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Choosing a newborn photographer can be an exercise in confusion. There are a lot of people offering newborn photo sessions and it can be difficult to figure out just what you’re looking for. So, I thought I would write this post to help you make your decision. Below are a few questions you can ask your photographer.

1) Have you received any newborn specific posing training and with whom did you train?

I put this question first because I find it the most important. Making sure your photographer is able to handle your baby safely is very important. I have unfortunately seen poses that should have been composite images and as a mother of two that has been photographing babies for over 12 years it worries me. No image is worth your baby’s safely . I have completed infant first aid courses over the years and also took a course on how to position newborns with a NICU ( Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse. Over the years I have also attended many workshops with other professional newborn photographers.

2) Are you currently up to date on the necessary vaccinations required when working with a pregnant mother or newborns?

Please don’t feel embarrassed to ask these questions. A good newborn photographer will not hesitate in letting you know if they are up to date with their immunisations. Asking them about what will happen if you, a sibling or they are sick is also a good idea. I will postpone a session if anyone is sick – including my own children, in case I am infected, but not yet showing symptoms.

3) How many years have you been working as a newborn photographer?

These days anyone can pick up a camera, start a Facebook page and get some friends in front of their camera. Making sure who you choose has had training is super important. Being able to capture real un-posed moments might also be important to you.

4) Do you supply anything for the session?

Some photographers may supply things, others may need you to supply everything. Please never put your baby in anything glass and make sure props don’t have splinters or could easily break.

I have a huge collection of props, which we may use one or two for your sessions. The rest of the session is done on my beanbag or is family and sibling images. All wraps and newborn outfits are also washed after every session. I am very open in you bringing anything related to your family or work to the session that we can include (safely).

5) How will you keep my newborn comfortable?

Newborns need special attention. For example, newborns do not have much fat and therefore cannot regulate their own body temperature. During the newborn session they are often not wearing much. I always have my studio warm, which to us feels quite hot, but for your newborn is cosy. Your newborn photographer needs experience, is slow – and calm movements when your baby is asleep. Once your baby wakes there is a good chance, he or she will want a feed and/or poo. A photographer that allows time for this is important. You don’t want to leave feeling rushed.

6) How long after my Newborn session is the wait for my digital images / prints?

While this might not be something that is important to you, its still a good question to ask. Some photographers only provide products, some only digital and like me some provide both. If you are going to be receiving both – do you have to wait for your prints to be ready before you have access to your digital files? I deliver my digitals with a draft of the album you will be receiving – together we then do a final design of your album, which is sent to be printed once you are happy with the design.

7) What happens to my photos after the newborn session?

Does your photographer back their photos up? How long are the images kept on file? Does anyone else see my images? Will you use my images for marketing?