You are expecting the newest member of your family soon, and you are most likely researching the perfect photographer to capture this amazing chapter in your story. Your little one will only be this little for a short time, so it is important to document this time to remember those tiny details. Newborn portraits are arguably the most important photos you will ever have. You cannot go back in time and recreate them, so choosing someone to tell this story is very important. Newborn photography is unlike any other genera. Your photographer will not only be creating memories to last a lifetime, but they will also be caring for your new baby during your experience. You want to make sure your baby is in the best and safest hands possible. Here are some things to consider when choosing your newborn photographer. Please feel free to contact Ashley with any questions you may have regarding newborn photography, safety, posing, and the experience in general.
Safety
Choosing a newborn photographer can be an overwhelming experience. Especially when considering all of the factors that make the perfect choice. The safety of your newborn is the MOST IMPORTANT factor when considering your newborn photographer. When you entrust your little one into another person’s arms at 5-15 days of life, then you want someone who truly takes into consideration all of the safety factors. You have researched the best strollers, car seats, cribs and more. Why wouldn’t you extend the same level of care when choosing someone who is going to handle your baby?
Just because someone has newborn photography listed on their social media and website does not make them the safest and most qualified person to handle your new baby. For example, does your photographer use a spotter/assistant for newborn photography sessions? Having a spotter present during your session is crucial to ensuring your baby is safe at all times. Some images you see are complicatedly composited photos that are manipulated in Photoshop to achieve the final result, and if they were tried alone could endanger your baby. I have a trained assistant at each and every studio newborn session. She always has hands and eyes
Experience and Education
How much experience, specifically with newborns, does your photographer have? We all start somewhere, so I am defiantly not trying to put down a new newborn photographer (as long as they are trained in safety). Has your photographer taken workshops/mentorships on safety, posing, and lighting? How many years have they been photographing newborns? Do the specialize in newborns? It is important to note that someone with more experience with newborns will not only produce a higher quality of experience and images, but also has the skills to sooth baby during your session and keep baby calm and comfortable. We have all heard the horror stories of inexperienced photographer taking on a newborn thinking it will be easy. This is an art. It is not simple, and requires a great deal of patience, attention to the tiniest details, and genuine care in the little life you are trusted with. Please do not be the horror story and take your photographer experience into consideration.
(Ashley has been personally and professionally trained by the best newborn photographers in the world and continues to further her education each year in newborn portraiture.)
Style
There are many different styles of newborn photography. It is important to note what style you are drawn to, what type of session you feel most comfortable with, and a photographer who does it well.
During posed sessions your sleeping baby is gently guided into beautiful curled up posed, snuggly wrapped, and place in cute props. These sessions are generally highly stylized by the photographer depending on their artistic style. For example, I tend to photograph a more monochromatic style with timeless colors and props verses bright colors and trendy props. This type of session takes a high level of expertise from the photographer and generally lasts 2 to 4 hours, and baby should be under 14 days of age.
Lifestyle sessions primarily focus on the connections and love that family members share with their new little one. These sessions are very relaxed, are more lenient with age, and take place in the comfort of your home.
Ashley is skilled and experienced enough to provide each type of session
Timing
One of the main questions asked when scheduling newborn portraits is, when is the best time to photograph baby? Babies grow so fast, so it is important to capture them early.
The first two weeks of life babies are tiny, squishy, and extra sleepy. This is the perfect time to have a portrait session done. Ashley typically recommends between 5-14 days of age for posed studio session and up to 4 weeks old for lifestyle sessions. Ashley’s preferred age range is 6-10 days old.
Preparation
A good newborn photographer is generally booked months in advance, takes the time to hear your preferences, and walks you through the entire experience. A questionnaire prior to the session allows the photographer to get to know your family better, and to hear your vision for your session. She should send details on how to prepare for your session, how to dress, and what to expect from your session. All of these elements help to create a successful newborn session.
Budget
The elephant in the room… The cost for newborn portraiture can vary greatly. Some things to take into consideration are session duration, your location, the photographer’s experience, their level of training, and equipment (including props) used by the potential photographer.
It is important to remember that photographer put much more into a session than just the time spent with you. A photographer running a legal business with insurance, lots of training and other business expenses will almost always be more expensive. When booking your session, always remember, you get what you pay for.
“Beautiful newborn portraiture is a wonderful luxury, and it is worth the investment. They are only this little for a little while.”
Are you interested in booking Ashley for your newborn session? Please click the contact tab above. I would LOVE to chat with you about your newborn session!
