How to choose the ideal photographer for your family.

So, you’ve decided you’d like to invest in professional newborn photography, but you have no idea where to start? There are so many photographers out there how do you decide which one to hire?

Well, we’ve got a few tips for you to consider that might help you make your choice…

Does your photographer specialise in their field. Newborn Photography is a very specialised genre. They will need to know the fundamentals of photography as well as to work with babies, how to settle, pose and position them safely.
Is your photographer fully insured? Are they running a registered business? It’s important to know that they are operating as a professional photographer and should have the appropriate police clearances and working with children checks.
How long has your photographer been working with newborns? Are they a parent themselves? Make sure to find a professional photographer who has years of experience when it comes to handling precious cargo.
Does your photographer understand and prioritise newborn safety? No photograph is worth placing your baby at risk.
Do you love their work? Make sure you look through your photographer’s portfolio and see their style, is this the kind of style you are looking for? It’s important you find a photographer whose work you love. Don’t choose a photographer and expect them to do something different to their style!
Make sure you will feel confident and comfortable with them handling your new baby. Are they easy to communicate with? Have a look at their website, call them for a chat if you’re unsure. How many sessions do they do a day - make sure there will be plenty of time for feeds/settling and making baby comfortable too.
Does the Photography Studio you’re considering have and practice appropriate health protocols? Is everything cleaned and sanitised between clients?
Look at where your photographer is located so you can plan your journey beforehand. Are they working from a busy commercial space, or do they have a cosy home studio where you’re made to feel like family?

Please do not attempt advanced or prop posing if attempting a DIY newborn session at home. Again, Newborn Photography takes a lot of special safety and posing training that many new parents and new photographers taking on newborn sessions aren’t aware of. What you see on social media is not in fact the whole story, complex images can quite often be created from a set of composite images merged together. Sadly, parents are often left disappointed or worse, their babies have been injured.

At the Little Oak Studio, the safety of your baby is so incredibly important to us – THE most important aspect of our client journey and we would never place your baby in a vulnerable or uncomfortable position.

Lastly, as the newborn photography industry is highly competitive and is not regulated, anybody can pick up a camera and advertise themselves as a Professional Newborn Photographer. The onus is then on parents to do their research, so please choose wisely!

Anyway, I hope this helps you to choose the right photographer for you and your family.