You’re expecting! Your family and friends are thrilled for you. You’re ready to paint the nursery and you’re pouring over the book of baby names. What’s next? It’s time to plan for your baby’s very first professional portraits. 

Choosing a qualified newborn photographer is a big decision for your new little one.  Long after the diapers are gone and the sleepless nights are over, 

your child’s newborn photos will be the only lasting remembrance of their first days.

When you choose a newborn photographer, it’s important to ask yourself some questions before signing a contract.

Can I see samples of the photographer’s work?
The photographer should have samples of their work on their website. These samples will usually not include a full newborn gallery, but selections of their best work and unique images. If you would like to see a full newborn gallery, just ask the photographer and he or she will often be happy to show you one.

Does this photographers work match the kind of newborn session I envision for my baby?
Try to find a photographer whose samples look similar to what you’ve always wanted. Every photographer has their own style and their own methods to bring a vision to life. Some photographers use only natural light, others use studio lighting. Some photographers come to your home, others have a studio. Some sessions are more of a “day in the life” of your baby and family, while others create posed portraiture. There’s no single right or wrong choice! Just be sure to communicate your preferences to your photographer. You can even pin some images to a Pinterest board, to help share your vision. 

Do I want to schedule maternity photos with this photographer also?
Oftentimes a photographer will offer a special discount to an expecting mom or couple who will book a maternity session along with a newborn session. Your beautiful curves as your baby grows inside you is worth capturing with professional portraits. Some photographers have a client closet filled with maternity gowns (ones you might not normally have in your own closet!) Some also offer hair and make-up services, perfect for to pamper an expecting mom! 

What are the terms of the photographer’s contract?
Make sure you read all the fine print and agree before signing. If you have any questions or concerns, ask the photographer but oftentimes the contract is set and will not be changed for individual terms and conditions.

Is this photographer trained to safely handle my baby?
This is probably the most important question you should consider. A newborn photographer isn’t just any portrait photographer. They should have taken safety classes on how to safely hold, wrap, and protect a baby during a photo session. They will understand how to soothe a newborn, how to keep a newborn calm, and how to watch for signs of distress in the baby. Newborns are special, and need special attention and care. If your photographer has taken a safety training class, it is appropriate to ask them who the instructor was, how long ago they took the class, and how often they renew their training. 

How long will the newborn session last?
A newborn session will usually last no less than one hour. However, depending on the structure of the session, it could last up to 3 hours or more. Of course, baby and photographer will take breaks during that time! A “lifestyle” session – usually captured in a less formal setting and including mom + dad along with any siblings – can be accomplished in less time. This session involves more unposed and candid moments, oftentimes only using the lighting in the client’s home or natural light in a studio. A “posed” session will mean the baby is wrapped in stretchy fabrics, possibly posed in and with various props, and most often uses studio lighting, umbrellas, and reflectors. These sessions usually rely on baby being fully relaxed, so sometimes we have to wait for “the boss” to fall fast asleep. I say “usually” a lot in this paragraph, because while a newborn session can be planned out, it’s important to be flexible too. We can’t control a baby’s mood but we can use all the tricks up our sleeve.

Do I have special photos that I’d like the photographer to capture?
I know you’ve been pinning baby photos on Pinterest for months. If you want that picture of your baby snuggled up next to a football with your favorite team’s merch in the background, have you purchased the accessories for that? If you have decorated the baby’s nursery in a really specific shade of green, did you send that color info to the photographer, so she can source some fabrics and props to match? If you will be in the photos, have you scheduled a haircut for yourself? A manicure? Have you discussed what you should wear? Maybe your mother-in-law crocheted a beautiful outfit for the baby, but your newborn was 2 weeks early and still can’t quite fill out the special outfit. These are all things you should communicate to your photographer so she can make plans for the session, and she will be honest about whether or not those images are possible.  

When will I see my images? And how will they be presented to me?
Photographers have different methods of presenting images to their clients: Some photographers offer online viewing, some photographers offer personal consultations, some photographers will mail a USB to their clients or offer an online download option. However you will see the images, make sure you understand the timeline for viewing and ordering products. Additionally, make sure you understand whether the digital images presented to you will be PROOFS (you look through them and choose the ones to keep) or FINAL IMAGES (you receive all the digital copies, plus a print release for personal use). Not every photographer includes digital image files in their session fee, so it’s important to be clear about what you can expect. Your photographer will need time to give adequate attention to editing all the small details from your session, so the turnaround time could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. 

How many images should I expect to receive?
Every photographer shoots differently, and they might shoot hundreds of images or maybe just a few dozen. Quantity is never the same as quality. Also, the type of session you choose and the package you purchase will have an effect on how many images you’ll receive. For example: when a baby is sleeping peacefully, it’s easier to get a perfect photo in 1 or 2 frames, but less so when a toddler is wiggling on the bed, trying to hold his new baby sister. When you consult with your photographer and discuss the session plan, ask how many images a typical gallery includes, so you can manage expectations.

 What am I going to do with my newborn images?
Your baby’s newborn images are special and should be treated as such. On your child’s 1st birthday, or 10th birthday, or graduation from high school, you won’t want to look back on their newborn pictures by inserting a flash drive into a computer and viewing the images on a laptop screen. The portraits from a professional newborn session should be seen and enjoyed in print: on your walls, or in an album. If you want to print your own images, make sure your photographer offers full-resolution digital images with a print release. If you’d prefer to order printed professional images that will last a lifetime, ask your photographer to see samples of his or her products. A baby book of newborn images are a perfect keepsake for years to come. Album design can be overwhelming, so it may be worth it to you to allow a professional to do it. However you choose to enjoy your session images, keep in mind the recipients: Great Grandma probably won’t know what to do with a flash drive, but they can enjoy a printed photo anytime. 

One final bit of advice…
One bit of advice I feel I must share is this: your child’s newborn photos will only happen once. They are new and itty-bitty for such a short period of time, so recapturing a failed photo session is unlikely. If you are working with a strict budget, do not cut corners for sub-par newborn photography. Now is not the time to make a choice based solely on price. If cost is a concern, some photographers will offer payment plans. You will never regret having a photographer who captures all the special details of your baby and treats them as memorable as you do.