Avoiding Mistakes: How to Find the Right Newborn Photographer for You

All newborn photography is beautiful and artful in its own way — probably because it’s hard to take a bad photo of something as precious, perfect, and sweet as a newborn baby!

But, with so many newborn photographers out there, how do you know which one to book for your family?

In many instances, choosing your ideal photographer is like finding the right hairdresser — it’s about communication, chemistry, and similar styles (if you know, you know!).

Of course, it’s equally important to consider a photographer’s reputation and transparent business practices.

Hiring the wrong photographer for you could potentially result in the following scenarios:

• You and the photographer don’t “vibe” — a not-so-pleasant overall experience.
• You thought the photographer would use props, but they took only natural photos.
• The photographer was handling the baby way more than you thought they would, and you feel weird about it.
• You thought the photographer would give you more guidance on posing, but instead, they just say things like “look cute,” leaving you feeling awkward and unsure whether you’re doing it right.
• Being an introvert, you didn’t expect your photographer to ask so many personal questions, making you uncomfortable (something they did not intend to do — it’s just their process and strategy to get real emotions out of you in photos).
• You didn’t realize how long it would take for the photographer to send you the final photos.
• You are surprised by the final cost of the photoshoot because you didn’t fully understand the terms and pricing structure.
• You end up not liking the photos — the style, posing, and final editing were not what you envisioned.

But don’t just take my word for it:

To avoid these situations, it’s best to invest the time needed to find an experienced newborn photographer who best suits you — it will be so worth it!

1. Get Acquainted with the Photographer’s Unique Style and MO

Every photographer out there has a unique shooting style and approach to their craft, focusing on a specific niche. And there are many of them to choose from.

To start, learn how to recognize the differences in various photography styles. Look for things like:

• Minimal posing vs. more styled/instructional posing
• Props vs. more natural backgrounds
• Light and airy vs. dark and moody
• Elegant or timeless vs. rustic or trendy
• Portrait-like posing (everyone standing still, looking at the camera) vs. natural posing (aka “lifestyle”)

Once you start looking around, the next step is to identify which style of photography you like and vibe with the most. Consider how these photos will be used — if you plan to display them on your walls, which style will complement the design of the intended room?

Ask yourself, “Do I see me and my family in this style of photos?” Sometimes, you can find some photography beautiful, but when you try to visualize yourself in those positions, colors, and setups, you just don’t see it.

Once you have a better idea of what you like, look for a photographer that is true to their style. Is there a clear and consistent representation of this style throughout their website and social media accounts? Or is their work all over the place? A seasoned and skilled photographer's portfolio will display a large body of images, showing they are more likely to deliver consistent results.

How I do it:

• To help my potential clients get a better feel for my work and style, I display thousands of newborn photos in my website portfolio, blog posts, and social media accounts.
• After you book your session with me, I will get your input on any style preferences you may have. For example, I will ask if you prefer a naturally posed, cozy, soft background or more posed shots with props (like a tiny bed, heart-shaped bowl, moon-shaped bowl, etc.).

2. Make Sure You Understand What’s Included in the Photo Session Price and What Your Deliverables Will Be

Multiple factors go into how a professional photographer will establish their rates, such as level of expertise, photography and session type, travel time, equipment, after-session editing, etc. (It's more than you think!)

Because of this, there are many pricing structures out there — probably as many as there are photographers! However, in my experience, you will find some variation of these three common structures:

• All-Inclusive: The photographer will give you all the “good” images from the photoshoot. This means you may get more photos — however, they will most likely be color-corrected only – no hand edits. (Hand edits are mainly used to cover minor details and imperfections.) If you don’t get stressed out by the small things and prefer to get more photos out of the session, this is a good option for you. Many photographers offer this option because they choose not to do hand editing.
• Base Package + Optional Add-Ons: You select an agreed-upon number of photos (from an online gallery of the session) for hand-editing, which gives “polished” and “perfected” photos. You also have the option to purchase additional images, print products, or the entire photo gallery if you want to keep all the images from the session.
• Photo Session + In-Person Sales: The photographer will set a meeting with you after the session for in-person sales (digital or printing). The initial fee is usually lower than the two options above. However, the overall expense is more costly because images are a separate and additional charge. The upside is you receive personal guidance from the photographer in selecting images and print products, so if you don’t mind the cost, this option is good for you.

As you can see, each pricing structure has its benefits and drawbacks — depending on your preference.

