Choosing the right newborn photographer for you! Choosing your newborn photographer for your family and your most precious new little one can be daunting. What are the top 5 considerations I feel, as a photographer myself, you should be looking for? 

1. Has this photographer been trained in the safety of my baby. This photographer will be handling your most precious gift. They should be trained and knowledgeable about handling your baby, especially if you are looking for the more posed newborn photography. There are workshops and classes our there that many of us that specialize have taken. Just one of my classes was with a NICU nurse that is a newborn photographer on the side. I have taken that class alone twice. She addresses many of the issues that could arise at your session and things to be watching to keep baby safe and healthy during your session. Many of the more advanced posing you see such as "froggie pose" or anything where a baby is "suspended" it seems are most likely what we call composites. ( or should be) This is where it appears baby is on it's own, however in my studio they would have hands on them at all times and I take multiple images and put them together for appearance in Photoshop. Safety must always come first. 

2. Do I like this photographers editing and "style". Not every professional photographer is going to fit everyone's style. Some of us shoot more light and airy, while others shoot more moody and shadowy. Some edit clean and high contrast while others have a more matte style. Look at the images of more than one photographer and get a feel of how he or she shoots and edits and if that is something you love. These are going to be hopefully on your walls for many years to come and capturing one of the biggest milestones in your families life. Choose wisely. 

3. Does this photographer fit in my budget. Many make this a first priority and while I agree it is obviously important, I ask that it isn't the #1 of importance. In this day and age we seem to make a way for things we want. $5 coffee every day. A new hairstyle. Nails. Remember that those things are fleeting, but images of your newborn will last a lifetime if captured by a quality photographer, as they should be. Think of the last time you saw an image of your grandparent or your parent that made your heart skip a beat from long ago. These images will be there many years from now to bring back memories of one of the best times in your life. One that goes way too fast. I ask that you to keep this in mind when assessing your budget. If it is a reputable photographer that you love, but you may not be able to afford it in one payment, ask if they take payment plans. See if you can cut out something in your daily budget that is not necessity beforehand and maybe for a bit after. I think you will find that you won't regret spending a few extra dollars on these images in the long run. 

4. What is included in the photographers packaging prices. Do you want more along the lines of digital you can print out as you see fit? Are you looking for amazing, quality wall art? Maybe find someone that offers both. I know I personally love guiding my clients to the perfect wall art after a session, but know that in this digital age you want to share with your family and friends over social media too. 

5.Photographers personality. Now this one may be higher or the lowest on your list, but I know I end up being friends with many of my clients after our sessions. True friends. But some just like to do business and be on their way. You may like a quiet photographer that just gets you in and out, and that's okay. ( I may not be your photog then though. lol ) I tend to talk. Alot. I mean, not I have had too much coffee, drive you nuts talk really. ( or I hope not) But I love to get to know my clients. I love to watch your babies grow so I plan on seeing you more than just this once. I would love to see you back for at least 6 month sitter, cake smash and family portraits. Maybe Christmas minis. I don't do well in silence, it makes me nervous. But if that is what you are looking for I am pretty sure there are photographers out there that fit that bill also. 

I know there is more, but these are the key points I feel are important when you are doing your search. Get references, look at reviews. Basically "stalk" your local photographer pages. Ask questions. I feel comfortable in my knowledge and have no issue with answering these questions. I hope to hear from you soon. Or lead you to someone that can fit your top 5!