How to Choose a Newborn Photographer

How to Choose a Newborn Photographer

Need some advice on how to choose a newborn photographer? After seven years in the business, I know how important it is that you find the right match. As a mom, I also know that you have a ton on your plate! So before you type “newborn photography near me” into the computer and get overwhelmed with thousands of options, here are some tips to narrow down your search:

Tips for Choosing a Newborn Photographer

The Basics

You are putting the most precious thing in your life into someone else’s hands. So make sure those hands are experienced! Newborn photography is a highly specific art that requires training in newborn safety and posing as well as skill with a camera.

The Experience

What kind of an experience are you hoping for during the session? Does the photographer have a studio where you can relax while they provide all the cute props and setups? Are they okay with including other family members in the session? Think about how you want the session to feel, and see how photographers in your area align with that vision.

The Photos

There are so many styles of newborn photography! Take a look at your potential newborn photographer’s gallery. Some variety is good (and often indicates that they customize each session for their clients). But there should be elements of their style that are consistent and that you can count on seeing—and loving!—in your own finished photos.

The Photographer

How you feel about the photographer themselves is super important! Check out their About page. Do they sound like the kind of person you’d like to get to know better? Also, see what other people are saying about them. Reviews can be very revealing and give you more insight into what you can expect.

Before you even get started, take some time to jot down what you want in each of these areas. This will make the task of choosing your newborn photographer way easier. Knowing exactly what you’re looking for can simplify the search and make it even more exciting when you find exactly the right person to trust with your baby’s pictures!

5 Things to Bring to a Newborn Photo Session

There are so many adjustments as a new parent! One that you don’t always hear about? Remembering to pack that diaper bag with everything you’ll need! Don’t worry, you’ll get to the point where it will be a breeze, but usually your newborn photo session takes place in the first couple weeks of baby’s life—when you’re still getting used to being a parent. It’s okay, I’m here for you! Here are 5 things to bring to a newborn photo session that will make your session easy and relaxing.

Wipes and diapers. I know, seems obvious. But I have had instances where clients have forgotten this crucial duo. A fresh clean diaper makes for a happy baby, so be sure you have some extras packed for your session.

A pacifier. Even if you don’t normally use one, a pacifier can be really helpful if baby needs a distraction or a little something extra to settle down. I only use them for a few seconds at a time (if baby needs it), and I definitely recommend that this is one of the 5 things you should bring to your newborn photo session.

A receiving blanket or two. I like to use these to cover the baby during certain poses to help keep them cozy. Although I have blankets at my New Jersey photo studio, it’s nice for baby to smell the familiar scents of home on their very own blankie.

Extra bottles of milk. I’ll have you feed your little one right before you come, but sometimes baby needs a little top off during the session. An extra bottle of milk, whether formula or breast milk, can be just the ticket for soothing a fussy baby and getting them back to sleep.

Something to do. This is for you! Bring a book, tablet, coloring stuff—whatever fun thing you haven’t had time to do since bringing baby home. This is on my list of 5 things to bring to a newborn photo session because your baby’s session is time for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy some “me time.” You really don’t have to worry about a thing while you’re at the studio. I’ll take care of all of it!

Can’t wait to see you and your little one in my New Jersey newborn photo studio sometime soon! If you’re ready to book your session or would like more information you can fill out the contact form here and I’ll be in touch shortly.

When to Book Your Newborn Photography Session

If you’re expecting, let me be one of the first to congratulate you! And I really do mean one of the first—if you’re wondering when to book your newborn photography session, the answer is “now!” regardless of where you’re at in your pregnancy. A lot of times, your newborn photographer will know you’re getting ready to welcome a little one before family and friends do!

Why Book Your Newborn Photography Session So Early?

There are a couple of reasons it’s important to get your professional baby pictures scheduled as early as possible.

First, New Jersey newborn photographers book up fast! Sessions take time—not just in terms of the photo shoot itself, but also in sanitizing the studio, setting up before and cleaning up afterwards, and editing all of your photos to perfection. So most photographers limit the number of sessions they’ll do each month to give themselves time to give each client the detailed attention they deserve.

The second reason you should know when to book your newborn photography session is that we’ll want to get baby into the studio very soon after birth—usually within a couple of weeks. The best newborn pictures are so much easier to get when baby is still sleeping a lot and is also flexible enough for all those cute poses you see on Instagram.

If you’re worried about baby not arriving exactly on the due date, don’t be. As both a mom and a newborn photographer, I know better than anyone that babies live by their own schedules! I always allow wiggle room so we can adjust your little one’s session date as needed.

Didn’t jump on the baby picture bandwagon early enough? Reach out anyway! While I encourage booking early, I’m always happy to accommodate last-minute appointments whenever my schedule allows. Hope to see you and your baby in my New Jersey newborn photo studio soon!