~ How to Choose Your Newborn Photographer
When expecting a new baby, you will have so many important choices to make, which can feel overwhelming. One of your biggest decisions will be choosing your newborn photographer, after all, you want to find one who will capture and treasure the details of your precious baby forever.
With so many people offering photography sessions these days, how will you choose a skilled photographer that you love and know is right for you? Read on to find out how to choose the best newborn photographer…
Posed newborn photography is all about making the photos of your baby unique to you. Using props and backdrops, posed newborn photography brings focus to your beautiful baby and brings character and colour which traditional photography lacks.
In my Airlie Beach- Shute Harbour studio I have a huge assortment of headbands, hats, scarves and wraps that we can choose from to give an individual look to your baby’s images.
Digital backdrops reflect the latest trend in photography and allow for far more stylised and personal backgrounds and placements for baby. Unlike most photographers, I create all of my own backdrops from scratch with each one a labour of love.
When you book with me, my packages allow you to select from an assortment of digital backdrops to include in your photography session. As both a photographer and designer, I am in the unique position of being able to photograph your baby in the right positions and lighting to match to the backdrops, ensuring a seamless image.
I have always found it best to take photos of baby in my home studio for the following reasons:
- The studio is set up to take advantage of a dedicated open space with the best lighting.
- If you love posed newborn photography with a choice of props then a studio is best.
- Some parents who are adjusting their lives to the new addition in their family feel more comfortable leaving their homes for a clean professional studio.
My studio is my pride and joy and I love showing it off. Watch the video to the left to see why.
I do offer a home service, especially when I need to visit new parents interstate. Travelling interstate does come with an additional cost and you can contact me to find out more details about this service.
Newborn photography is a very specialised field, which not only requires excellent photography skills including lighting and composition but also a connection between the photographer and the baby.
Having raised two beautiful girls myself, I have developed a deep understanding of how to cradle, soothe and settle even the fussiest of babies to achieve a perfect session every-time.
How important is it to choose a professional and skilled photographer?
Like any profession, it takes time for a photographer to develop their skills, and stand out from the crowd. A seasoned and experienced newborn photographer is able to guarantee consistency and excellence and this will be apparent in their final images.
I have been working as a photographer for 11 years now and not only do photography, I also teach to an international audience conducting workshops as far afield as England, Israel and the USA.
I have had so many clients wanting to incorporate an heirloom or idea that’s special to them in their baby’s photos, such as their favourite football colours, a family pet; I even had one mum who loved astronomy and, inspired by the roman god of Jupiter, named their daughter Jovena. As a special surprise I created a Jovian themed digital backdrop entirely from scratch and when mum saw the final image she was over the moon.
Fine art photography is about weaving into the images an idea that gives and conveys character. This can be through expressing an emotion, a theme or incorporating a family heirloom. Some photographers are not keen to tailor their photos to their client’s ideas, whereas I absolutely encourage the parents to share what it is they want to get from their photos.
I love it each time I hear back from them how Ive truly captured what’s special for new parents which makes working as a newborn photographer so rewarding.
Why choose posed newborn photography?
Posed newborn photography is all about making the photos of your baby unique to you. Using props and backdrops, posed newborn photography brings focus to your beautiful baby and brings character and colour which traditional photography lacks.
In my Airlie Beach ~ Shute Harbour studio I have a huge assortment of headbands, hats, scarves and wraps that we can choose from to give an individual look to your baby’s images.
Digital backdrops reflect the latest trend in photography and allow for far more stylised and personal backgrounds and placements for baby. Unlike most photographers, I create all of my own backdrops from scratch with each one a labour of love.
When you book with me, my packages allow you to select from an assortment of digital backdrops to include in your photography session. As both a photographer and designer, I am in the unique position of being able to photograph your baby in the right positions and lighting to match to the backdrops, ensuring a seamless image.
Lets face it, all babies are cute and when you’re choosing a photographer and looking through their galleries, it can be difficult to see past the sweet baby and judge a photographers skill. Here are my own tips on what to look for in a photographers work:
- Are the images sharp and in focus? Too much blur and overuse of ‘feathering’ suggests the photographer is trying to correct for poor focus with a cheap Instagram effect.
- During retouching has the photographer edited out any blemishes or acne from the skin? I pride myself on attention to detail and am a perfectionist with both my photography and retouching skills ensuring baby’s skin looks beautiful.
- Are the images set to the correct exposure ie. Not too light or too dark? Inexperience photographers can deliver photos that are overburnt or have deep shadows which can’t be edited out, losing baby’s details. I personally like to work with ambient natural light in newborn sessions.
Before you choose your photographer you should gain an understanding of their style and see if they are right for you. When I am booking with a client I always ask them to look through my website and photo galleries so they can get a feel for my own style, which is artistic and floral, bringing colours and details into the whole session.
