Choosing the right photographer to capture the early life of your new baby is a big decision. These are memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime!
To ensure you have the best experience and love the final images, here are some essential questions to ask when hiring a newborn photographer.
1. Do you like their editing style?
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to ensure that you genuinely love the photographer’s editing style. Take a few minutes to browse their website and recent blog posts. Pay close attention to how they edit their photos—are the colors and tones something you love? Do you like the poses they choose? Every photographer has a unique style, and it’s important to make sure it aligns with your vision.
2. What is included in the pricing?
Understanding the photographer’s pricing structure is essential to avoid any surprises. Some photographers have a session fee and require you to purchase each image afterward, which can lead to an unpredictable budget. On the other hand, some photographers, like myself, offer all-inclusive pricing. This means the session fee includes not just the session itself but also at least 60 edited images (and often many more!). This transparency helps you know exactly what you’re getting and ensures there are no hidden costs.
3. Do they have children?
While having children isn’t a prerequisite for being a great newborn photographer, it can make a significant difference.
A photographer with kids of their own can relate to the journey of pregnancy, maternity, and postpartum experiences. They understand firsthand the challenges and joys of those early days with a newborn. This experience can be an invaluable attribute, allowing them to connect with you on a deeper level and ensure a more comfortable session.
Ready to capture early precious moments you’ll cherish forever? Learn what to expect during your newborn photo shoot.
4. Are they flexible with scheduling?
One of the best questions to ask when hiring a newborn photographer is whether there is flexibility with scheduling. Newborns are unpredictable, and life with a new baby can be chaotic. That’s why it’s important to choose a photographer who offers flexible scheduling.
Ask if they provide weekday and weekend dates for sessions and if they can adjust the timing to accommodate your toddler’s early bedtime or your baby’s nap schedule. I know from experience that flexibility is key, especially if you or your baby have any complications that require rescheduling.
5. Do they offer a variety of settings?
Variety in session settings can make a big difference in your overall experience. Some photographers only shoot in one type of space, only in a studio, or only outdoors, while others offer multiple options.
For both maternity and newborn sessions, consider whether the photographer offers in-home, studio, or outdoor sessions. If you’re worried about your home not being “picture perfect” or if you want to avoid tidying up after having a baby, an outdoor or studio option might be ideal. If you love the idea of showing up with everything set up, then a studio or outdoor session may be best.
Not every new mom wants the same thing, so I love providing all options for photoshoot locations. It’s all about us finding what makes you feel most comfortable and relaxed.
6. Do they help with outfits?
Planning outfits for a photo session can be stressful, but the right newborn photographer will take that burden off your shoulders.
Ask if they provide a client closet or offer assistance with outfit planning. It may not seem daunting when you book your session, but in reality, your outfits make all the difference. The type of dress and how it flatters your body on camera, as well as the colors in the setting we’re photographing truly matter. If I’m being honest, poor outfit choices and colors can make or break a session.
For example, my Maternity and Newborn Guide (which is provided free of charge once a session is booked) gives options to help plan outfits, whether you want to do it yourself with suggested shopping options or borrow a dress from my collection.
I even offer tools to help you coordinate the rest of the family’s outfits if you prefer to do it yourself- ensuring that you look and feel your best during your session.
Choosing a photographer is about more than just finding someone who can take great pictures. It’s about finding someone who understands your needs, offers flexibility, aligns with your vision, and offers a great experience.
By using these questions to ask when hiring a newborn photographer, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the right professional for your session.
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