When you're expecting a baby, there's nothing more exciting than knowing that your baby will be in your arms soon, and it's so important to document those early stages of your baby's life. As cliche as it sounds, they really do grow far too quickly.
Most new parents look to book in for a newborn photo shoot for when their baby arrives, but it is a complete minefield. The reason for this is centred around that fact that there is no legal framework or requirement to be a newborn photographer (frightening, isnt it?), so basically anyone with any old camera or phone can simply set up and call themselves a newborn photographer. Which isn't ideal.
So to help new parents, we've put together a guide on what to look for in a newborn photographer.
This guide is simply to give you all the facts, so that you can make an informed decision from there on whether a photographer or studio is right for you.
We won't go into detail on how we run a newborn session ourselves here, so that will be a post for a different day.
There's quite a lot to take in, so sit back with a cuppa...
Newborn Safety
The most important thing when looking for a newborn photographer, is making sure that they are trained and experienced in safely posing and photographing newborns. Don't just take their word for it either, feel free to ask what quailifications or training they hold.
The other thing to note when it comes to newborn safety, is asking if your photographer works alone or with a trained assistant. If your photographer works alone, to work safely they will have to ask you, as a parent to assist - so make sure you're comfortable with and happy being a spotter for your photographer if they do work alone.
We personally prefer to work as a team of two, with everyone trained in newborn safety and posing. That way we know exactly what to look for to ensure that your baby is safe, and parents can sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
When a photographer/assistant is experienced and trained, they will be able to correctly pose and soothe your baby, they'll be able to tell what poses they will and wont be comfortable with, and if they are displaying any signs of discomfort they will know how to settle them. These are all vital in newborn photography.
2. Image style and quality
When researching a newborn photographer, you will find that styles vary among photographers. Find a photographer who's work you love, and go with your gut and book them. Don't expect to go to any photographer and ask them to replicate another photographers work, photography is a creative industry and most photographers spend years nailing their own style - which is why it's best to book with someone who's work you'll be thrilled to display for years to come.
Coming back to safety slightly - when looking at a photographers work, take note of how baby appears. Are they posed well? Do they look comfortable? Are their fingers scrunched or relaxed? Do they look a lovely creamy colour, or are they mottled? These are indicators within an image that will also be able to show if the photographer is working safely.
3. Photographic qualifications and awards
Photographic qualifications and awards are often an indicator of the competence level of a photographer within their niche area. Many photographers do claim to be award winning, but it's worth looking at what awards they have won. Are they from photographic professional bodies? Are they for newborn images?
Equally with qualifications, ask what qualifications the photographer holds. Most photographic bodies have tiered qualifications such as Licentiate, Associate and Fellow, and they can be acheived within varying genres.
4. Studio or mobile
Would you prefer to attend a fully functioning professional studio, or would you prefer someone to come to your home, or even you go to their home?
There's a big difference in having a studio experience, to having someone set up in your living room. A professional studio will be fully equipped and set up with everything needed for your session, with a huge selection of fabrics, props etc... and it feels like more of an experience. Or do you prefer the simplicity of having someone come to your home where you feel most comfortable.
5. Pricing and products
This is where photography varies massively - because the outgoings and costs of running different photography businesses also varies massively.
The pricing of a photographer will also typically be a good indication of experience level and expertise.
Additionally, different photographers and studios will use varying suppliers from standard printing through to archival and gallery quality artwork. Much like with anything else, you do get what you pay for in this respect.
Look for a photographer who's work you love, and is within a price range that you're happy to pay.
Finally, make sure that you book with a reputable and legitimate business. When it comes to your baby, this is so important as you're trusting a stranger to handle your precious newborn. Making sure that the photographer you book with is fully insured and easily contactable.
Any good photographer will be happy to answer any questions you have.
