So, you’ve found out that you are expecting a bouncing baby boy or girl. Wonderful news! You have my most heartfelt congratulations. Being a parent is an amazing and rewarding journey, but it’s also one that is full of questions and decisions. Relax! You’ll get through it. And I hope that I can help make one decision a little bit easier for you to make. How to hire the right newborn photographer.
No matter your age, young mom or more mature mom, you’ve more than likely been exposed to newborn art. Whether by Anne Geddes, or Baby as Art, or maybe even a friend or family member who has had newborn photos taken. And if you have, you have probably also settled it in your mind that you are booking one of those sessions for your own baby. Congratulations on a great decision! (See, you just started this journey, and you are already making great decisions!)
But how do you know WHO to hire? Let me spell it out for you. I’ll give you the quick and the dirty, so you can find the perfect photographer for YOU!
1. Google is your friend! And so is Facebook. Search area photographers that specialize in newborns. Trust me on this one – Newborn photography is a whole lot more than laying a baby down on a blanket, followed by click – click – click. Newborn posing takes know-how and dedication. It truly is an art. So, look for photographers who feature images with well posed babies. Can you see the baby’s whole face, or is part of the baby’s face smooshed into the blanket? Does the baby look to have been worked with to get him relaxed and soothed into his pose, or does he look awkward or uncomfortable? And finally, you can ask the photographer how she has been educated on safe newborn handling, posing and soothing techniques, and how much experience she has working with newborns. You are planning to entrust your tiny new baby to this person for several hours. Be sure she knows what she is doing!
2. Take a good look through the photographer’s images in their portfolio or on their website. Do you adore their style, or does it not really mesh with your own personal aesthetics? In general, with a photographer who has an ample body of work to show, a potential client can get a really good feel for the style of images and processing they can expect. If you don’t love it, then keep looking. It is not likely to grow on you. I recommend looking for a photographer who displays a style that speaks to your heart. To your soul. These are going to be some of the most important images you will ever have taken. For this reason, I also recommend looking for a photographer who has a classic and clean looking style. Something that is not going to scream DATED to you in 18 or so years, when you display them at his graduation. Something that will always be beautiful and transport you back to that amazing newborn scent, those tiny fingers and toes, his downy-soft hair.
3. Don’t be entirely swayed by price. Now, I realize that cost and budget are going to weigh in on this decision, and that is completely understandable. But what I am recommending is that it be the final consideration, rather than the top priority. You can expect the more experienced and in-demand photographers to have higher pricing than newer photographers. And often, that will mean that you are paying not only for higher grade professional gear and props, but also for workshops, education, and expertise. You are also paying for peace of mind and the assurance that you have hired someone who is going to get the job done, and do so in a way that creates an amazing experience for you as well as beautiful images. I can’t tell you the number of clients who come to me in tears because they hired someone on the basis of cost, and do not have any beautiful images from their session. They end up paying MORE in the end, because they regret their decision and book another session with me. And it breaks my heart every time it happens. So, I highly recommend thinking of your newborn session as an investment for your family for generations to come, because you will truly be able to relive this experience over and over with your children. With their spouses. And with their own children. It’s not unlike purchasing quality furniture that you will be able to pass down to your children and grandchildren. Sometimes it is simply worth paying more.
Do remember that a very experienced newborn photographer will likely be working with a high client volume. Book early to be sure that they can reserve a spot for you in their schedule. Booking before your third trimester is probably good advice.
I truly hope this information helps you book your newborn session. And that years from now, you will have beautiful photos of one of the most amazing times in your life to show for it.
Blessings,
Patricia
[email protected] or 432.279.0742
