How do you know if your newborn photographer is right for you? What questions should you ask your newborn photographer? How do you know that you will get the photos and artwork you really want of your perfect tiny baby?
I’m Lori and after years photographing newborns, I have a few recommendations for some great questions to ask to make sure you get exactly what you want!
1. Can we talk?
This might sound silly as a first question to ask, but so often you never talk to your photographer before the session, especially when choosing a budget photographer. It is important that you talk with your photographer in advance, whether via phone, in a Skype/FaceTime call, or via an in person consultation. You want to make sure that you trust your photographer and that they are a good fit for you and your growing family.
Lori’s Answer:
ABSOLUTELY! In fact, I require it. I want to make sure that I am the right photographer for you and can provide you the exact experience you want with your baby and family!
2. Where will the session take place?
Some photographers photograph only in a studio, some photograph only outdoors, and some photograph in your home. Some may do a combination of all three. However, you definitely want to know what is offered in order to meet your expectations.
If in your mind you envision you and your partner snuggling on your bed with your new bundle, kisses, snuggles, and connection, you probably would like an in-home session, also called a lifestyle session.
If you want a lot of props and perfectly posed photos of baby only, you might be more interested in a studio session.
Lori’s Answer:
My style is comfortable and connected. I want to capture you and your family interacting in your own home, in your brand new nursery, in your bed. “Posed” photos are natural photos of baby, not filled with fancy props and complicated poses.
3. How long is the session?
Time varies greatly for newborn sessions based on what types of images are being provided, who is being photographed, and where the session will take place.
You don’t want to assume the session will be “maybe an hour or so” when your photographer is planning on more like 3 or 4 hours. This is especially true if you have other children, are including grandparents, or have a husband who is not super thrilled for photos. You want to be able to prepare your day and know whether or not that afternoon doctor’s appointment is a good idea.
Lori’s Answer:
I always tell people to block off 3 hours for our session, and try not to plan anything else for the day. This gives us plenty of time if baby is fussy, toddler has a meltdown (or 5), or if baby decides today is the day to cluster feed. Moms and dads are much more relaxed and comfortable when we are not rushing through poses and looking at the clock.
4. What props do you use or provide?
Again, the use of props varies widely by photographer and whether your session will be in your own house or in a studio. Some photographers are fairly minimalistic using simple wraps and headbands. Other photographers can provide any prop of your dreams. Ensure that you and your photographer have the same idea on props so your family artwork matches your overall style.
You also want to understand the sanitation process for any props, wraps, or blankets so you know you are getting fresh and clean items for your session.
Lori’s Answer:
We will talk in advance to make sure that outfits for the whole family are planned and that your photos will really match your style. I do have some natural wraps, headbands, hats, and blankets that I bring to every session (fully sanitized for every client) so we can focus on baby and not on props or fancy outfits.
5. What is your experience with newborns and their safety?
You wouldn’t hire just anyone to be your nanny. In that same way, you don’t want to hire just any photographer to handle your newborn. How long has your photographer worked with newborns? Do they have any specialized training on newborn safety?
Safety also comes into play with posing. There are some poses that simply should not be done with certain newborns. Other poses look tricky or even potentially unsafe, but are actually done by putting a set of images together (called compositing) to make it look like a single image. How does your photographer make sure your baby is safe during the session especially if they use tricky poses?
Lori’s Answer:
I have photographed newborns for 10 years, have taken multiple workshops on posing, infant safety, infant CPR, and continue to add to my education every year.
When it comes to complicated poses, my style focuses on natural posing of your baby. I find that moms and dads really like this more relaxed “unposed” style in their home and in their nursery.
6. Who is included in the session?
Depending on who you decide to work with and the package you choose, you may be limited on who might be included in the session. Is it just baby? Can the siblings be included? What about grandma and grandpa?
It is important for you to know who you want to include so you can determine if this increases the cost of your package, limits your options for session times, or changes the length of the session.
Lori’s Answer:
Bring ’em all! 🙂 My in-home newborn sessions include baby, parents, siblings, pets, and grandparents too! I want to really capture the essence of your family without limiting the number of people or only capturing baby by herself.
There are certainly loads of other questions to ask your newborn photographer to make sure you find the perfect fit. These are just a few topics I think will help you get the best experience, whether with me or not.
Have some other questions for me? Drop them in the comments!