7 Steps to Finding the Best Photographer for Your Baby

Hiring a professional photographer is the best way to capture moments you want to remember forever, whether that’s your graduation, wedding, pregnancy, or your precious baby at only a few days old.

However, finding that perfect newborn photographer isn’t always easy. After all, photographing babies comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Do you need help finding the best photographer to capture this fleeting moment? Then keep reading to learn our top tips for finding a newborn photographer.

1. Ask for Recommendations

Do you have friends or family members that recently got newborn pictures taken? What better place to start your search than by asking them for recommendations?

You can rest assured that your loved ones will give you their honest opinion. If there was anything they didn’t like about their photographer, they’ll tell you. You can then use this information to decide if they may be a good match for you.

2. Check Online Reviews

Whether or not you get a recommendation, it’s always important to check out online reviews. While your friend may have had a good experience, you want to make sure that’s the norm, not just an exception.

Be sure to read both the good and the bad reviews. While a few bad reviews aren’t necessarily anything to worry about, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any patterns forming. If multiple customers have the same issue, you’ll want to consider choosing a different photographer.

Ideally, look for a photographer that has at least 4 out of 5 stars on Google or Yelp, though the closer they are to 5 stars, the better.

3. Look at Their Portfolio

Every photographer has their own unique style. Before hiring a photographer, you’ll want to look through their portfolio and ensure that their style matches your own.

Generally, there are three different types of newborn photography: posed, baby-led, and lifestyle. After picking which type you like, look for a photographer with experience in that area.

Posed

This style is becoming increasingly popular for newborn photography. The photographer will gently guide your baby into a variety of adorable poses. Props like buckets, stuffed animals, and pillows can also be used.

Baby-Led

As the name suggests, baby-led photography gives your newborn more control. The photographer will set up a comfortable environment with blankets and wraps. They’ll then capture your baby’s natural positions instead of posing them.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle photography places to focus on the love and connection between family members rather than achieving that perfect pose. You may take pictures kissing your baby’s forehead or have pictures of siblings holding their new little brother or sister. These can be done either in a studio or at home for a more authentic feel.

4. Consider Safety

Safety should be both you and your photographer’s number one concern. For this reason, you’ll want to choose someone who has plenty of experience in photographing newborns.

You’ll also want to ask them a few questions to ensure safety comes first.

Have they taken workshops to learn safe ways to pose newborns? Do they have a “spotter” who is always within reach?

When you’re taking your newborn into a studio, you may also worry about the spread of germs. Consider asking your photographer if blankets and bonnets are washed after each shoot. You may also want to know if your photographer and their employees are fully vaccinated.

5. Ask About Flexibility

Getting those precious newborn photos isn’t always easy. Your baby may get fussy or even have an accident in the middle of the shoot. Ask a potential photographer how they handle these situations.

You may also want to ask if you’ll get breaks to nurse your baby.

If you have a great idea or theme for your shoot, you’ll also want to know if your photographer can accommodate this or if you can bring in your own props. Your photographer should be able to work with your ideas unless there is a safety issue.

6. Look at Their Prices

Your budget will likely play a big role when making your final decision. You don’t want to end up picking a photographer that appears to be in-budget only to discover later that there are tons of hidden fees.

Make sure you ask your photographer what is included in their listed price. Some photographers offer upfront packages that include the session fee and products while others charge for the session fee and any products are extra.

You’ll also want to ask if the props are included or if you’ll have to bring in your own.

7. Set Up a Meeting

Most newborn photography sessions take about 2 or 3 hours to complete. While that may not seem like a lot of time, you’ll still want to make sure you’re comfortable with the photographer.

The last thing you want is to pick someone you don’t mesh with or trust and end up feeling on edge every time they have to handle your newborn. Not only will it ruin the experience, but you may also think about it every time you look back at your pictures.

If you’re planning to join your baby for some family pictures, remember that it’s a lot easier to relax around someone you like. Your pictures will feel a lot more natural and less tense just by choosing a photographer you’re comfortable with.

Finding the Perfect Newborn Photographer

Don’t pick the first photographer you find on Google. Instead, follow the tips outlined above to ensure you choose the perfect newborn photographer. From style to safety, there’s a lot to consider before making your decision.

Are you ready to capture this precious time in your baby’s life? Contact us today to set up a newborn photo shoot in Austin, Texas.