Let’s set the scene. You are pregnant and your due date is quickly approaching. You are starting to get the baby’s room organized, you are debating names and have decided that you’d like have newborn photos taken, but don’t really know where to start. You search the world wide web and discover a few photographers in your area. Maybe you’ve used one for family photos in the past. They don’t have newborns listed on their website, but you always could ask. What should you look for and expect? Let’s dive in and see what you should consider when hiring a newborn photographer.
The do it yourself (DIY) method
Who doesn’t I love a good DIY. There is a time and place for that; however, your newborn portraits are not that time! Yes, take ALL the pictures and video you possibly can. However, your sweet newborn is only this small for such a short period of time. It’s a short window to capture these precious moments before they’re gone.
If you DIY or hire someone “with a camera” there’s good chance you will not end up with the images that you want. There’s so much more to taking a photo than the camera. It’s about the experience, style, technique, and passion that the photographer brings to her work. PLUS, how often do you get intimate photos WITH your baby as a mother? I promise that you won’t regret those photos later.
Newborn photography is a specialization in the industry. Newborn photographers undergo special training so that they can safely capture your newborn portraits. Please allow me to share more about why you should work with a trained and experienced newborn photographer.
Specializing in newborns
Yes, there are a lot of photographers in the area. I’ve used them for my own family photos and they are amazing, but when it comes to newborns, who is the go-to person in Chaffe/Lake county?
Consider this: There are new techniques and trends being introduced all the time with photography. Techniques that result in better, safer portraits that your family will be able to cherish forever. When hiring a newborn photographer, ask about any specialized training they have had.
I am excited to offer more baby-led sessions in the comfort of your own home. Here are some pieces of advice to consider going forward…
Building trust with your newborn photographer
1. Safety
Number one is safety. As a newborn photographer, I never force your baby to pose or put the baby in an unsafe condition. We are very much baby-led during our newborn portrait sessions. We head into the session knowing that we’ll have to adapt to what baby is okay with. Trained newborn photographers know and love this as it results in beautiful portraits. In some cases, if mom has a certain pose in mind, we will do our best to make that happen. If baby, or mom, needs a break that is okay too. Baby is in charge.
2. Experience
Again, every photographer needs to start somewhere, but you generally get one shot at newborn portraits, so this is when you need to work with an experienced photographer whose work you love. You want a newborn photographer with a portfolio of newborn images that you love and know you can trust.
3. Style
What newborn session style are you dreaming of? Is there a certain style you like? Where will you display your photos? Working with a professional photographer can help your vision come to life.
So now what?
My final piece of advice is to work with a trained newborn photographer that you like and can trust. You should feel comfortable asking any questions about the session and feel supported throughout the process. Being able to work with brand new babies is a gift that I truly treasure and never take for granted. Each newborn photography session is a special experience for me. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling a session, let’s set up a time to chat here!
Rachel Girard is a photographer based in Chaffee County, Colorado, with a focus on newborns and motherhood. She loves capturing the sweet, everyday moments that make family life so special—especially the ones that tend to pass by too quickly. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll likely find her out and about with her own family, enjoying the beauty of Buena Vista and the surrounding mountains.
If you are interested in a session, or having a conversation, get in touch. I'd love to talk to you!
