There are many things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer. Arranging your session while you are still expecting will give you time to select the right photographer and will be one less thing to worry about when baby arrives. To help you out, I have highlighted several important aspects to think about.

INVESTMENT: Investing in a skilled newborn photographer is important. You will see a vast array of pricing, some of which may cause a little sticker shock. Consider that you are investing in beautiful heirloom items and portraits, as well as the knowledge and skill of your photographer. Although your budget is important, choosing a photographer purely on the basis of price can often lead to disappointment.

À LA CARTE vs. ALL-INCLUSIVE: There are generally two pricing formats that you will see from photographers. À la carte offers the most customization and flexibility for working within various budgets. Typically a session fee is paid when booking your session, and then you purchase products and/or digitals images at a separate appointment. What is great about this is that you only buy what you LOVE!

All-inclusive can be attractive as well, but most often these packages mean you are supplied with digital images and sent on your way. This may initially seem very appealing, however, you are left to do the printing yourself. We live busy lives and printing our photos, unfortunately, becomes a low priority for many new parents.

PRINTS & DIGITAL IMAGES: Consider looking for a photographer that offers prints and products, in addition to digital images. Having your favourite images printed ensures they won’t be lost as technology changes and becomes outdated.

STYLE & PORTFOLIO: When considering the style of images, think about what catches your eye. Are you attracted to images of babies posed, wrapped up and placed inside of a prop, or are you drawn to the casual, candid images of an in-home lifestyle session, where baby and family are captured in their own environment?

Look thoroughly at the photographer’s portfolio. We all have the tendency of sharing our best work — but dig deeper. Is the work consistent? Does the posing look safe? Does the baby look comfortable? Ask to see a full session gallery to visualize what to expect from that photographer.

SAFETY & TRUST: Meet with prospective photographers. Book a consultation, see their studio space, browse their props and products, and ask questions. Ensure the “fit” feels right since this person is someone you need to trust to handle your newborn. You should feel confident that your photographer has the skill set required to keep your baby safe. There are no regulations in place for newborn photographers, unfortunately, which means anyone with a camera can call themselves a photographer. Ask if your photographer is a registered business, if they are insured, and if they have attended any workshops to learn safety techniques for posing. Ask how long they have been in business, how many newborns they have handled, and read reviews from past clients.

Newborns change so much during those first few weeks, leaving you with a very short window to capture this special time in their life. My goal as a professional newborn photographer is for you is to have beautiful, printed images of your baby to cherish for years to come. I encourage you to do your research and focus on the key points I’ve outlined. This way you are guaranteed to find someone that will do the job right!