FAQ's ABOUT HIRING A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

Whether you’re a brand new mama looking to capture your baby’s first few days of life or a veteran mom who regrets not hiring a professional the first time around- if you’re reading this, you’re probably considering hiring a photographer for newborn photos! There are so many misconceptions and frankly dangerous habits in the newborn photography world (I’m looking at you, viral Facebook videos of babies in froggy pose unsupported!) and I hope by sharing this, I can inform expecting mothers who can better prepare themselves when hiring someone to work with their brand new baby.

Here are some questions you should be asking your photographer during the pre consultation phase of your professional relationship with them! My biggest piece of advice for this specific genre of photography is to please not book a photographer solely because they are the cheapest in the area. It is incredibly important to ask questions and be able to form trust when hiring someone who will be handling your fragile newborn.

How many newborn sessions do you do a month?

A photographer who does a high volume of clients may have less flexibility when it comes to scheduling your session to fit with your calendar. I run a “low volume, high service” business model which includes high interaction and service from beginning to end- this ensures I can provide all of my clients with undivided attention.

Do you have safety training with handling newborns?

There are many opportunities for photographers to invest in newborn safety training, both in person and online. I have taken many classes to make sure I am handling newborns with the upmost care!

Are the garments, blankets, wraps and props sanitized between sessions?

With their brand new, fragile immune systems, it is of the utmost importance that sanitization measures are taken and all professionals working with baby are in good health and the props are clean. I remove my rings and always wash my hands before sessions, in addition to keeping hand sanitizer nearby before touching baby. Though it can sometimes be a bit of an inconvenience for clients, I will reschedule a session if I’m not in perfect health. Babies safety is more important to me than schedules!

Do you have a newborn session prep guide?

The moments leading up to a newborn session parents can feel totally overwhelmed! They may feel like they have to provide a full wardrobe and props, or they’re not sure whether they should let baby sleep all morning before their session or when to feed them, etc. I have a full prep guide that answers all of these questions or concerns that is sent to parents a few days before their session. I also provide all outfits, blankets, backdrops and props.

Is family posing included?

Some photographers charge extra to include sibling, parent and family poses. I want you to have all of the memories captured from this time in your life as a family with your new addition, so all of these poses are included in my workflow.

When do I contact you to formally book my session?

The best time to inquire is during your pregnancy so I can mark your due date on my calendar. As SOON as the baby arrives within a day or two, please shoot me a quick email or text to let me know they’re here and we’ll get you in within a week or two.

What happens during a posed newborn session and how long is it?

The session takes around 3 hours. I have a set workflow in place with a beanbag, once I arrive I'll set up quickly, baby should be fed and I’ll begin right away! Parents can sit and watch, read a book, browse my studio samples or take a nap!

Can we reshoot if baby is uncooperative?

I have not yet had a baby that has been unable to make it through a session (please don’t let me jinx myself!!) but if baby is unwell or inconsolable to the point we can not provide a ~30 image gallery, we can reshoot within a few days pending my availability. All babies are different with their own unique personalities, and some may have special health issues as well so we take the time here to make both parent and babies experience as calming and suitable to their needs as possible.