How important is it that your photographer understands the safety needs of your baby?
In any session, your baby’s safety comes first and foremost and should be something that is part of the session and not as an afterthought. When I am taking photos I always ensure the following:
- When picking up and moving baby, I make sure their head and neck is supported at all times.
- I always wear the camera strap around my neck
- I never put the shot before safety and do not use any unsafe props.
- I do not leave baby unattended.
- I care for and treat your baby as if it was my own.
A newborn photography session is an investment and with this comes the trust you are placing in me as your photographer. For your peace of mind, my photography business is registered and I am fully insured.
Unless you have booked a Bump to Baby package I recommend booking your newborn photography session 12 weeks into pregnancy. If however you want to book closer than this I do occasionally have openings for last minute sessions. Please contact me for availability.
Aim to book your session for when baby is 3 – 14 days old. This gives you time after birth to recover and welcome baby to their new home. At this age babies are generally very sleepy, which is perfect for posing for newborn photos. Do not worry if baby is a little late or early, they will come in their own time and in these circumstances, I am able to adjust my schedule accordingly. If you are having a scheduled c-section or induction then we can set a firm date around this.
Unlike some ‘churn and burn’ photographers who try to cram as many photography sessions in as possible, I aim to only do two to three sessions a week at the most. This gives me time to focus on both taking the photos without any distractions or pressure. I do all my own photo editing and can honestly say I am one of the best in the field, teaching retouching skills to many aspiring photographers.
For me, newborn photography is first and foremost a passion. I love babies, and being able to take and edit photos of them is a dream job! What sets me apart from other photographers is my attention to detail… I’m a perfectionist and invest 100% in creating beautiful images that I would be proud to display in my own studio as much as gifting them to my clients.
“You have given me some of the most beautiful pictures I will ever have of my kids and can’t thank you enough.”
– Teagan S
When you book with me I will ask you if you have any favourite colours, heirlooms or other personalisations that you would like to feature in your images.
I will also ask you to look through my galleries and let me know what style of images you would like as part of your session.
Each package comes with a choice of digital backdrops and I will ask you to either preselect them, or I can choose for you.
The primary focus for your newborn photography session is about getting the right mood, settings and poses for baby so we can get the best photos.
A typical session will last 1.5 – 3 hours and will start with me greeting and welcoming you into my studio, having a chat and sitting you down in a comfortable chair where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the session.
I will make sure baby is settled with a cuddle and some soothing ambient sounds. I ensure that my studio is warm so baby is comfortable when bare skinned.
I always set up my props and backgrounds in advance so when I begin taking photos, everything I need is to-hand and I can get into my natural work flow.
During the session we will have breaks for feeding and cuddling, and for anything else that you, or baby, require.
Once all the photos have been taken and our session has finished, I will ensure your photos are backed up and saved from the camera onto my computer ready for post-production retouching. I usually aim to send an initial gallery of images within seven days for you to choose the final selection from, depending on your package.
Once you have gotten back to me with your final selection, I will edit your photos and within 7 – 14 days they will be ready for collection.
Many parents have asked me what they should bring to their photography session so here is a list of essentials that I recommend:
- Your changing bag containing the usual items such as: nappies, baby wipes, bib and/or a Terry Cloth.
- A dummy. I strongly recommend bringing this, even if you don’t normally use a pacifier, bringing some soothing aide can make all the difference between an easy session and a difficult one.
I do suggest only bringing direct family (mum, dad and siblings) who will be participating in the session as I prefer to keep the setting intimate.
Simply sit back and enjoy the view. Yes, this is an actual view from my studio balcony…
Unlike other photographers, my packages include both the session and your images, which means no hard sales tactics. You only have to choose which images you want from a pre-selection gallery.
All of my packages include a set number of prints and a stylish USB. Prints are are done on premium photographic paper using a specialised printer. The quality of these images transcends any of the print options you could get from Officeworks, Big W, Kmart etc.
Your USB contains all of the images, with no watermarks, and are in high resolution, so that you can share images with friends and family wherever they are.
When you choose the Pure, Shine or Glow package, you will receive an incredibly beautiful glass gift box lined with metallic rose gold, with matching USB. It makes a perfect decoration in its own right that you and your family will want to open and see your baby’s photos.
- Prints glass gift box and USB also available in the colour brass
I also a selection of wall art and canvas prints so that you can proudly display your newborn baby’s images in your house. For your convenience I have a canvas sizing guide to help you find the perfect print size for you.
Mum’s of Whitsunday, are you ready to make your booking? The first step is to contact for availability ~
To ask a question or book any of my services, please call or text me on:
0432127955 or use the contact form.
Whitsunday ~ Airlie Beach ~ Shute Harbour
