extra quirks and funny faces they pull. The way they observe the room and the eye contact. It’s amazing to see and capture.

older newborn looking at mum at their photo session

older newborn photography session, baby smiling at camera

older newborn sleeping during photography session

baby yawn in older newborn photography shoot

older newborn sticking tongue out at parents in photography session

older newborn smiling at photography session

2. VARIETY

With an older newborn there’s a whole new set of variety of memories that can be captured.

Although I briefly mentioned this above, but it’s worth noting again. Wide awake babies, give your gallery more variety.

The way they are all of a sudden able to interact with you a little more.

Smile – yes sometimes if we are lucky we can even catch a little smile.

And if baby is fed and kept to their usual routine, they will still fall to sleep and you will get those beautiful sleepy shots too.

2. VARIETY

With an older newborn there’s a whole new set of variety of memories that can be captured.

Although I briefly mentioned this above, but it’s worth noting again. Wide awake babies, give your gallery more variety.

The way they are all of a sudden able to interact with you a little more.

Smile – yes sometimes if we are lucky we can even catch a little smile.

And if baby is fed and kept to their usual routine, they will still fall to sleep and you will get those beautiful sleepy shots too.

3. DETAILS

Just because your baby is that little bit bigger, it doesn’t mean you can’t capture all those wonderful little details.

Their little hands are still small enough to only wrap around your finger.

Their little toes are just as small and scrumptious.

And the eyelashes may be even longer.

3. DETAILS

Just because your baby is that little bit bigger, it doesn’t mean you can’t capture all those wonderful little details.

Their little hands are still small enough to only wrap around your finger.

Their little toes are just as small and scrumptious.

And the eyelashes may be even longer.

4. RELAXING & SHORTER SESSION

If you are a first time mum, the first few weeks can be overwhelming. After all, you now have the responsibility of a tiny human being. Not to mention, the hormones.

If you opt for an older newborn session. Chances are, you have established a routine and feel a little more yourself. Resulting in feeling that little more relaxed during your session.

The big difference between photographing your baby in the first few weeks and an older newborn. Is that with an older newborn, your session is more baby led and less posed. Therefore, chances are your session will be much shorter.

4. RELAXING & SHORTER SESSION

If you are a first time mum, the first few weeks can be overwhelming. After all, you now have the responsibility of a tiny human being. Not to mention, the hormones.

If you opt for an older newborn session. Chances are, you have established a routine and feel a little more yourself. Resulting in feeling that little more relaxed during your session.

5. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

I am a big believer that no baby and no parent should have to miss out on those precious memories. During any stage or any week of their life, there is always some wonderful and beautiful memories to be captured.

new family, older newborn photography session

5. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

So, these are my 5 simple reasons about why you shouldn’t miss out on a newborn shoot. Even if your baby is that little bit older. I hope this has been a nice and helpful read. And, if you like a natural simple style and want to enquire about photographing your baby just drop me a message here.

Anna x