So . . . you’re pregnant! Congratulations!! With the rise of newborn photography, I’m sure you’ve heard, seen, or been told about newborn photography and how you MUST book a newborn photographer ASAP, like the minute after you pee on the stick and see those two pink lines. It can be overwhelming, confusing, and downright hard to know how to find the right one for you, so stick around and I’m going to guide you through how to choose the right photographer for you. Spoiler alert: I may not be the right choice for you and guess what? That’s okay! This is a big deal and making sure you are working with the right person is what matters the most. Let’s dive in . . .
Safety first!
I’m starting here because before everything else, this is the most important thing you should be taking into consideration when choosing a newborn photographer. Beautiful images are one thing, but beautiful images done SAFELY are more important. Don’t be afraid to ask how many newborns someone has worked with, how many classes/courses they have taken in newborn safety. Ask them what they do to ensure your newborn, the most precious thing in your life, is well taken care of during the session. You would never willingly put your new baby in harm’s way, so don’t hand them over to an inexperienced newborn photographer who doesn’t understand how to keep your baby safe. Here’s an example of the Froggy Pose and how I do it with hands on baby at all times.
Choosing a newborn photographer vs a general photographer
I’m sure you know someone who has a nice camera, who may even be a photographer of some sort and they have probably offered to take newborn photos for you. That seems like such a nice offer, especially if they are offering a discount or even doing the session for free but take into consideration how many newborn sessions they’ve done, how skilled they are working with babies and what their newborn work looks like. Someone who crushes the wedding industry isn’t necessarily going to be a rockstar newborn photographer and vise versa. I love me some newborns but I could never, ever shoot a wedding and would never even try to. Just because someone is skilled in one area doesn’t mean they’ll be good in another. Photographers who specialize in newborn photography are generally trained and have had years of practice working with newborns. You wouldn’t go to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor for a broken leg would you?
I’ve been a photographer for over seven years now and have almost exclusively specialized in newborn photography that entire time. I have mentored under and continue to learn from some of the best in the industry including Son Kissed Photography and Dewdrops Photography.
Style
Now onto the aesthetics of choosing a newborn photographer. Style matters. A lot. Each photographer has their own style which is usually well represented on their website, facebook, and instagram. Make sure you thoroughly check these out and see if you like their style. Love props and bright colors? Make sure you see those types of images on their page. Like a more neutral, baby-centered look? Find a photographer who produces those kinds of images instead of finding images you like and then expecting a photographer to reproduce something that is not within their normal style.
Cost
I won’t pretend that cost doesn’t matter because of course it does. We all have budgets that we must stay within whether it be buying a car, grocery shopping or having newborn pictures done. I will say this to cost, however. The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is true for so many things. A skilled, prepared newborn photographer is not going to be “cheap,” although determining if someone is cheap or not is so subjective. Prepare, ask about payment plans, make it a registry item where family and friends can pitch in for the session. I’ve had so many grandparents so happy to pitch in or purchase a newborn session for their grandbaby!
Final Thoughts
Make sure overall you feel comfortable with your newborn photographer. Meet with them beforehand, tour their studio, get a feel for them. I have had many clients stop by my studio prior to their session just to explore and get to know me. Ask questions, make sure your photographer lines up with your vision for your session and then sit back, relax and enjoy. (Many of my newborn parents fall asleep while I work with their babies!)
If you have any questions, I am an open book. Email me: info@kelseyrayphotography.com anytime!
