Top 9 questions parents should ask when commissioning a newborn portrait artist for little one's first professional session.
Bringing home a new baby is one of the most momentous moments in your life! You're probably feeling a variety of emotions from elation, tender love, and perhaps excitement as you welcome baby into your life. As a Houston Newborn Photographer and Professional Mommy (ha!) to Emma (7), Lucy (3), Amelia (2) and Jack (2 weeks new) I can attest that of all the childhood photos you'll ever have taken, your newborn session will be especially near and dear to your heart. The newborn stage is oh so special, a whirlwind of magic and love. It's also fleeting and goes by much quicker that you'll realize. While pregnant, you envision baby's face, imagine holding them in your arms, and cannot wait to meet little one! A new baby is the embodiment of a parent's hopes and dreams. This in mind, when selecting someone to document your sweet cherubs first photo shoot, it's important to ask these questions. A true professional will not mind taking the time to answer them, either.
There are two things, however, a parent should never compromise on: newborn safety and experience. Hiring a true professional is a decision you'll never regret making.
In the world of photography, there are many things you should take note of. Because babies can be hurt during a newborn session if an inexperienced photographer handles them incorrectly, you should always use a reputable, experienced, and professionally trained photographer. It's a smart idea to research them. Ask for an in person consultation. Come visit their studio. Look at their reviews. Ask friends about the experience if you know someone who used their services. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Moreover, does this person seem comfortable working with babies, is open and approachable, and someone you can see providing care for your little one in the 2-3 hours they're in studio?
Congratulations on your baby! You probably have your own list of questions, though here are some helpful ones to get you started as you look for the perfect fit for your family.
1 | Do You Specialize in newborn photography?
Specializing in posed newborn photography means you portrait artist has invested time, funds, and has experience in one specific niche within the photography market. They're the "go to" in the area for one genre. You set yourself apart by hyper focusing on one genre, being one of the top photographers in your area, and constantly looking to improve, thus offering an incredible experience and final product to your clients. You photograph what you love and do it well, all while being okay with giving up everything else. For example, I am exclusively photographing newborn babies these days.
I am truly excited about this and the opportunity to build and grow my newborn brand. When selecting a newborn photographer, it's important to choose someone who does specialize because you can be sure they take their job very seriously, are committed, and love the type of portraiture you've commissioned. It's perfectly okay to be a photographer who likes to photograph many genres! However, it's not specializing if you're taking 40 types of projects at once. In areas where it's a once in a lifetime session, such as newborn portraits or weddings, it is best to hire a professional who has a strong grasp on the content they're photographing. Clients deserve someone who is completely in love and enamored with the sessions they take on.
2) What precautions do you take to keep baby safe?
Newborn safety, handling and proper posing is absolutely of the utmost important during our time together! Your baby must be treated with love, care and respect. While they're very sweet and limber, many precautions must be taken to keep them safe. Keeping baby content is also important. A few ways I safe guard my sessions are the following:
- My studio is kept at a toasty 77 degrees since baby will be naked for some of our session. They cannot regulate their body temperature as well as an adult so this keeps them warm.
- The studio is sanitized and every item is cleaned between babies. This includes mopping with Lysol, wiping out the trashcan, spraying door handles with disinfectant, washing all linens and textiles in a baby friendly laundry soap, such as Dreft, and wiping out all props with a gentle soap so they're clean for the next little one who comes to studio.
- Composites are always utilized for more advanced posing.
- Bottoms of baskets and buckets are weighted down with 20 pounds of weight so baby never tips forward and is never in any risk of danger.
- Keeping the studio space smoke free
- Never leaving baby unattended or taking your eyes off of baby, even for a brief moment.
- Being mindful to read baby's queues so as not to strain their muscles or joints.
- Making sure to keep baby's autonomy in mind. If baby dislikes a pose, we move on. It is not fair to baby to force them into a position or prop if they're clearly uncomfortable.
3) What type of packages do you offer?
At Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, all of my newborn portrait packages are all inclusive. This means that one flat rate pays for time, talent, session design, retouching of your images, full access to my props and accessories, as well as the rendering of your full resolution digital gallery + a print release. All of my collections also include professional grade prints and products.