Some photographers display their photo packages and pricing structures online, while others prefer to keep their prices private, so you might need to fill out a contact form to get that information. While the former is more convenient, don’t automatically dismiss the photographer who requires you to contact them for pricing — you might miss out on something great.

How I do it:

I use the Base Package + Optional Add-Ons pricing structure. My website clearly displays all the photography packages I offer, including the pricing structures and what is included in each. I prefer you have all the pricing info at your fingertips to make the most informed decision.

3. Look for a Newborn Photographer Who Offers Pre-Session Guidance to Ensure You and Your Baby Come Prepared for the Photoshoot

The first couple weeks after your baby’s birth can be a little chaotic for you and your family, so getting everyone ready for a photography session may seem like an overwhelming task — and understandably so!

To have an enjoyable and easy-going session, an experienced photographer will provide you with some guidance to ensure you know what to expect and how to prepare beforehand.

The amount of help you receive from a photographer may differ from one to the other. For example:

• Some photographers will provide you with a client closet for you and/or your baby — either as a requirement (to be consistent with their style), or as a convenient option. In cases like these, you need to make sure the client closet fits your style, or else it will not be for you.
• Some photographers may provide you with extensive style help and tips through email, with sample photos, while others are available for consultation by phone or text.
• Some photographers won’t provide styling tips and will tell you to dress however you like or in whatever you are most comfortable with — they want to shoot you and your family as you are.

In the end, there is no right or wrong here. It comes down to what works best for you, so make sure the photographer you choose will match your needs.

How I do it:

I will email you a detailed prep guide with tips on what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during the session. I have received good feedback from my clients regarding my prep guide, with many finding it extremely helpful! In addition, I offer complimentary access to an online styling service and make myself available through email and text messages for additional questions.

4. Make Sure You Have an Idea of What to Expect During the Photo Session and How It Will Unfold

It may surprise you to know that not all photographers are created equal! From wedding, lifestyle, family, portrait, landscape, and other photography types, photographers tend to find a niche they specialize in.

This means a great wedding photographer might not be as good with family photography, for example.

Each photographer also brings a unique personality, vibe, and workflow to the session. Some are bubbly, hyper, and silly, while others are more relaxed, calm, and quiet. Some are more introverted and reserved, while others are extroverted and chatty.

To get you relaxed and laughing, a photographer might tell jokes or funny anecdotes, while others prefer to photograph you as you are without interference.

During a newborn photography studio session, some photographers will give you more direction and pose the baby in your arms, while others will tell you to hold the baby in whatever way feels natural to you.

Newborn photography is special and requires a unique approach, care, and skill level, so it’s essential to find a photographer who specializes in this (and loves doing so!).

Our babies are priceless to us, and an experienced newborn photographer will know how to handle and pose your baby correctly, safely, and gently to capture those precious photos for you.

As far as the photographer’s vibe, personality, and process, there is no right or wrong. But if you have a strong preference, get acquainted with the photographer by reaching out and asking them questions, browsing their website, and looking through their social media posts and reviews.

How I do it:

• When the family arrives at my studio (or I arrive for their in-home session), we look through the available outfit choices and styles, dress the baby, and jump right into shooting.
• While I adhere to a specific session plan (mapped out in advance), I will adjust based on the baby’s mood—whether they are asleep, awake, and happy, or not having it and needing a break. We will spend as much time as necessary feeding and changing the baby or waiting for them to be in the right mood. They are the stars of the show, after all!
• To keep up with the flow of the photoshoot and keep it as stress-free as possible for everyone involved, I will handle the baby most of the time but may ask you to hold them between session setups. If your baby is bottle-fed, I might do that for you. Otherwise, the baby will be handed off to the mom for nursing.
• I will direct and guide your family so you never have to worry about what to do. I also look for sweet, candid moments during the session and try to sneak those in as well.

5. Make Sure You Fully Understand the Photographer’s Editing Style and Policy

A photographer will usually spend a significant amount of time going through the hundreds of photos taken during your photo session to choose the best ones to edit and present to you.

Even though you can’t possibly know all that goes into the editing process behind the scenes, it is important that you are aware of which types of edits are covered in the session's price.

Does the photographer offer hand editing, which would remove things like minor imperfections, bruises, boogies, and wardrobe malfunctions? If the session price includes color adjustment/correction only, then any sort of hand editing may be an extra charge or not available at all.

For example, let’s say that your perfect baby is experiencing some acne (something that commonly happens with newborns). Some photographers prefer to keep the photos as natural and real-life as possible, so their editing won’t include removing them.

