10 best questions to ask your newborn photographer

Amazing, you have decided to book a newborn photography session…Time to find your photographer! But oh, there are so many of us out there, which one is right for you? Who should you trust? What should I ask my baby photographer? Yikes, minefield! Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be. By asking your potential photographer some key questions, you will figure out exactly who is the best photographer for what you need/want!

One question that is always front of mind is, “How much will the photography session cost?” And why shouldn’t it be, pricing will form a large part of your final decision. Yet, there are so many more questions to ask that will truly ensure you hire the best newborn photographer for you. Don’t worry, we love it when people ask questions because it shows you care, it shows you are passionate about finding the right photographer for YOU.

Here are my top 10 questions every newborn parent should ask their baby photographer.

1) Are you a

registered

and insured business?

J S-Little Photography says:

Yes, I have been a registered business for 6 years and I and my business are fully insured.

2) What does your fee include and what is the timeline?

J S-Little Photography says:

Head over to my pricing guide for all my fees and expected timeline from booking to prints.

3) What is your experience with newborns and their safety?

J S-Little Photography says:

I am paediatric first aid trained, with St. John Ambulance. Additionally, I have raised three children of my own (my youngest is 3). Newborn safety is paramount and one of the main reasons I do not choose to pose newborn babies, but instead prefer to allow them to be in their own natural positions.

4) How long is the session?

J S-Little Photography says:

Usually, my newborn sessions last for 1.5- 2 hours. However, this is dictated by the needs of you and your baby. If your little one needs a feed, a change or just a moment, we allow this to happen without the pressure of time.

5) What happens if our baby is early, late or there are complications?

J S-Little Photography says:

When you book a session with me, I will add your due date to my diary. This is then altered once baby arrives safely. I only book in a certain number of newborns per month to ensure my clients have the flexibility needed for booking during a period of uncertainty.

6) What if we need to reschedule? What happens if we just aren’t ready?

J S-Little Photography says:

We talk about it and work something out together. I am a business owner, but I am also a mum of three, all of whom had wildly different births. I understand that welcoming a newborn into the world can be incredibly daunting and at the very least an unpredictable time. We will discuss your concerns and thoughts and find a solution (most of the time it’s just much needed reassurance) that works for all.

7) How do we prepare for the photoshoot?

J S-Little Photography says:

We prepare together. From the moment you make your booking, you have access to clothing guides and preparation guides to help you plan for your session. Additionally, you'll be asked to complete a pre-session questionnaire that we discuss together in a pre-session call. This helps me identify all your wants and needs and allows you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. Preparation looks different for every client, but I'm here whether it's to help you find the perfect outfit for your little preemie; helping you choose the right clothing combinations or helping to time that feed before your session begins. 

8) What happens during a newborn session?

J S-Little Photography says:

Starting a newborn session is really quite easy, because of the supported preparation we do together, before your session starts. When I arrive, I like to take a few minutes to check in with my clients; finding out how their evening went and how they all are on that day. If I am photographing older siblings, I make sure there is time, at this point, to talk to them directly (if they feel comfortable) to make sure they get a sense of who I am and build a little bit of trust. Usually, the baby is finishing a feed whilst we talk, ensuring their belly has had a little top up ready for the session.

Once everyone is ready, I like to begin with family photographs. This then typically moves onto sibling shots, either with our without a parent. After, if a sibling is involved, this is the point I usually set them free and take the time to photograph the parents and baby both together and solo. Then it’s on to the newborn portraits and capturing all the gorgeous little details, that make them just so lovely! To finish up we capture a few more family photographs. 

It must be said however, there is no set plan to a session. Although I am able to outline a typical newborn photography session, it really is dictated by you and your baby’s needs on the day.

9) What if my baby won’t settle or sleep?

J S-Little Photography says:

If your baby is settled and awake, we get the chance to photograph all those incredible early interactions. From Little fists gripped tightly around fingers to tiny legs stretched out long. From adorable baby yawns to their intense gaze  towards your familiar voice. 

If your baby is unsettled and they are in need, we answer their wants and needs. Whether that be a change, a feed or just the comfort of being in the arms of the familiar. The beauty of in-home lifestyle photography is that your baby doesn't have to be in a particular pose for us to capture the beauty of newborn life.

10) Can parents and siblings be part of the session?

J S-Little Photography says:

ABSOLUTELY! I always encourage all immediate family members to be involved in the session, because that's what makes you a family. I'm also a big fan of including your fur babies too.

So, there you have it, 10 questions to ask your potential newborn photographer. If after reading my answers you think, ‘Actually Jo, you might be my potential newborn photographer,” then why not head over to my diary to book an informal chat to discuss a possible session further. Alternatively, go grab a copy of my pricing guide here, to see if I’m a good fit.

Happy photographer hunting!