Ok, you just popped out your newest little babe, emotions are high and out of whack, your heart is exploding with love, and your instagram posts simply aren’t capturing how extremely precious and perfect your wee one is. Your iPhone isn’t making the cut no matter if you have the iPhone 6 or 12…You need a professional. Splurge.
Here are some essentials that you should be aware of when finding the right photog for your keepsake photos:
1) TIME and TRAVEL
Time is of the essence here momma’s. It is recommended by the collective “they”, that newborn are best when your babe is 3-17 days young. This is important because your baby basically sleeps like a rock at this young age. Travelling down that birth control takes a lot out of you. Take advantage of the fatigue. Babies can also be moved without much disturbance at this stage too.
It is an also daunting experience to pack up your little one for the first time and travel to your photographer {aside from your trip home from the hospital}. Most moms are terrified of this milestone. You most definitely drive below the speed limit {for once} and you never imagined a blind spot could be checked that many times just backing out of your driveway let alone the whole ride to the studio! Ask your photog if they can come to you. A great option is having photos done in the comfort of your own home.
2) STYLE
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| Personalize your shoot. Bring your own props. |
You have to do your research here. Start googling NEWBORN photographers. Check out the galleries and see what style you prefer. Take screenshots of what you like. Newborn photos ARE NOT cheap. Make sure you are getting what you want out of the shoot. If you hate the idea of your child wearing a weird-ass costume or sitting in an awkward pose—speak your mind. In retrospect, remember that your photographer is a professional so trust them as well. That awkward pose could also be something that you end up loving!
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| These felt SUPER AWKWARD, but I love how they turned out. |
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| This photo was not planned or staged…It was just a real life moment that our photographer captured. |
3) SET YOUR BUDGET
I knew how much I was willing to spend and I stuck to it. As mentioned above, these bad boys aren’t cheap so you need to make sure you aren’t getting ripped off. You will find prices ranging from $350 up to $1000. Which, I’m sorry, that’s cray. I understand that this may be a primary source of income for photographers and that maybe charging less might be a hinderance to their craft, but listen…you just popped out a kid…your life budget just changed exponentially. Be realistic. When my photographer and many others threw large dollar amounts my way, I had to swallow hard and respectfully decline. When I discussed with my photographer what my budget was and what I was looking for, she was extremely accommodating and made a package that worked for my family, my expectation, and my budget. Speak your mind. What’s the worst that could happen?
4) EXPERIENCE
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| Positioning with safety using props made specifically for this purpose. |
As I mentioned up in the STYLE section, “google NEWBORN photographers” it is extremely important that your photographer has experience in handling your newest possession with care. Not everyone can handle the task of capturing your little one with precision. Although I said that your newborn “sleeps” a ton at this point, there is no guarantee that your little one will be shut’ner down for your whole session…which by the way usually lasts 3 hours. You will be stopping a couple times for feedings remember. Milk Monsters.
Newborn photographers take time and care to safely position your baby in a way that is comfortable and risk free. Just because a photographer has a portfolio that resinates with your style its doesn’t mean they are right for you. I appreciated two photographers who admittedly shared that they didn’t feel comfortable taking newborn pictures because they didn’t have the experience or training. Newborns photographers should have experience, training, and of course patience.
5) COMFORT
My photographer was amazing. She even has this “Shusher” that helped soothe my babe into a deep sleep. She also had a change table completely stocked with diapers of all sizes, wipes, and creams. Not to mention she has a cookie and Keurig station.
To boot, she had that studio packed with heaters galore. It was a tropical oasis basically. WHY? It’s a newborn shoot so chances are your newborn is going to nudey nude at some point so it’s important that your littlest model is warm and happy. ADVICE for parents…dress accordingly. I was warned about this but didn’t listen and I was sweating like a hooker in church.
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| The “Shusher” and heaters made my little one more calm and comfortable. |
Some of our favourite photos from our session.
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| She even allowed our toddler to jump in for a couple of sibling shots when he was growing impatient watching the shoot. Melt a mother’s heart… |
Choose wisely and with love.
