What is Finding the Right Newborn Photographer Worth to You?

Finding a good newborn photographer isn’t always easy in a world where access to a good camera comes simple enough. Photographers seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days, and many offer to photograph newborns. However, searching for a good newborn photographer is something that should be taken quite seriously, possibly even more so than finding a good wedding photographer. After all, they’re handling your most precious little one. You need to trust that the photographer knows what they’re doing, and that they have YOUR BABY as their number one priority. As expecting parents searching for a newborn photographer, you’ve come to the right place to learn some things you should consider before hiring one.

Are they a Professional?

Do they pay taxes and have an EIN? What about liability insurance in case something happens? Do they take time with your images after the session to make sure you’re getting quality? Someone who has these things will likely charge more because they want to be around and in business years down the road. This is their livelihood, or at least they take it seriously enough to charge to cover their expenses and their value. Do they have the appropriate equipment, or are they just “making do” with things they’ve found around the house? And props: do they have a hefty supply of baskets, backdrops, hats and headbands for you to choose from, or are they leaving it to you to bring what you want?

Are they Educated?

Do they know how to handle and take care of your baby? Do they remove their jewelry, wash their hands, and don’t wear strong scents around the baby? Do they have knowledge and practice at composite images to keep your baby out of dangerous positions? Do they know what baby’s cries mean, and as a new mom, can they help you with recommendations of others in the community to help you with concerns? And, are they vaccinated against Pertussis/Whooping Cough?

 Have you Seen their Portfolio?

Do they have consistent work that speaks to you? Does their style mesh with yours and what you’re looking for? You’re paying money for these images, and by the time they’re edited and back to you, if you end up unsatisfied, it’s highly unlikely you’ll have time to do newborn photos with this same look again. Portfolios not only help you get an idea for the photographer’s style, but also to see if they have a lot of variety to get you the most bang for your buck.

Do they Take What You Want into Consideration?

Do they have a discussion with you about what you want and love? And if you don’t know what you want, are they willing to help you figure it out? As I mentioned above, it’s unlikely you’ll have a chance to get this style of photographs done again, and it’s best to make sure that you’re both on the same page as for what you want and what your photographer is able to do. Are they willing to help your vision come to life and mesh with their style? Asking a photographer to copy things that you find on Pinterest is often not a good idea, but offering up inspiration of a favorite shot or two that you’ve found on their website is certainly most welcome, or mentioning a favorite prop or hat that you LOVE that you’ve seen used. And are they open to using a special prop or two that’s meaningful to you and you bring in?

Are they Patient, Loving, Kind, and Relaxed?

Or do they get frustrated and stressed when things don’t go as planned? Babies are not always cooperative and a good newborn photographer knows that the baby is always in charge. Taking the extra-long feeding in stride, or the poop-cleanup for the 3rd or 4th time in stride should be expected. It’s a part of the newborn package, and you as mom, don’t need to stress or feel any worse because things aren’t going as planned. When the photographer is more relaxed, baby is more relaxed, and the faster the photographer can move from one pose to the next with sure, steady hands.

Chances are, if they’re all of those things above, they’re not going to be the least-expensive on the market. In the world of newborn photographers, I truly believe you get what you pay for. If you’re interested in learning more about my newborn photography sessions, please feel free to take a tour of my site. If you like what you see, I would love to talk to you about becoming your newborn photographer – you can click here to fill out an Inquiry Form or click the Pricing & Contact link on the menu bar above. If you’re still in the beginning stages of researching a newborn photographer, please feel free to sign up for my newsletter, where I’ll keep you informed of any specials and news, and you can learn a little more about me.