How to find the right Newborn Photographer

So you just found out you are pregnant, you have so much to do in that short 9 month period. The last thing you should have to worry about is finding a photographer to capture these once in a lifetime moments. That is why I am here, to help you know exactly what to look for in a newborn photographer.

Safety: My absolute number one rule when photographing newborns is SAFETY. When you ask a newborn photographer what the most important part of  a newborn shoot is, this should be their answer. You see those beautiful images out there of babies in or on top of things and you wonder, how do they do that without the baby falling? That all depends on the experience and knowledge of the photographer, not just while they are shooting but behind the scenes as well. Here is an example of photographing a newborn safely, this photo is what we call a “composite”. The baby should NEVER be left on top of a prop without hands on the baby to ensure safety. This Dads hands never left his baby, he was always there to make sure he was safe. Instructions where given before we even started shooting to make sure this was understood. The fact is, if you cannot do it safely, then don’t do it at all. No photo is worth risking the safety of a new baby, they are babies, not props.

P I NI M A G E

Posing: The photographer should have extensive knowledge in a variety of SAFE poses. Take the time to look through their work, do the babies look uncomfortable and awkward? Is the photographer consistent with their posing and images? Do they have a variety of poses? A professional newborn photographer should be able to consistently put out beautiful images and know how to pose the baby safely.

Post Processing: Taking the photos is a fraction of the work, most of the work goes on behind the scenes. You may find a photographer that is great at taking the photos and has endless props, but without the knowledge and experience working with the images in the computer, your final images may come back to you not what you expected or wanted. Learning Photoshop is a huge challenge for anyone, your potential photographer should know how to edit images, edit composites, and give you a final product that you will cherish. Consistency is the key, makes sure they are consistent with their colors and editing. If you look through their work and see that their finished product looks completely different from image to image then chances are they still have some learning to do. I am not saying that these are not good photographers, everyone starts somewhere, but are they right for you? Photographers post their best work, does their best meet your standards in what you are looking for? Remember when you are searching, your baby will only be this small and delicate once, you can’t go back so you want to make sure you are choosing a photographer that you LOVE.

Pricing: You may be asking, what does pricing have to do with it? Well the simple fact is, as with everything, you get what you pay for. Can you find a photographer to photograph your new baby for $50, absolutely, but their price will reflect their work. This is your brand new baby that you are placing in the hands of a stranger, you want to make sure the photographer you choose knows how to handle and pose your baby safely and provide you with beautiful final images.

There are so many factors that go into choosing a photographer, hopefully these tips will help you find the best one for you and your family. Congratulations on your beautiful new baby! Don’t forget, if you are in the Austin or surrounding area contact me today to book your session!