This is such a momentous time for you and your family with the arrival of a new baby. Once you’re home and trying to settle into some sort of normality, you’re probably thinking about organising a newborn photo shoot. Newborn photography is a wonderful way to celebrate the arrival of a new member of the family but also to remember those tiny details of their first few weeks of life as babies grow and change so quickly.
WHEN organising a NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHEr, HERE’S A FEW TIPS TO LOOK for -
How much experience does the photographer have with handling newborns?
It’s incredibly important that your photographer has training and experience with handling fragile newborns as their safety is paramount.
Can parents and siblings be photographed with the baby as well?
Some photographers will only photograph the baby on it’s own, my style is ‘lifestyle, natural” – your baby snuggled in Mum or Dad’s arms or being kissed by a big brother or sister. These will be your first portraits of your new family so it’s so important to capture these raw emotions and authentic moments of love and connection you have for your new member of the family.
What style of newborn photography does a photographer specialize in?
Styles vary considerably from posed newborn photography that uses lots of props and manoeuvres your baby into various poses to natural baby led (Lifestyle) photography that lets the baby lead the shoot. Make sure to look at a photographer’s website to see if their work is what you like.
Does the photographer adhere to safety standards?
Are they vaccinated against Whooping Cough, Covid, and Flu? Do they wash baby wraps and clothing after each use?
Do they visit you in home or do they have a studio?
You might prefer to have a photographer visit you in home as sometimes it’s difficult in those first few weeks from birth to even leave the house. You might prefer though to visit their studio which is all set up perfectly with the best light and ensures you and your baby’s comfort. For your convenience I can either visit you in home or you can come to my home studio in Highett.
Do they need to photograph your baby within the first 2 weeks of life?
Posed newborn photographers prefer to photograph your newborn within the first 10 days due to your baby basically sleeping most of the time and it’s easier to manoeuvre them into various poses. With Lifestyle Newborn Photography, babies can be photographed at any stage but to capture that newborn ‘newness’, it’s probably best to photograph your baby in this time frame.
Do they have a time limit for the photo shoot?
You’ll want to have time to feed your baby, change their nappy and settle them during the photo shoot. You don’t want to feel rushed and have to worry about time running out. I have no time limit with newborn photo shoots.
Do they supply digital files as well as prints?
Some photographers only supply High Res digital photos for direct download from a photographers sharing site, whilst others not only supply digital photos but also prints as well. Professional newborn photographers will also have access to professional industry printers that only use archival inks and paper that will last a lifetime and can supply other products such as framing, albums, etc., especially if you already know what print products you’d like to purchase.
Do they edit the photos and what’s the turn-around time?
The most time consuming part of a newborn photo shoot is after the actual shoot. All digital photos need to be edited to enhance the colour and exposure and give each individual photo a photographer’s preferred style. Not only that but they need to remove spots and unnecessary flaky skin, etc.
Do they require payment upfront?
If payment is a concern, ask if the photographer has a part payment plan available.
So as you can see there are a few details to be considered before hiring a newborn photographer. If you like my style of newborn photography and would like further information or to have a chat, ring me on 0400 841627 or Email: jenn@watchthemgrowphotography.com.au. You can view my newborn gallery at Watch Them Grow Photography Newborn Gallery,
I had the privilege of photographing this family’s first child and now they’ve just welcomed a beautiful baby girl. I hope you enjoy your preview!
Jenn services the following suburbs for Family Photography: Albert Park, Altona, Armadale, Ashwood, Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Balwyn, Baxter, Beaumaris, Bentleigh, Blackburn, Black Rock, Bonbeach, Box Hill, Braeside, Brighton, Brighton East, Brunswick, Bundoora, Burwood, Carlton, Carnegie, Carrum, Caulfield, Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Cheltenham, Clayton, Clifton Hill, Coburg, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Dingley, Doncaster, Donvale, Dromana, Edithvale, Elsternwick, Elwood, Essendon, Fairfield, Ferntree Gully, Fitzroy, Flinders, Footscray, Frankston, Frankston South, Gardenvale, Glenhuntly, Glen Iris, Glen Waverley, Ivanhoe, Hampton, Hampton East, Hawthorn, Heidelberg, Highett, Kew, Keysborough, Langwarrin, Lyndhurst, Malvern, Mentone, Middle Park, Moonee Ponds, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Mont Albert, Mornington, Mt Martha, Mount Waverley, Mt Eliza, Oakleigh, Ormond, Noble Park, Northcote, North Melbourne, Parkdale, Prahran, Patterson Lakes, Port Melbourne, Portsea, Preston, Reservoir, Richmond, Rowville, Sandringham, Seaford, Skye, Somers, Sorrento, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Springvale, Spotswood, St. Kilda, Surrey Hills, Toorak, Wantirna, Warrandyte, Williamstown, Yarraville.
