Rewarding and Creative

Being a newborn photographer is such a rewarding and creative profession – I seriously have to pinch myself each and every day that I earn a living doing a job that I love!

If you are curious about what it’s like to be a baby photographer then here’s an overview for you:

Passion for Babies: As a newborn photographer, you probably have a genuine love and passion for babies. Newborn babies require special care and attention, and you’ll be responsible for ensuring their safety and comfort during the photo shoot.

Patience and Flexibility: Newborns can be unpredictable, and their mood, sleep patterns, and feeding routines can vary greatly. You need to be patient and adaptable, ready to work around their needs and create a calm and soothing environment for both the baby and their parents. It’s not unusual for most of a newborn session to be about feeding and soothing baby rather than taking pictures. For this reason, adequate planning and preparation before the shoot is crucial.

Technical Skills: A newborn photographer must have a solid understanding of photography techniques, lighting, composition, and posing. You’ll need to know how to use professional cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment to capture beautiful and high-quality images. Training how to take beautiful baby photos is a must as you will have one chance to get it right. 

Safety is a Priority

Safety Measures: Safety is paramount as a newborn photographer. You’ll need to learn proper posing techniques and understand how to support the baby’s head, neck, and body safely. It’s essential to stay up to date with safe practices and follow industry guidelines to avoid any potential risks. Training with experts in the field of baby photography is recommended.

Interpersonal Skills: Building a good rapport with parents is crucial. You’ll need to communicate effectively, understand their expectations, and provide guidance throughout the photo shoot. Being empathetic and patient with anxious or exhausted parents is vital to create a positive experience for everyone involved.

Attention to Detail: Capturing the tiny details of a newborn, like their tiny fingers, eyelashes, and delicate features, requires a keen eye for detail. You’ll need to pay close attention to every aspect of the image, including lighting, composition, props, and posing, to create visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing photographs.

Don’t Forget the Business

Business Skills: Many newborn photographers operate their own businesses, which requires additional skills beyond photography. Marketing, client management, bookkeeping, and administrative tasks are all part of running a successful photography business.

Post-Processing: After the photo shoot, you’ll spend time editing and retouching the images to enhance their quality. This may involve adjusting colors, removing blemishes, and creating a consistent look and feel across the images. Proficiency in photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, is essential.

Being a newborn photographer is a unique role requiring a blend of artistic creativity, technical skill, and working closely with families during an intimate and special time in their lives. It can be incredibly fulfilling to capture precious moments and create lasting memories for families to cherish.

The Best Bits

The best bits of being a newborn photographer are often the moments that make the job truly rewarding. Here are some of the highlights:

Capturing Precious Memories: As a newborn photographer, you have the privilege of documenting some of the most beautiful and fleeting moments in a family’s life. You get to capture the innocence, tenderness, and pure joy that comes with welcoming a new baby into the world. Knowing that your photographs will become cherished keepsakes for the family is incredibly fulfilling.

Creating Artistic Images: Newborn photography allows you to express your creativity and artistic vision. You have the opportunity to craft unique and visually stunning images by incorporating different poses, props, colors, and backgrounds. Each session is an opportunity to create beautiful compositions and capture the baby’s individuality in a creative and artistic way.

Connection

Building Connections: Working closely with families during such a special time allows you to build connections and form relationships. You get to share in their joy and excitement, and often become a trusted professional they turn to for future photography needs. Creating a positive experience and providing exceptional service can lead to long-lasting relationships with clients.

Witnessing Milestones: Newborns grow and change so quickly. As a newborn photographer, you have the privilege of witnessing and documenting their first moments, such as their first smile, their tiny fingers and toes, and their unique expressions. It’s a joy to capture these milestones and freeze those fleeting moments in time.

Making Parents Happy: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a newborn photographer is seeing the happiness and gratitude of the parents when they see the final images. Your work can bring tears of joy, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories for families. Being able to provide them with photographs that capture the beauty and essence of their newborn is incredibly fulfilling.

Learn, Learn, Learn!

Continued Learning and Growth: Photography is an art form that allows for continuous learning and growth. As a newborn photographer, you have the opportunity to refine your skills, explore new techniques, and stay up to date with the latest trends and styles in the industry. This constant learning keeps the job dynamic and exciting.

The ability to create art, capture precious memories, build connections, and bring happiness to families is what makes the job truly special.

How do you Choose the right Newborn Photographer for You?

Choosing a newborn photographer is an important decision as you want someone who can capture beautiful and timeless images of your precious little one. Here are some steps to help you choose a newborn photographer:

1. Start Early: It’s best to begin your search for a newborn photographer well in advance of your due date. Newborn photography sessions are typically done within the first two weeks after birth, so you want to have a photographer lined up before your baby arrives.

2. Research and Gather Recommendations: Start by researching photographers in your area who specialise in newborn photography. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or parenting groups. Look for photographers who have a portfolio that matches the style you prefer.

3. Review Portfolios: Visit the websites and social media pages of the photographers you are considering. Take a close look at their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision. Look for consistency in their work, attention to detail, and the ability to capture the newborn’s innocence and beauty.

4. Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their experiences with the photographer. You can find reviews on the photographer’s website, social media platforms, or other online review platforms.

5. Meet or Talk to the Photographer: Once you have narrowed down your choices, reach out to the photographers to schedule a consultation or a phone call. This is an opportunity to discuss your vision, ask questions about their process, and get a sense of their personality and professionalism. It’s important to feel comfortable with the photographer, as they will be handling your newborn.

6. Inquire about Safety and Experience: Newborn photography requires specialised skills and knowledge to ensure the safety and comfort of the baby. Ask the photographer about their experience working with newborns, their safety protocols, and how they handle potential challenges that may arise during the session.

7. Pricing and Packages: Discuss the photographer’s pricing structure and packages. Inquire about what is included in the packages, such as the number of photos, retouching, prints, and digital files. Make sure the pricing fits within your budget and that you understand the terms and conditions.

8. Evaluate Professionalism: Pay attention to the photographer’s professionalism and communication skills. A reliable and professional photographer should be responsive to your inquiries, provide clear information, and be willing to address any concerns you may have.

9. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a photographer with whom you feel the most comfortable. You should have confidence in their abilities and trust that they will deliver beautiful images of your newborn.

10. Book in Advance: Once you have made your decision, secure your preferred photographer by booking their services in advance. As newborn photographers often have limited availability, it’s essential to secure your spot on their schedule.

By following these steps, you can find a newborn photographer who meets your expectations and captures precious moments of your baby’s early days.

Get In touch To Book

If you would like to view more of my work then visit my website or contact me by email me at info@summerjphotography.co.uk