How to choose your newborn photographer
Google “newborn photographer in Leeds” (or Harrogate or York) and you’ll find that there are many people offering baby photography services locally, including myself! You might wonder then, how should you decide which baby photographer to choose?
To guide you through the minefield of different options, I’ve set out three really important initial considerations when choosing your newborn photographer.
This blog aims to help you through the decision making process so that you can find the right baby photographer for you and your family. After all, this is a very personal decision and one that you won’t want to make lightly.
So, if you’re expecting this year, and are looking to get booked in with a baby photographer, keep reading!
Baby photographers: Which one should you choose?
When choosing your newborn photographer, here are my recommendations on things you should consider.
1. Do you want a studio photoshoot or a photographer to visit your home?
Many photographers, like myself, have a photography studio which you’ll come along to for your photoshoot. Others will travel to you and photograph your baby in your home environment.
It depends on what style of photography you would prefer as to whether you choose a studio-based newborn photographer or a mobile photographer.
Benefits of a studio-based photoshoot
Some of the benefits of visiting me in my photography studio are that it is a custom-designed space with all the equipment, lighting, backdrops and blankets that I might need to use during the shoot. This means that I will be able to create a good variety of beautiful portraits of your baby in my studio space using my carefully selected props and accessories, with everything close at hand.
My studio is also a clean, safe and welcoming space. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Boston Spa, which is right in the middle of Leeds, York and Harrogate, so it’s easy to get to from wherever you live locally.
Another benefit (especially for new parents) is that I’ll do all the clearing up afterwards! Once your photoshoot is finished, you leave all the tidying up to me. And unlike when a photographer comes to your house, there is no need for you to worry about sprucing up the place in advance either!
I also make sure I have plenty of drinks on hand, as well as snacks to keep you going, especially if your baby has kept you up all night. It might be the first time you have made it out of the house with your new baby and it's not usual for parents to forget about themselves, while adapting to their new life with a newborn, so I make sure I greet you with a smile and fresh tea or coffee.
If you are thinking of a lifestyle shoot at home with your newborn, your photographer will carry a less extensive amount of kit and work with natural light. The nature of this kind of shoot means that there is less control over the lighting and space in which to work, which will dictate the type of images you will get.
That said, a good photographer will still be able to create a nice, varied selection of images and it can be lovely to be in your own home – it just comes down to what you think you’d prefer in those early days once your newborn has arrived.
Related reading: How long will a newborn photography session last?
2. Choose a photographer who is trained in baby safety
Once you know whether you’re after studio or at-home newborn photography, I highly recommend that you only shortlist those who are safety trained.
You will have just welcomed your new baby into the world, the most precious thing ever - quite literally - so you must be able to entirely trust and feel comfortable with whoever you have chosen for your photoshoot. Visiting, or chatting to your photographer beforehand is a really good idea.
Newborn photography involves moving and handling babies who are incredibly tiny and fragile so safety training is an absolute must.
You should ask any newborn photographer you are considering about their safety practises with newborn babies, about their training and about how they will carry out the session in a safe manner.
Any safety-trained newborn photographer should be happy to talk to you about how they handle babies safely and give you the reassurance you are looking for.
3. Do you love their style of newborn portraiture?
When choosing your newborn photographer, another thing to consider is whether you are drawn to a photographer’s individual style. This is something quite instinctive that you will know when you look at their website and portfolio.
At first glance, newborn photography may seem the same from one photographer to the next but look at several photographers’ websites and you’ll notice subtle differences.
- For example, consider if you like the colours and backdrops they use
- Do you prefer light and airy or more colourful images?
- Do you like it if they use props such as baskets, blankets and headbands?
- Do they seem to involve the parents and siblings in the photoshoot, or is it all about the baby?
A photographer will feature their best work on their website, so the images you see on there is a great indication of the final result you can expect if you hire them.
When choosing a newborn photographer, I suggest that you only enquire with those whose work you love. Keep looking until you know in your heart that you’ve found the right one for you!
What to consider when choosing your newborn photographer
Any parent who knows that they want professional baby photos taken when their newborn arrives should consider these three things before deciding on which photographer to choose.
I hope these tips have helped you find the right photographer for you, and I would love to hear from you if you’re interested in my newborn photography services. Look around my site for more information or get in touch to enquire about my availability for around of time of your due date. I look forward to hearing from you!
Get a copy of my free baby photography guide for new parents
Oh, and before I forget...do also enter your details in the form below if you'd like to receive a copy of my free newborn photography guide. It's a downloadble PDF containing more of my top tips plus important information and a handy packing checklist for the day of your baby's photoshoot.
Andrea
Related reading: What to expect from your newborn photoshoot plus baby photo inspiration
