When hiring a newborn photographer there are a few questions that you should ask. You are going to treasure these newborn photos forever and you want to make sure that you are choosing the right photographer for you. Newborn photographing is a skill and it takes a lot of time to learn the trade. Have a think about what questions to ask your newborn photographer so that you are happy with who you are booking.
What questions should I ask a newborn photographer?
1. How many newborn sessions to you photograph a month?
You want to make sure that your newborn photographer will be able to fit you in at the time you need them. Most newborn photographers should book in a limited amount of newborn sessions a month to allow for flexibility for early and late babies. If the photographer is over stretched you don’t want to be missing out on that prime time of under 2 weeks for your newborn photos.
2. How long have you been photographing newborns?
While this isn’t always a must ask question, you may want someone that has more experience, especially when it comes to newborns. you can usually tell by someones portfolio how experienced they may be but you can always ask as well. I have been a professional photographer for over 10 years and specialising in newborns for the last 5 years. I have photographed 100’s of babies 🙂
3. Have you been trained in newborn safety when handling newborns?
When I decided to focus more on newborn photography I researched newborn photography workshops for training and safety in newborns. This is worth the investment, I learnt so much from these workshops and they helped me get where I am today. I attended a newborn photography workshop with Ana Brandt who is one of Americas top newborn photographers. This was a priceless experience for me and highly recommend it for any newborn photographers starting out.
4. Do you have insurance?
Every photographer should have insurance. This doesn’t only protect you it protects them. I have professional equipment, liability and indemnity insurance, this cover everything!
5. Is your studio sanitised and cleaned in-between sessions?
Before every newborn session my studio is cleaned and sanitised, this is so important when working with newborns. Then everything I have used during that session is also washed after. Every newborn photographer should be working in a clean sanitised environment.
6. Do you have a newborn session prep guide?
Most newborn photographers will have a newborn guide they email to you before your session. This will prepare you for the day and whats involved in a session. Ask your newborn photographer if they have one of these and if not just make sure they send you over some pointers for preparing for the day!
7. What do I need to bring to my newborn session?
You don’t want to turn up to your session not prepared. While you might not necessarily need to bring much to your session. This should be covered in your newborn prep guide but double check before the newborn session. If you are bottle feeding you will want to make sure you have extra milk as more feeds than usual may be needed during these sessions! Also nappies, and any keepsakes you would like in the photos 🙂
8. How long is the session and whats involved?
Generally newborn sessions last about 3 hours. They can range from anywhere between 2 1/2 hours – 4 hours. Some babies will sleep most of the way through while others will be feeding a lot and need more comforting resulting in a longer session. Check with your newborn photographer how they usually work and what to expect.
9. What is included in the price?
Every newborn photographer charges differently. I charge a deposit and then this is then taken off from your chosen package. Some newborn photographers will charge a session fee and then the packages are a separate price. Make sure you know whats included and there are no hidden fees.
10. Can I include parent photos in the newborn session?
If you would like to include parent and sibling photos make sure they are included or if there is an extra charge for these. All of my sessions can include parent photos as well and you decided which package you would like depending on the number of photos you would like to purchase. I love including parent photos as these first 2 weeks go by so quick for the parents and these photo are great to look back on!
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE WHEN YOU HAVE HAD A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT WITH ME?
Feel free you give me a call or email if investing in newborn photography is something you would like to do. If you would like to pop into my studio before for a chat thats not a problem. My newborn studio is based in North London. Thank you to all my previous and future clients for choosing me as your London newborn photographer. It’s such a privilege to create these memories for you!
contact me at jocovephotography@gmail.com if you are looking for Professional Newborn photography in London
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