TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Advice for selecting an amazing Newborn Photographer
Once your little one arrives (or even beforehand), you may, between the haze of feeding, changing, and trying to sleep, want to plan a photo shoot to capture your baby’s best side. While you may have some pretty svelte photography skills, the benefits of hiring a professional newborn photographer are many – including the fact that they have done it so many times and have all the equipment that you are practically guaranteed some fantastic images to cherish. So how do you go about finding the “best” newborn photographer?
Step One: Start with the facts
Get to know your potential photographer by asking a few questions, such as how long they have been in business, how many newborn shoots have they completed, whether they have an assistant and your expected participation level in the shoots. As a parent you may be more comfortable handling your newborn yourself; however experienced photographers are excellent at ensuring your baby is not disrupted during scene or costume changes.
Step Two: Check the portfolio
Your potential choice’s portfolio will say a lot about their skill level – so look carefully. The babies should all look comfortable, natural, and happy (or asleep). The colors and lighting should be soft and natural. You can also get a sense of their style, and whether it matches your visions for your newborn photos. You’ll know you’ve found the right photographer when you just can stop looking at their work.
Step Three: Balance price versus value
While you could find a Groupon or an extremely affordable newborn photographer just about anywhere to take photos of your newborn, do you want to? Most of the “good” photographers can be booked weeks or months in advance, so if you are disappointed with your results you likely won’t get another chance for newborn photos. So think about how much you are willing to pay to get the best photos possible.
Step Four: Ask around
Reviews and referrals are one of the best ways to gauge a newborn photographer’s abilities – so ask your friends or look for online review sites. When you do get a chance to meet or talk to a photographer, find out if they have a referral page on their site or past clients you can talk to.
In the end, it’s all on you! Go with your gut and find a photographer whose style, price, experience, and feedback indicate that they are the best match for you and your baby. Don’t forget to book early so you can ensure that you get a “spot” when your baby is still teeny-tiny! Of course, you could always end your search here 🙂
When you’re ready to book your next photo shoot with Jane, call 917-744-3310 or fill out the contact form here.
Related photography articles:
- Photography Tips for Births and Newborns
- Tips for Photographing Baby’s Firsts
- Tips for Lifestyle Newborn Photography
- Photographing Baby’s First Christmas
- Tips for Amazing Maternity Portraits
Recommended Products – What’s in my bag?
I love this stylish and functional camera bag. It’s sturdy yet stylish – who could ask for more?
Now this is one sturdy carrying case – it’s built so well to hold all of my gear – it’s especially great for traveling with my gear. I couldn’t do my job without it.
Oh the latest Canon 5D – it’s a dream to shoot with and I love it so much. It’s my second child! It builds on the powerful legacy of the 5D series, offering amazing refinements in image quality, performance and versatility.
CAMERA LENSES
Whoever said zoom lenses aren’t amazing didn’t have this one. It offers a great zoom range (perfect for moving targets like toddlers) yet it has a wonderfully large aperture throughout its focal length.
I love this zoom lens – especially when you are further away from the subject – great for capturing your kids playing sports.
A fantastic prime lens perfect for portraits
The lens is suitable for any shooting situation, with a lens coating and construction type that are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. The lens also offers an ultra-large aperture that produces a narrow depth of field and the type of soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere.
OTHER EQUIPMENT and GOODIES
This speed lite delivers impressive power, responsive performance and advanced, wireless communication for those who demand the very best in flash photography
I love the Gary Fong diffuser – helps to give your speedlight flash that wonderful diffused light on the go!
You can never go wrong with using a reflector for fill light – I like the Neewer 43inch for portability and size.
Sleep sheep (to get those newborns to sleep)
If there was one product (apart from my camera) that I would take to every newborn shoot it has to be the Sleep Sheep. Press Ocean sound and babies love it as it is so calming!
I always get asked what consumer camera to buy and I have found that the Rebel t6i is by far the best for my clients to take gorgeous, high-quality photos and videos that are easy to share
Map of Jane Goodrich Photography in Westchester County, NY
Tips for Choosing a Newborn Photographer