Moreover, if you're looking for beautiful heirloom prints and products, make sure you ask to stop by their studio and see samples. Many photographers offer wall art design, myself included, for parents with discerning eyes or who are interested in lovely quality. If this is not important to you, however, make sure you clarify with your photographer if they have a minimum print order and what their session fee includes. This helps you plan for your session and invest in what you love, whether it be products or digital files - perhaps even both :-) There is nothing wrong with either business model, but do not be shy to ask about either choice!
It's tempting to use a family friend or someone who does not specialize in newborn photography because their prices are so cheap, but these people are not running legal businesses nor are they trained in working with babies. My newborn photography is how I feed my family and I am a full time business owner. I take great pride and care in my work.
If the pricing is low, it's because they're not paying taxes and they're undercutting the market for those of us who follow the rules. They have not mentored, taken workshops, or know what they're doing. You absolutely get what you pay for and your newborn session will probably be a disappointment if you use someone who is not qualified to work with the most precious clients. I say this not out of malicious intent, but because many parents have told me they did not do enough research with their first baby and assumed all newborn photography is the same. It's not and your baby should be handled by someone who knows how to work with newborns, the same way your wedding should be photographed by someone who knows how to work with large events + couples.
4) Where are reviews located? Do you have a testimonial page?
I am happy to say I am the highest rated Houston Newborn Photographer. I have over 110 five star Google reviews because customer service and providing an impeccable service is absolutely a huge part of my business model. Each client is an individual to me whom I value. I also have a testimonial page clients are encouraged to peruse. I like to make reviews easily available to parents because it's a great option for you to see what other parents have to say. It also helps you see if we're a good fit for another. If a newborn photographer is shy about sharing kind words or reviews or perhaps has reviews in which parents express concerning details, please take that into consideration, particularly if it's about newborn safety and handling.
5) Can I see a full gallery of a session?
Absolutely! I have two full sample galleries for clients to view: one of which is a girl and the other a boy session. By looking at my portfolio via my website, you're able to see if you like the style of newborn photography I provide. For example, I specialize in posed baby portraits; I do not offer lifestyle or in home photography. If you're looking for an artist to come to your home, I would not be a good fit for you and that's perfectly okay. Parents deserve the session of their dreams! Now, if you want cozy wrapping and gorgeous, squishy newborn images than I'm the gal for you, ha!
It also lets you see my editing and retouching style, the types of props I have on hand, etc. You should select someone who's work makes your heart happy, someone whose images you can already envision on your wall. Check out lots of portfolios. Interview tons of photographers. You can only have one newborn session so it's important you pick someone who is right for your family.
6) Have you taken workshops or mentored under another professional?
Newborn workshops typically focus on things such as soothing babies, posing, handling, lighting, retouching, session flow, and how to read baby's queues. As an experienced newborn photographer, safety is my top priority. I have taken workshops and mentored, too. This is how I learned newborn photography. This is one of the most important elements to consider when you're hiring someone. Workshops ensure your baby is properly handled with love and care; they're posed the correct way; they're never placed in an unsafe or compromising position.
7) What kind of props do you offer?
All of my props are classic, rustic, organic, and vintage. I have a huge selection for you to consider. I have everything from baskets, bowls, buckets, crates, newborn beds, cradles, pails, etc. I also have every color of back drop, hat, bonnet, and a huge selection of gorgeous head bands. There is also a matching wrap for every color of backdrop I have, too.
8) Who is included in the newborn session?
Sometimes photographers do not include parents or siblings in their session. That's okay. It's their business. Make sure you ask about this, however, if you'd like parent posing or family images. These are very important to me, so I make sure I include these set ups. Some photographers also charge extra for these so it's best to clarify with your photographer beforehand so there is no confusion.
9) Are you fully vaccinated and insured?
A newborn photographer should absolutely NEVER work with infants if they're not vaccinated or insured. As a professional business, you must have business and liability insurance, as well as legal documents showing you're running a legitimate business. This means you are dealing with a true professional and not someone who is doing this as a side business, with zero to little training. Being vaccinated ensures baby is also in a safe environment. Since our little ones do not yet have a developed immune system, every precaution must be taken to keep them safe. Things like the flu are devastating to a newborn, similar to whooping cough.
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