There are so many things to think about when you're expecting a baby (or two). What kind of crib, rocker or swing?, yes or no to pacifiers, cloth diapers?, breastfeeding or bottle, and on and on. Compared to all that, who to choose to photograph your little one seems easy but there are a few things you should consider when choosing a photographer.
1. Safety
This is the most important thing! Newborn photography is very safe if you know what you're doing, however there are definitely photographers out there who are not doing it safely. The biggest offense is doing poses like the froggy pose (where the baby's head is propped up on his hands) or hanging in a cocoon or wrap in one shot. I don't personally do either pose but they can be done safely in a composite. A composite is a photograph in which two or more photos are edited together into one. So, if you see any shots that would not be safe for a baby, ask the photographer how they do it. If they don't say composite, move on.
2. Location
Of course you can't hire a newborn photographer who lives in California when you live in Florida unless you're willing to pay her for travel. If you're unsure if a certain photographer covers your area it never hurts to ask.
3. Style
There are many different types of newborn photographers out there. Some shoot what is called lifestyle photography. These are minimally posed shots of people in their natural environment. below is an example of a lifestyle photograph.
1. Safety
This is the most important thing! Newborn photography is very safe if you know what you're doing, however there are definitely photographers out there who are not doing it safely. The biggest offense is doing poses like the froggy pose (where the baby's head is propped up on his hands) or hanging in a cocoon or wrap in one shot. I don't personally do either pose but they can be done safely in a composite. A composite is a photograph in which two or more photos are edited together into one. So, if you see any shots that would not be safe for a baby, ask the photographer how they do it. If they don't say composite, move on.
2. Location
Of course you can't hire a newborn photographer who lives in California when you live in Florida unless you're willing to pay her for travel. If you're unsure if a certain photographer covers your area it never hurts to ask.
3. Style
There are many different types of newborn photographers out there. Some shoot what is called lifestyle photography. These are minimally posed shots of people in their natural environment. below is an example of a lifestyle photograph.
Others shoot in a posed, studio environment with either simple or elaborate set ups. Below is an example of a simple studio photograph with a newborn.
There is no right or wrong to any of these, it really just depends on what you like. If a photographer has a specific style that doesn't fit what you're looking for, move on. Its not fair to you or to the photographer to try to force it. neither of you will be happy with the outcome.
4. Cost
There is a wide range of costs for newborn photography depending on the skill and business model of the photographer. but in general you have 3 basic levels.
1. The hobbiest, a hobbiest is a person who enjoys photography but it is not their career. These tend to be the cheapest choice but they also tend to be less experienced and skilled than full time photographers. They may also not have the supply of props and wraps that other photographers have.
2. The portfolio builder. This photographer is usually in the early stages of making a career out of photography and wants to build a portfolio of images to show future clients. Every photographer was a portfolio builder at one time. Portfolio builders usually charge enough to cover their expenses with possibly a small amount of profit. A portfolio builder may be a skilled photographer but since they are new to newborn photography their images may not be very consistent and they may not yet know what style they prefer. So, they may not be able to promise a certain level of portraiture thus their low price point.
3. The Seasoned Pro. The seasoned pro has been photographing newborns long enough that their images should be at a consistent level and when you hire them you know what you'll get. Their prices may be higher than the portfolio builder but that is because the product that they deliver is worth it. At this level a photographer has worked with enough newborns to be adept at calming them and successfully posing them. The seasoned pro will also offer many products other than just the digital files and will take the same care with printing your images that she takes with creating them in the first place.
5. Extras
Does the photographer supply props, wraps, hats, bows? Do they come to your home or do they ask you to go to a studio. Do they seem like they will be easy to work with? Do they offer an in home sales appointment where they can answer all your questions or do they do it online. Are they willing to incorporate your ideas or do they only shoot according to their own vision?
Hopefully all this information is helpful, not overwhelming. When you've taken all these things into account it should help narrow down the huge amount of photographers to a more manageable amount and you will be able to find a photographer who is right for you.
If you would like to book Karah Couch Photography for your newborn portrait session, send me an email here. I love photographing newborns and I would be honored to be your choice.
4. Cost
There is a wide range of costs for newborn photography depending on the skill and business model of the photographer. but in general you have 3 basic levels.
1. The hobbiest, a hobbiest is a person who enjoys photography but it is not their career. These tend to be the cheapest choice but they also tend to be less experienced and skilled than full time photographers. They may also not have the supply of props and wraps that other photographers have.
2. The portfolio builder. This photographer is usually in the early stages of making a career out of photography and wants to build a portfolio of images to show future clients. Every photographer was a portfolio builder at one time. Portfolio builders usually charge enough to cover their expenses with possibly a small amount of profit. A portfolio builder may be a skilled photographer but since they are new to newborn photography their images may not be very consistent and they may not yet know what style they prefer. So, they may not be able to promise a certain level of portraiture thus their low price point.
3. The Seasoned Pro. The seasoned pro has been photographing newborns long enough that their images should be at a consistent level and when you hire them you know what you'll get. Their prices may be higher than the portfolio builder but that is because the product that they deliver is worth it. At this level a photographer has worked with enough newborns to be adept at calming them and successfully posing them. The seasoned pro will also offer many products other than just the digital files and will take the same care with printing your images that she takes with creating them in the first place.
5. Extras
Does the photographer supply props, wraps, hats, bows? Do they come to your home or do they ask you to go to a studio. Do they seem like they will be easy to work with? Do they offer an in home sales appointment where they can answer all your questions or do they do it online. Are they willing to incorporate your ideas or do they only shoot according to their own vision?
Hopefully all this information is helpful, not overwhelming. When you've taken all these things into account it should help narrow down the huge amount of photographers to a more manageable amount and you will be able to find a photographer who is right for you.
If you would like to book Karah Couch Photography for your newborn portrait session, send me an email here. I love photographing newborns and I would be honored to be your choice.
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