How to Choose the Best Newborn Photographer for you

How to Choose the Best Newborn Photographer for you – I remember when I was searching for a Newborn photographer for my daughter (almost 9 years ago). The lists of opportunities were endless. I remember specifically typing into google “Durham Region Newborn Photography” and “Best Durham Region Photographer for Newborns”. How to choose the right one for me was a bit overwhelming when I didn’t have a referral. After all, I wanted them done within a couple of weeks after she was born, so I wanted to make they were going to handle my precious newborn with care. The pages were endless, so I started going through the pages, and reading all the websites.

I looked through all the portfolio’s, all the pricing, and reached out to a few. In the end, I settled on a referral from an old high school friend. I seen the photos she had posted on Facebook and even though it was of her older baby, I thought she would be able to handle newborn photos. First, we did a trial run. “If I’m going to book her for my newborn session”, I thought, “then we can do the Maternity photos first”.  It’s similar to when couples do the engagement portraits before they do the wedding. When I am asked to do engagements (not often anymore), I always encourage the couple to use their wedding Photographer if possible.

Back to the story –  I knew the first 2 weeks was going to go fast and we really only had 1 shot at this. By the time we would receive our proofs or images back from the newborn session, it would be too late to capture that new stage again. Well, I have to admit, although it was a referral, I am so glad we did do the maternity photos first. Her poses were unique, and she did have some great ideas, but the entire time I felt uncomfortable for a reason I couldn’t quite describe. She spoke very fast, and there wasn’t a calming thing about this lady. She only accepted cash, which I thought was unprofessional and a bit slimy if I’m being honest. I guess the whole experience made me a bit uncomfortable.

Fast forward to our newborn session. Since I did do my maternity photos late (lesson learned so I booked much further ahead for me son), by the time we received the maternity photos back, I knew we had to look for another newborn Photographer. I call this, better than than never to have found out.  In the end that lady that we did choose, Mary-Anne, we were much happier with. She was clam and very inspiring and the end was result was beautiful.

Here are some of the things I encourage you to ask when booking your newborn photographer

How long have they been in business? This is important. Are they a Professional or a hobbyist? Chances are if they are a hobbyist, they may or may not have photographed many newborns before yours. I have heard too many horror stories for this to be taken lightly. Newborn sessions are different than a family session, or even a baby session. Do they know the room heat has to be turned up to keep baby comfortable? Do they know how to safety pose them? How do they know that’s the correct way?

Now, don’t get me wrong, we all have to start somewhere.  So, if you want to help out an up and coming Photographer gain some experience, I think that’s amazing. I did quite a few free newborn sessions for people when I was starting out and it helped me gain experience.  I know I wouldn’t be offended if they had booked a professional with more experience as well.

How many Babies do they have experience working with at this age? Are they a registered business? This one baffles me all the time. So many “professional” Newborn Photographers aren’t even registered. So, they are either operating illegally, or … too lazy to register? I’m not quite sure, but neither can be good, nor professional.  Do they know what to do when baby is crying?

Here’s a true story: My fellow Photographer friend was photographing a newborn when the mom told her that the baby has a sore shoulder from delivery. My friend proceeded to photograph the baby as gently as she could without hurting the baby or making it uncomfortable. A little while into the session she noticed the baby was very uncomfortable on one side and certain poses the baby would cry. She immediately thought not to put baby into those poses. Turns out, the poor babe had a dislocated shoulder form birth! The mom had no idea, the Doctor’s didn’t say anything. Could you imagine if the Photographer kept posing the baby anyway? Trying to settle the baby while keeping them in the pose? Sadly, it does happen friends.

I honestly feel there is the right photographer out there for everyone. Do your homework and your research. Google reviews are a good way to determine how the Photographer is, for the most part. I encourage you to call up those inquiries, speak to them, ask questions. i know we are all busy, and sending an inquiry through the website is the fastest and easiest way to get pricing and availability. But beyond that, call them!

When I started my business, I was a new mom. I wanted to learn all about Newborn Photography. I took a newborn safety course with a Registered Physiotherapist (who was also a Newborn Photographer). This was my immediate stepping stone. Pose them safely. They are super delicate. I self taught A lot of myself the Photoshop part, but I did take courses at Seneca college on that matter too. Since then I have also taken 3 additional Newborn courses on posing safety after the first one.

Pricing – Be sure to understand that the saying “you get what you pay for” really does apply in this case. Always. All of our equipment here is top of the line, I use a Nikon D810, with top of the line ART and Nikkor lenses.

Style – This is something that will help you decide on. Do you like their work? I photograph very neutral,light and timeless colours. I want that image to be loved for years to come. If you use whites, greys, creams etc, it keeps the focus on the baby. And you can Print the images and it will be sure to go with any room in the house. I’m not sure how many Parents would enlarge a photo of their baby in hot pink frills and stick it in their family room? Unless of course that was their thing?

Some additional questions are: Do you do retouching? How long is the session? What methods of payment do you accept? (steer clear of cash only businesses).

If you are viewing this blog post, there is a good chance you may be expecting. If so, congratulations. I hope this Blog was helpful on Finding a Newborn Photographer in Durham Region area or anywhere for that matter. I’d love the opportunity to discuss with you the opportunity to Photograph your newborn. I lost count of all the newborns I have photographed, over 8 years it’s a very high number. I should count one day.

Please feel free to read my google reviews and reach out to me if you have any questions. 905-409-7833  https://www.stephaniewebster.ca

Stephanie Webster Durham Region Newborn Photography