Bringing a new life into the world is a momentous occasion filled with love, anticipation, and joy. As parents, you will want to capture every precious moment of your newborn's early days, and choosing the right newborn photographer is key to preserving these memories for a lifetime. With numerous local photographers to choose from, here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice for your family.
1. Start Early
Planning is essential when it comes to newborn photography. Begin your search during your pregnancy to ensure you have ample time to research and secure your chosen photographer. We usually hear from clients when they are at the time of having their 20 week scan, and our diary usually fills three months ahead of time. If you know in the early days you’d like to visit us, that’s fine too! We are happy to pencil in your date when you’re ready.
2. Research and Recommendations
Start by researching newborn photographers in your area. Ask friends, family, or parenting groups for recommendations. Online platforms, like social media and photography websites, can also provide valuable insights into a photographer's style and reputation. Make a shortlist of photographers whose work resonates with you. Our Google reviews are filled with lovely comments from our clients if you want to have a read through what others have to say,
3. Portfolio Review
Visit the Facebook and Instagram profiles of the photographers on your shortlist. Don’t just look at the overall picture, look at the props, the poses and the styling. What matches your home and your tastes? Luckily we offer two styles of photography here at the studio. Our PURE sessions are great if you like modern, clean and simply styling, and our RICH sessions work well if you prefer bold colours, textures and props. Can’t decide? We are happy to do a mix of both too!
4. Safety First
Newborn safety is paramount during photography sessions. Ensure that the photographer you choose has experience and training in handling newborns safely. They should be well-versed in posing techniques that prioritize the comfort and safety of your baby. Susan continually attends training courses in handling newborns so that she is up to date with the most recent guidelines, photographing over 200 babies a year, you know you’re in safe hands! She’s also one of the few photographers in Scotland who holds an SQA “Executive Diploma in Photography: Newborn and Baby Portrait”.
5. Meet and Greet
Still undecided? Come see us! We’d be happy to meet you at our studio for a meeting ahead of your newborn session if you want to be completely sure about your photographer. Often families come back to us time and time again. So it’s important to make sure you make a strong connection with your family photographer. It’s also a great opportunity for you to have a trial run at coming along to the studio, so you know where to come for your session.
6. Pricing and Packages
Ahead of your session, make sure you understand what is included in each package, including the number of image and any additional costs. Our pricing is all detailed online and we like to describe your portraits as in investment for your child’s future, after all, this is the beginning of your biography! Think about Wall art and any physical products you may wish to add before your session so we can discuss this with you at the studio and let you see examples we have.
7. Relax!
This should be an enjoyable decision to make and you should be excited about your newborn session. Please don’t be nervous about the experience, we promise it will be one you will enjoy, and want to tell your friends about!
In conclusion, choosing a newborn photographer is a big decision that will impact the memories you cherish for a lifetime. You’re likely to see them on an annual basis, particularly in your children’s earlier years. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect photographer to capture the beauty and wonder of your newborn's earliest moments.
