10 Questions To Ask Your Newborn Photographer
Choosing a newborn photographer, where do you start?
There are so SO many Newborn photographers out there nowadays, all different talents, styles, prices - so there's no denying the fact it won't be a quick and easy job finding one, but whats most important above all else is finding a newborn photographer that is right for YOU, and realistically do we ever put this at the top of our list when looking through the market?
I've put together a little list of a few things I think are most important to ask ahead of booking when looking for the right newborn photographer to photograph your family ...
1. Style - Start by finding a photographer whose style you're most drawn to. Every photographer has their own style - something that truly defines the type of photographer they are. Some use lots of colour, some are very posed, some use lots of props, others prefer to use none. I, for example have a very simple very plain naturally relaxed style which I think has come to define my brand. I'm most recognized for my very white, grey and black images, no props no fuss, all the focus remains on the baby and the unfiltered family connection . I pride myself on very authentic baby led posing, i like to just let baby take the lead and i photograph exactly as i see them. Its so important you can connect with your photographer's style as these are images you will cherish for a lifetime, and place around your home, they must make you feel all those new raw emotions when you look at them.
2. Insurance/Training - A question you must not forget to ask your photographer. Do they have the correct insurance to be working with your brand new newborn baby? Have they had sufficient training in newborn photography? Your baby is the most precious thing you will ever hold, it is so important you trust the photographer you are handing them over to. Unfortunately the Newborn photography industry in the UK is currently unregulated, leaving space for anyone to pick up a camera and a baby and call themselves a Newborn photographer. Don't be afraid to ask what training and experience they have. Any professional Newborn photographer, should have had sufficient training before setting up their business and should be able to talk to you comfortably and confidently about the safe practices that they adhere to in order to ensure a baby’s safety during the photoshoot. Without the correct professional training a photographer could well put your baby at risk, so please be vigilant.
3. Price - This is a bit of a tricky one really and ties in quite well with the above. Generally in life we are drawn to price before anything else but we all know there are certain things where quality beats quantity, price etc - Newborn photography is one of them. Honestly we generally get what we pay for, I'm not saying a higher price guarantees a better product or service, but you will find near enough most of the time this is correct in all professions. With a higher priced photographer should come higher quality products along with investment in quality equipment, insurances, training fee's, post-processing software, a good website, the list of 'overheads' continues but you see my point ... don’t be tempted to cut corners by taking on 'that friend of a friend from work' who doesn’t do photography professionally, as their main job, or who offers incredibly cheap prices - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!! Choose a professional photographer and ideally someone who is a specialist in newborn photography. If someone is good at their job, and in demand, their prices will reflect that. So before going ahead and booking its really important you know overall price, what is included in the price, what kind of products are available to you and most important is if the price you see is the price you pay - no one likes nasty hidden costs.
4. Location - Another super important one! You don't want to get caught out right at the end of your search having found the perfect photographer who is within your budget and you come to find out they aren't in your area or close enough for you to travel to. Does your photographer have a studio or do they come to you at home? I currently work out of a cosy, homely studio based in a little village called Widmerpool, just outside of Keyworth Nottingham.
5. When to book - The most in demand photographers get booked up weeks even months in advance. If you think you've found the photographer for you just ask when is the right time for you to book in? You don't want to be turned away when your baby has arrived because the photographer you had chosen has no last minute availability. Generally Newborn photographers take bookings around your 20 week scan, as we all know newborns have their own watch and arrive in their own time - by booking early your photographer knows roughly when to expect you and can manage client expectations when the babies do arrive as its super important to capture the newborn detail as early as 2 weeks old (If possible, not always in some cases).
6. When to schedule session after birth - This one kind of touches on the above, ideally newborn shoots take place in the first 2 weeks of birth - you'll be surprised how much growing and changing your baby will make in the first two weeks alone so its really important to capture the newness as early on as possible. As explained above by booking in advance your Newborn photographer has already made provisions for when to expect you and baby, so getting in within the first 2 weeks should be no problem at all. However due to the nature of child birth, it might not always be possible to get in within the first 2 weeks (After effects of birth, prem babies, overnight stays in hospital etc) this does not mean if you aren't able to get your photos taken within the first 2 weeks that your baby is not classed as newborn and you have to miss out. There are still some amazing Images your newborn photographer can take of your baby all the way up to 8+ weeks - they may not be the curled up newborn type poses you've seen as the older they get the more they like to stretch out but its your baby and they will still be amazing photographs so please don't worry just remember its your baby and your new little life - Childbirth is no walk in the park and sometimes it just takes a little longer to get back on your feet.
7. Duration of the shoot / Manage expectations - How long will your newborn photoshoot last? Its no secret that after you've had your baby it is going to take a little while to feel 'normal' again, getting used to those sleepless nights never get any easier! Make sure you know how long your expected to be at your photoshoot for so you can make provisions for this. I know from experience that the more posed style images take a lot longer to create and some photographers therefor allow for 3-5 hours for this. I have a much more relaxed approach and usually find around the 2 hour mark is sufficient enough for me to capture what i need. It can be tiring for parents too! I usually only bookone Newborn shoot per day so there is no rushing in and out and if baby needs a little longer to settle then so be it.
8. What to bring with you - As I'm sure you will have heard a million and one times by now, babies come with baggage lots and lots and lots of baggage - nappies, wipes, changing mat, powder, lotions, change of clothes, burp cloths, blankets, toys ohhhh the list goes on. To make it easier for you leaving the house on the day of your photoshoot I have a really hand 'What to expect' guide I send out to my clients with all the information they need and a list of what they need to bring. Ask your photographer what they require you to bring to your shoot way ahead of time so you can be super organized. Some things to consider; Clothes for your family photos (Maybe an extra top just incase!) Clothes for baby, extra milk for settling if you are bottle feeding. Maybe a book to enjoy a rare quiet moment to yourself whilst your baby is being photographed.
9. Turn around times - Another one not to get caught out on, one of my favorite sayings 'Behind every communication problem is a sweaty ten minute conversation you don't want to have'. Don't be afraid to ask how long the process lasts from start to finish, how long will it take to view your photos after your photoshoot? How long will it take to receive your photos after ordering? You won't sound pushy or demanding - its just important to manage exceptions so you and your photographer are both on the same page.
10. Reviews / Testimonials - Ask to see up to date reviews / testimonials from past clients. Most photographers will have a page specifically for this on their website, but if not; ask! Review their social media and website for client communications. Generally is the feedback positive, do they seem passionate about their work and are they good at interacting with clients? All this will give you some kind of idea about the kind of person they are and give you an impression of how they conduct themselves and their business. Its important that you like your Newborn photographer and your going to get on with them. Its a happy time in your life and your sharing your most precious gift with them, If you don’t have a personal recommendation from someone you trust, do your own extensive research before you commit to a booking, and remember most importantly above all choose a photographer that is right for YOU.
I really hope that this gives you a little direction when making the choice of Newborn photographer for you and your new family, these are images that will last a life time and you only get one chance to capture those special, early moments. I hope that your chosen photographer will deliver the quality of experience that you desire and that your new baby deserves.
To get in touch for more information on my Newborn photography should you feel I'm the right one for you, please email me at - hfgphotography@mail.com or call me - 07538797429 or click 'Contact me' below and complete the contact form on my website and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Holly
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