Finding a newborn photographer can be overwhelming. If you’ve been looking for a while, it can all start to look the same, right? Here are 6 Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer before hiring one to ensure that they are professional and the right fit for you.
6 Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer
What safety precautions do you take when handling newborns? Are you newborn safety certified?
Newborn safety is my top priority as a Northern Virginia newborn photographer. As both a mother and an experienced photographer with over 100 newborn sessions, I understand how to handle your baby with the utmost care and professionalism. I am highly comfortable working with newborns, ensuring they are always supported, closely monitored, and never left unattended. Their airway remains clear at all times, and I never force a baby into a pose they don’t naturally settle into.
You may come across newborn photographers displaying “safety certified” logos on their websites. While this can be reassuring, it’s important to note that there is no official, standardized newborn photography safety certification—unlike regulated professions such as nursing. Typically, these certifications come from classes taught by experienced photographers who share best practices. I have also invested in this type of mentoring to enhance my skills and knowledge. While these courses can be valuable, “safety certified” is more of a marketing term than an official qualification. What truly matters is hands-on experience, a deep understanding of newborn care, and a commitment to handling your baby with the highest level of safety and respect.
Where and when do newborn sessions take place, and what should I expect?
I offer both studio and in-home lifestyle sessions. You can see more about the difference between those types of sessions in this post. Studio sessions take place in my home studio in Alexandria, VA. Lifestyle sessions take place in the comfort of your own home.
I recommend babies be photographed within the first 2-3 weeks of birth. They are sleepier and more poseable the earlier we get then in. That being said, I know life happens and sometimes you’re just not ready to get out and be photo ready that early. I have worked with newborns as old as 8 weeks for studio sessions with the same success. They are just not quite as tiny. Lifestyle sessions offer more flexibility with timing, as the focus is on a relaxed setting and not props and poses.
For a studio session, you can expect the session to last anywhere from two to four hours. I know that sounds like a really long time, but most of that time is spent soothing and feeding the baby and setting up props. The timing of the session just depends on how well your baby sleeps. Lifestyle sessions typically last 90 minutes, but I will never rush a session either and will always take my time to get the shots I need.
How do you handle fussy or unsettled babies during a session? What if our baby doesn’t sleep?
All babies fuss and cry. It’s normal and while it can feel overwhelming when you want them to be sleeping, it is usually short lived. I have a lot of experience handling babies and quite a few tricks up my sleeve to keep them happy. First, the studio is kept very warm so undressing baby is comfortable. The heat also keeps them sleepier. Second, babies are wrapped tight in a wrap right away. This usually put them right to sleep because it’s just like being back in the womb. Third, I highly recommend bringing a pacifier for soothing. It can make or break some sessions for extra fussy babies. I have Avent Soothie pacifiers available at the studio.
What is your editing style, and how long does it take to receive our images?
My editing style is what I’d describe as true-to-life colors, colorful, crisp details, but creamy backgrounds that keep the focus on your little one.
I always provide a sneak peek within a few days of your session. Full galleries take three to four weeks to deliver – newborn photos take a little extra time and retouching in Photoshop and I want them to be just so, but I promise they’re worth the wait!
Do you provide outfits, wraps, and props, or should we bring our own?
I have an extensive collection of newborn props from bonnets, hats, headbands, wraps in all colors, and fun wooden props like buckets or miniature beds to pose your baby in. You do not need to bring anything except the baby, a way to feed her, and yourselves. If you have something sentimental you want photographed like a special blanket, outfit, or toy, feel free to bring those items. Note that many outfits even marked as newborn do not fit newborns well. I have many outfit options here that are truly newborn size and photograph beautifully.
Can we include family and sibling photos in the session?
Yes, please! All full newborn sessions include parent and sibling images. If you have a grandparent or someone else coming to help you, they are welcome to get in some photos too. Grandparent images are some of my favorites! We will do any parent/sibling photos first thing with the baby wrapped so that you can sit back and relax for the rest of the session that focuses on just the baby.
I hope this article about questions to ask your newborn photographer has been helpful!
Northern Virginia Newborn Photography Studio
Are you looking for a newborn photographer in Washington D.C. or Northern Virginia? I’d be honored to document your baby’s first days. Please reach out for more details and to book a session.
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