Finding the right newborn photographer can be very stressful – especially for a new mom – one more thing to add to the list of things to do!  I’d like to take a moment to try to help guide anyone searching for a newborn photographer.  Many parents look at price as their driving point.  Though that is a very important factor, I need to caution you that it shouldn’t be the biggest factor you consider.  Here are two very important things to consider initially when searching for a newborn photographer:

1.How was the newborn photographer trained in newborn safety?

• Often newborn photographers will state on their website how they’ve been trained or how many years experience they have been working with newborns.  But, if you do not see any of that information or they do not mention that during your initial contact with them – ask them!  There is not a newborn safety certificate or diploma to become a newborn photographer unfortunately, so it is very important that your newborn photographer has been trained by other experienced newborn photographers.

2.Has your newborn photographer had in-person training?

• There are so many newborn photography training videos out there, but that’s just not enough when we talk about newborn safety.  Your newborn photographer should be trained in person by other experienced newborn photographers.  Watching someone handle a baby on a video versus an experienced newborn photographer sitting right next to you to give suggestions on how better to take care of baby is very important.  Nothing beats someone you can talk to and get advice from regarding newborn safety.

Once you have determined that a newborn photographer is qualified, that’s where it’s up to you to decide what is your next priority – could be (but not limited to):

• Their photography style
• What kind of products they provide
• The kind of experience do they offer as a whole
• Price and value of their services

I’ll end on a very helpful tip – start your research with plenty of time to spare!  Many moms will contact newborn photographers after they have had their baby and so often they run into searching for someone who has availability – thus, possibly not getting their first choice. Good luck on your search – I hope my tips are helpful!  Feel free to contact me on any topics discussed in this blog at AshleighCoelhoPhotography@gmail.com.

 

Newborn Safety Examples

Below are examples of how I shoot two poses safely that can be dangerous for baby if not done properly.  These are not the only ways to do these poses safely, but this is what I like to do personally to keep baby safe:

 

Potato Sack

Here my assistant is stabilizing baby’s neck with her hand behind the neck and keeping her upright.  I have my assistant’s other had hold baby in the front to keep baby from leaning forward. Once baby is stabilized, my assistant moves the front hand for a few seconds out of the frame so I can take a few shots while keeping her eyes on baby the entire time.

 

 

Froggy Pose

For this pose I composited two images together.  Neat, huh?