3 Things to Consider When Hiring A Newborn Photographer

Hiring a newborn photographer? There are many factors to consider when entrusting someone with your precious little one.

Local newborn photographer, Kristi Gayton, shares three things you should keep in mind before hiring a photographer – safety, client experience, and cost.

Safety

It’s not easy handing your brand-new baby to someone you barely know. Even if it is for beautiful images. Having some basic information about your newborn photographer can put your mind at ease. It will allow you to really enjoy the newborn portrait experience.

Ask your photographer the following questions…

• Do you have a business license?
• Are you insured?
• Is newborn photography your specialty?

Hiring someone that is set up as a legitimate insured business protects your family and also the photographer.

Having a license and insurance is required to drive a car, be a home contractor, and even to work as an accountant or real estate agent. You may assume that all photographers are licensed and insured, but this is not always the case.

An unlicensed hobbyist taking a few images of a friend’s baby is one thing. But it’s concerning when people market themselves as an established business. AND they charge for their work when they don’t have the credentials.

Don’t be afraid to ask these questions!

While it’s not as important as being licensed and insured, specialization is another consideration when deciding who to hire as your newborn photographer. Too often you read a photographer’s bio that says “specializing in newborn, maternity, family, pets, headshots, sports, and more…”

That is the exact opposite of having a specialty!

Specialize is defined as “concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill”.

It is completely possible for a photographer to dabble in a little bit of everything and still do a decent job capturing images of your newborn. However, it is also very likely that they are taking any job they can find meaning that newborn photography isn’t really their passion or area of expertise.

Hiring a general photographer to do a very specific type of work may leave you feeling disappointed.

Photographers that specialize in working with newborns should be continually educating themselves on all things newborn related: safe posing practices, the most ideal studio temperature, newborn reflexes and circulation, and much more.

There is a lot more to photographing a newborn than just popping them in a basket and going for it.

Client Experience

Having a wonderful experience catered to your growing family is going to be just as important as the beautiful images that are created during your session. Having a new baby is brings a lot of emotions and you only get one shot at an unforgettable experience.

Here are some things you can ask yourself about the experience you expect to get from your newborn photographer.

• Does their style of work match my personal style?
• Does their studio environment appear clean, inviting, and comfortable?
• Is this photographer communicating to me in a way that shows respect for my time and a passion for their work?
• Do the photographer’s business reviews reflect the experience I am hoping for?

Everyone has a personal style that speaks to them. Think about your favorite stores… Are you more of a Pottery Barn fan or is Restoration Hardware more of your style? Do you love bright bold pops of color or do you prefer more classic and muted colors?

Keep this in mind when searching for your newborn photographer. When you are hanging artwork from your session in your home you will want it to coordinate with your style. When considering a newborn photographer look through their portfolio.

Is their work consistent? Does their style speak to you?

Location

If you will be going to the photographer’s studio for your session you should be able to find some behind the scenes images of their space. Does the studio appear organized, clean, and inviting?

Most newborn sessions take anywhere from 2-3 hours so it’s important that this is somewhere you will feel comfortable.

Communication

Communication will be a huge component of your experience. The photographers you reach out to should respond in a way that assures you they are prompt, enthusiastic, and prepared to give you the experience you are seeking.

It’s not uncommon for consumers to make the final decision about who they hire based on the reviews on Google and other websites. Positive reviews with specific information about safety, experience, and quality are a great way to find peace of mind when making your final decision about who to hire.

Cost

While it may be tempting to do a Google search for every newborn photographer and send out an email blast – think twice. The quick copy and pasting the classic “how much do you charge?” email to all of them – choosing whoever gets back to you with the cheapest price does not always work out.

I urge you to think back on the safety and experience points first. Ask yourself the following:

• What am I willing to invest to have these family heirlooms?
• How much do I value quality and experience?
• Will I regret it if I go with the cheapest photographer and I am unhappy with their work?

Your baby will only be a newborn for a very short time and in the blink of an eye you’ll be sending them off to Kindergarten. It truly goes that fast!

You really do get what you pay for.

Experienced and talented newborn photographers put a great deal of time and money into their work. Their prices are a reflection of the quality of work you can expect.

Investing in an experienced and talented photographer should mean they have taken classes on safety, posing, and editing. A photographer who continues to invest in themselves, their skills, and their accreditations mean an assurance that they will invest time in creating an unforgettable experience and in creating beautiful timeless images for your family to enjoy for years to come!

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About the Author

Kristi Gayton is a newborn and maternity portrait photographer in the Reno area. She serves expecting parents, new parents, and parents that have already “been there, done that” by providing an outstanding portrait experience and capturing images that will stand the test of time. If you are looking for a newborn photographer in Reno-Sparks or Northern Nevada, Kristi Gayton would be honored to capture your special moments. 

Learn more about at https://www.kristigaytonphotography.com/.

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