Things to consider when looking for a newborn photographer.

1. Health & Safety

You are considering handing over your newborn baby to somebody you hardly know. Therefore H&S really should be a top priority.

• Do you know what training they have undertaken if any?
• Do you know if they have any idea how to handle a newborn appropriately?
• Do they work with an assistant?
• Can you build a trust relationship with them before hand?

2. Qualifications & Acreditations

Some photographers may have completed various qualifications through colleges and universities and/or may decide to obtain accreditation with professional photographic associations such as the MPA (Master Photographers Association), SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) and Banpas (Babies and Newborn Photography Association) to name just a few.

Most associations offer regular training sessions and workshops with leading industry photographers at the top of their game. Although this is not an obligatory requirement of membership, if a member is proud of their work and their achievements they should really be showcasing them on their websites and social media.

3. Insurance

Any photographer charging a fee for their services should be fully insured by law. You have every right as a consumer to request evidence of this before using their services.

There are many different levels of insurance but the most important policies that cover customers and the public are public liability and indemnity insurance. This ensures that if anything did go wrong, then there is a level of cover that will pay out any fees awarded if a case arises.

Of course this is something all parents particularly new ones would dread to think about, however insurances are there for a reason and if your photographer is properly insured you can be assured that you are on your path to choosing the right photographer for you.

4. Portfolio

An obvious choice that will lead you to choosing your photographer will be based on the quality of their work and their style. These are images not only for you but for future generations. They will be the keepsakes that your children will most likely show their grandchildren.

It’s also good to keep in mind that these images are a selection of their best work. For instance, a photographer who showcases all their award-winning imagery is not going to be able to produce a gallery of award winning images for a client.

To get an idea of what you may receive you may want to ask the following questions.

• How long does a shoot last?
• How many images should I expect to be produced?
• How many different looks should I expect?
• What age does my baby need to be?

7. Styling & Props

Quite often a Photographers work can reflect their style through the styling, props and colour pallets they use throughout a session. However, don’t be afraid to ask if they can offer a range of different options, or even if you can bring along your own items and props to be included. Your own input can add a lot more sentimental value to an image such as a blanket that Grandma has made.

Image Above: The parents are avid bikers and wanted to incorporate that within their shoot.

8. Availability

Fantastic, if you have got to the point where you really want to enquire about a Photographers service, then their availability is key to move forward. It’s actually hard work booking in newborn sessions as the baby will arrive when it is ready, not a day sooner or later, but not very often on the due date given. Most newborn photographers will block out days they are able to take on clients based around the baby’s due date.

It really is good practice to get your session booked in as soon as possible as trying to book after you have given birth can often lead to disappointment.  However, when ever you do make a booking, make sure you discuss how your photographer deals with the different situations that may arise around birth.