If that is what you are looking for, great! But if you prefer more polished and “blemish-free” photos, you need to know if this type of hand-editing is an option. And if so, is it included in the session’s price or at an extra charge?

This is especially relevant if you’ve worked with other photographers who did things one way in the past, whereas the new photographer you are considering may do things a bit differently. Don’t assume!

How I do it:

I offer hand edits to “perfect” the included number of photos with every session. However, I clearly state the type of hand edits included in the price, what would be considered an advanced edit, and what I cannot edit or correct.

6. Make Sure You Understand the Photographer’s Privacy Policy and How they Intend to Use the Photos from Your Session

Photographers need to showcase their photos to share their art, market their products, and grow their businesses.

It’s also helpful to the consumer when a photographer is able to display their previous work on their website and social media accounts.

A photographer might ask you to agree to a “model release,” which permits them to publish and share your photos as needed. Make sure you understand how the images from your session will be used and if you are OK with it.

Even though most people are comfortable with their photos being artfully displayed, in this age of social media “oversharing,” some people prefer to keep their photos private. Or they might be OK with them being shared on the photographer's website but not on social media.

Some photographers are willing to accommodate you, while others will charge an extra fee if you don’t allow them to post photos from your session.

How I do it:

My client’s privacy is of the utmost importance to me, and if they are not OK with their photos being displayed on my website or social media accounts, I give them an option to opt out — no hard feelings or extra fees.

7. Make Sure the Photographer Has Clear Terms of Service You Fully Understand

Before booking your newborn session, read and review their terms of service. Is everything clearly spelled out? Things like:

• what the deliverables will be
• how many digital photos and print products are included
• how long the session takes
• the photographer’s editing policy
• what are the turnaround times for receiving photos
• the rescheduling policy
• the deposit and payment policies
• and other things that may be important to you

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the photographer's policies will help avoid any misconceptions and possible frustrations in the future. Let’s be honest; we’ve all been there.

For example, you might make a request or edit later that is not included — by then, it will be too late. The photographer will often kindly decline and refer you to their terms of service, which you agreed to.

So, if you’re unclear about something in the terms, contact the photographer before agreeing to the contract and booking the session.

How I do it:

I offer my clients straightforward and easy-to-understand terms of service online, which they must agree to prior to booking their session. I am available to answer questions and provide clarification.

8. Research and Read Reviews to Ensure the Photographer Has a Good Reputation

A photographer will proudly display the most positive feedback from clients on their website, so for the most honest reviews and comments, it’s best to look up Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram.

Reviews will help validate (or disprove) the claims a photographer makes in their marketing. Look for patterns in feedback about the following:

• Were people comfortable during the session?
• Was the photographer flexible and accommodating (within their terms) if a member of your family got sick or if the baby came early or late?
• Was the photographer patient with the newborn?
• Did the photographer handle the baby safely and professionally?
• Were the booking and prep processes smooth?
• Was there timely communication?
• Were the photos delivered on time?
• Were people happy with their photos?

And remember, one odd review or comment shouldn’t make or break a photographer’s reputation in your eyes. When it comes to online reviews, keep in mind that:

• Sometimes, things just go wrong (which the photographer had no control over).
• People may have had the wrong or unrealistic expectations to begin with.
• People are more likely to post about a negative experience versus taking the time to share a positive one.

The key is to look for patterns and trends in reviews — this will give you a pretty good insight into the photographer’s business practices, character, and if they are someone you would enjoy working with.

How I do it:

My clients have been kind enough to share their reviews of my business on various online platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Yelp, and I encourage you to take a look. I also proudly display many of these reviews on my website for the convenience of my potential clients.

Bringing This All Together

There are many newborn photographers out there, each one different from the next but not necessarily better or worse.

It’s all about individual style, posing techniques, philosophy, experience level, editing preferences, session flow, etc. — and which one most “vibes” with you.

A good newborn photographer should also have easy-to-understand terms of service, clear pricing structures, and a good reputation. They should also be able to make their clients feel comfortable with compassion, patience, and care.

It’s important to do your research before hiring any photographer and to make sure you fully understand the photo session process and terms before signing any contract.

And remember, the best newborn photographers love what they do, and it will show!

As a photographer with over 15 years of experience, it’s genuinely gratifying when families reach out and repeatedly hire my services. Having the opportunity to experience the various memorable moments in their lives is an honor and a privilege.

If you’re in the Seattle area, I hope you consider booking me.

Next steps:

• Learn more about my newborn services
• See my newborn portfolio
• Book your newborn photoshoot