10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Preparing for your newborn’s arrival is hard! Finding a newborn photographer shouldn’t be. But many parents don’t know what to ask. If you hired a professional photographer for your wedding, you’ll quickly realize that finding a newborn photographer comes with very different concerns. So to make the process as pain free as possible, I’ve provided list of questions that every expecting or new parent should ask before booking their newborn portrait session.
How will you ensure you have availability for my newborn session? What happens if I deliver early or late? What if we need extra time to recover at the hospital?
If your photographer is not a dedicated newborn photographer they likely have quite a few family sessions or weddings that they are covering as well. Dates that can’t be moved. This means that their availability is likely to be more limited. I specialize in newborn and maternity photography, and therefore I only book a select number of families each month. This helps make sure that I am easily available to reschedule if life throws you a curve ball.
What if my baby doesn’t settle or fall sleep right away?
This is a common concern among parents who want those cute sleepy poses. Luckily, experienced newborn photographers are extremely adept at getting babies to fall asleep. We are patient, and know that any wake times are usually short-lived. In addition, seasoned newborn photographers use a workflow that allows us to work around their natural sleep/wake schedule. In fact, in my seven years of photographing newborns, I’ve never had a baby I couldn’t get to fall asleep (for tips on how to get your baby to fall asleep quickly and easily, click here). And if your baby is having a particularly rough day, and isn’t feeling well, I am always willing to reschedule.
Have you taken any workshops or had any training in posing newborns?
Anyone who is posing your baby should have infant safety training. Please exercise caution using anyone that have not taken safety workshops. Even regular experience with newborns is no substitute for true newborn posing training. Incorrect posing can restrict airways or put undue stress on babies spine, neck, hips, or wrists. “Oh I saw this on Pinterest” is just not good enough. I’ve taken both in-person workshops and on-line newborn and safety workshops with some of the top newborn photographers in the industry such as Kelly Brown, Julia Kelleher, Amy McDaniel, and Christin Lewin to ensure that my knowledge of baby safety and posing is always up to date.
4. What other safety precautions do you take?
Brand new babies with brand new immune systems are vulnerable. Your photographer should be fully vaccinated, and the environment they work in should clean and sanitary. I am fully vaccinated with the Tdap, annual flu shot, and now the COVID-19 vaccine! I also fully sanitize and clean my blankets and props between each session.
5. What is included in my session fee?
There are many photographers out there. And each one has a unique way of running their sessions. Some have a large package price up front so you are paying for everything in advance. Some include access to their props, some don’t. My session retainer includes a planning consultation, hair and makeup for Mom, access to my prop closet and baby wardrobe, the session itself, and hand-editing of 25-30 images. Only after viewing your images will you purchase your products, prints, and digital files. This way, you can be sure that you only pay for what you truly love.
6. What poses are included in the session and who is included in the session?
Depending on the level of the package, some photographers may only included wrapped poses. Alternatively, some packages may not include siblings or parents as part of the session. All of my newborn sessions include a variety of wrapped and unwrapped poses, and pictures with parents and siblings.
7. What do I need to bring to my session?
Some newborn photographers may not have a wide variety of props or baby wardrobe. They may depend on clients to bring those items. I have more than enough props and bonnets so that you don’t need to a bring a thing. And the best part is that we’ll discuss all your preferences ahead of time, so you know exactly how everything will look.
8. How long are your newborn sessions?
Newborn sessions can be long. I’ve heard of inexperienced photographers going as long as 6 hours! I don’t ever rush through a session or keep track of time, but most babies can only be handled for about 3 hours before they become overstimulated. Therefore, I usually try to keep sessions to about 3 hours. Some little ones fall asleep quickly and can be photographed in as little as 2.
9. What age do you schedule newborn sessions?
Some newborn photographers are very particular about the ages for which they will accept a posed newborn session. I personally try to schedule newborns 7-10 days after delivery, but will take newborns of any age. The last thing I want is to stress parents out by creating another due date.
10. Do you have insurance?
Any professional photographer should have liability insurance and a business license. The problem is that many photographers DON’T! They should also provide you with a written contract. Be wary of any photographer who is just winging it. I believe in developing trust with anyone who is thinking about handing over their new baby into my arms. Having liability insurance, and a written contract are an essential part of forging that trust.
Please use these questions to help interview newborn photographers and make sure they are the right fit for you and your family.
Jessica Ryles specializes in newborn photography in the Northern Virginia area. She works in Aldie, Centreville, Chantilly, Gainesville, Fairfax, Manassas, Reston, and Tyson’s Corner. To inquire about your own session, please fill out the form on the contact page, and she will be in touch to design and customize a portrait session for you and your family.
