Choosing a photographer can feel daunting, there are over 100 in the Saint John and Quispamsis area! So many are extremely talented but I wanted to give some idea on how to choose a newborn photographer.
Of course, I want you to hire me! But my style may not be what you are looking for and there may be other photographers who better suit your needs. The window is so small for newborns, this is the shortest stage of human life. It is also the moment that everything changes in your life (even if baby number 4 or 5!).
Check Out Their Style
Every photographer has their own unique style. From big styling differences like Lifestyle or Posed. Lifestyle is typically held in your home. Lifestyle focuses more on the family environment, unposed, and how you interact as a family.
Posed newborn photography (which is our specialty) is carefully posed, to showcase the baby’s face and features. Props can be added and sessions color coordinated.
Look at the Editing
Every photographer has their own secret recipe for editing. We all have our own unique style in editing but it also depends on skill level. Over the past decade I know my own personal style has evolved but also my skills have highly advanced.
Some photographers only enhance the image a tiny bit leaving everything as they saw it through their lens and others will do extensive editing to give a prettier version of reality and some will fall in the middle.
Editing style can also vary in making the pictures look like they were processed with film and others are very sharp and the colors nice and crisp. What may be popular and trendy now may look out of date in 5-10 years.
Realize that every photographer has their own particular style, look at their website, and make sure everything is consistent, so there are no surprises when you receive your pictures. Also, realize that photographers will be unlikely to want to change their style of editing as well.
Experience and Safety
This is a big one. Brand new babies mean you have researched safety, from sleeping methods to cribs and learn how to safely buckle them into a car seat. Choosing a newborn photographer should also require research to make sure that they have safe practices.
I am also going to say I would not discount a brand new photographer as well, we all began our career somewhere. Feel free to ask about their safety practices. They have researched them as well.
Have they taken newborn courses? Safety courses? Do they work with a spotter or assistant for more difficult poses? Do they have limitations (there are certain poses I personally refuse to even do without a spotter due to safety reasons)? Do they have a Covid safety plan (all registered businesses are required to have one and photographers were given plans from WorkSafe NB and Public Health).
Ask how many newborns they have photographed. Some photographers have more experience and some only photograph a handful.
Digitals or Products?
How do you want to see your pictures in 10-20 years from now? Do you want them on your walls or in an album? How do you want to show them to your children when they become adults? Will Facebook still be a thing? Or will it go like the VCR and cassette tapes?
Back to finding a photographer, almost all will provide digitals but ask yourself the honest question, do you ever print? Or are you like the majority of families today; very busy and never get around to printing.
If you print yourself then digitals may be the way to go but if you are busy and time is valuable it would be beneficial to ask if your photographer offers prints, canvases, or wall art. Photographers have access to professional print labs that are superior to big box store labs.
Do Not Miss This Time
The newborn stage is such a short one and it is a time your can never get back. It is also a huge regret many people have looking back. They wish they had those first pictures, pictures of themselves and their new baby. (I know I do!!). Personally, I feel newborn pictures are more important than wedding pictures. We celebrate our love and commitment with. wedding party and pictures and a baby is bigger. They are the start of a new life, they are an entirely new journey and story in your life.
The baby crib, the stroller, the fancy swing and carriers…all will be packed away someday forever or sold on the local Buy and Sell. Your newborn pictures will be the only thing left from the beginning.
Whoever you hire, hire someone, do your research and enjoy the memories.
My best friend wants to get professional pictures done of her newborn baby. You make a great point about asking about the experience of potential photographers. I’ll make sure my friend only hires an experienced photographer.