Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer
You only get one newborn photo shoot for your baby, and it’s an opportunity to capture the magic of these first days with your little one before that newborn stage ends in the blink of an eye. So of course, you want that photoshoot to be the best it can be! That starts with hiring the right newborn photographer for your growing family. As a newborn photographer myself, I’m happy to share some insights and tips about what types of questions to ask a newborn photographer that you’re considering.
What Are Your Newborn Photography Training and Newborn Safety Qualifications?
As a parent who’s not familiar with the photographer world, there are some details you might not be aware of: first, there are specific safety precautions we need to take in newborn photo shoots, and second, there are no certifications or legal requirements for newborn photographers. Legally, anyone can provide newborn photography whether or not they have the training they need to do it safely and properly. That’s why it’s so important to ask.
It’s essential that your photographer learns how to create certain poses while keeping your baby’s head supported, how to make sure your baby’s airway is always open and safe, and so on. I personally have trained extensively in newborn photography safety and I’m CPR certified (as a mom, I have plenty of my own experience with newborns too). I’m proud to say that I often get hired by people in the medical industry including my kids’ pediatrician because they know that I have the safety knowledge to keep their precious babies safe.
But that isn’t the case for all photographers, so I encourage parents to ask about a photographer’s newborn safety training. Any photographer should be happy to discuss this with you.
What Types of Poses and Portraits Can I Expect?
Your photographer should be able to talk to you about the poses and ideas they expect for the photo shoot, but there’s something to watch out for in this question too: experienced newborn photographers won’t guarantee any specific poses. We never know what your baby will and won’t be comfortable with, and it’s best to listen to the baby’s cues. In my own photo sessions, I create as many poses as possible to suit your vision but for your baby’s safety, I won’t force them into any pose where they’re uncomfortable.
What Do I Do During My Baby’s Photo Session?
You want to know what to expect during the session and this is a great way to find out. At my Mercer Island photography studio, for example, I have a comfortable area for you to relax in my studio during the session. Moreover, in that waiting area, you’ll always have a line of sight for your baby so you can watch every minute of the session but also have the space to relax.
What Steps Do You Take to Keep My Baby from Getting Sick?
This is an important aspect of newborn safety too! Your little one is delicate so don’t be afraid to ask if your photographer is up to date on recommended vaccines and to ask about sanitation practices too.
Choosing Your Newborn Photographer
Having a beautiful and memorable newborn photo shoot starts with finding the right photographer who aligns with all of your needs, your aesthetic tastes, and your personality, and these questions can help you find that person. Let’s find out if I’m a good match for you! Contact Jaimié Birtel Photography.
