Finding the Right Colorado Newborn Photographer for Your Baby - Limon, CO
I absolutely love photographing newborn babies. There is something so special about seeing the love parents and grandparents have for this new little blessing in their life. A baby can only bring pure joy to those around it.
Many times, when parents call about scheduling a newborn session, the first thing they ask is: What are your prices? Trust me, I get it, pricing is important. However, there are so many other factors to consider when choosing who will handle your newborn session.
If you are considering scheduling a newborn session for your precious babe, here are some things to ask a newborn photographer before scheduling:
1. What is your experience?
Newborn photography is not as easy as it may look. It takes great patience and skill to get those babies looking so sleepy and dreamy. Look for an infant photographer who is experienced and has been trained to handle your baby safely. An experienced photographer most likely has formal training in newborn photography and should certainly have a strong portfolio. The baby should never look uncomfortable or be unsupported. Many of the poses create an illusion of the baby supporting themselves, but that should NEVER actually be the case. If you ever feel uncomfortable with how a photographer is handling your baby, please speak up.
This image is a composite done in Photoshop. Baby was never left unsupported.
2. How will you help me prepare for the session?
Infant photography is an art and your photographer should be fully involved in helping you prepare and plan for your session. Make sure your photographer is willing to meet or consult with you on the phone about how their process works and what you can do to make sure your session is successful. Also, this is a time to ask other questions, such as: Where will the session takes place? Do you have a studio or will you be coming to my home? What should I bring? Who should come with me? etc.
3. How long is the session and how many "looks" will be included?
It is important to know about how much time your newborn photographer is willing to invest in your session. Will it be an hour? Two hours? Four hours? Keep in mind, a longer session doesn’t always mean a better session. If the baby doesn't cooperate in the time frame, what happens? Obviously every baby is different, but you want a photographer who can be efficient and provide you with a variety of images in a reasonable time frame
And in that time frame, what’s included? About how many different looks will you be receiving? Does your time include family and sibling images, or just baby?
4. Styling, Props and Wardrobe
Ask your newborn photographer about what they provide during the session. Photographers who specialize in newborn photography will most likely have a generous stash of outfits, bonnets, headbands and other various props that you may choose from. It is difficult to shop for newborn items that will photograph well, and new moms have enough on their plate preparing for baby's arrival. Most of my clients do not bring anything for their baby, and simply choose from my beautiful collection of newborn props!
Everything shown here came right out of my prop collection
Make sure you know if your newborn photographer will provide you with props to choose from during your session.
5. What products are offered after the session?
Does your photographer offer digital files only, or a full service opportunity? In this day and age, many customers go straight for the digital files BUT, keep in mind that digital files are not an archival product. Digital files will undoubtedly get corrupt as they age, making prints so very important! How many of you have dusty VHS tapes in a box somewhere? Yep, me too! If interested, ask your newborn photographer if they offer printed products and if they can show you samples. Once baby arrives, your life will be filled with other tasks. Likely the last thing you want to think about is what to do with your beautiful newborn portraits. Plus, the price of those digital files is irrelevant if they simply sit in a desk drawer, waiting for corruption.
Albums of your newborn make a stunning heirloom item to be passed down for generations.
6. Turnaround time and contracts
Sometimes this detail gets overlooked. You have had your baby's portrait taken, you are SO excited to see them, and then you wait. How long you wait is to be determined by your photographer. Make sure that your photographer can meet your turnaround expectations. A photographer who is experienced and running a solid business will walk you through exactly what to expect from beginning to end, and also have a contract signed before the session. This will outline the turnaround time for your session, as well as other important details. MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR CONTRACT!
Hopefully this list will help you feel more confident when choosing the best newborn photographer for you and your growing family. The photographer you choose may become your life long photographer, and that relationship is irreplaceable! Happy Hunting!
Interested in scheduling a newborn session with me? Click here and let's chat!
Check out my Newborn Gallery to see more of my newborn work!