Questions to ask your Newborn Photographer - Leesville Fort Polk Newborn Photographer
Before having a baby there are a lot of things you do, and a lot of concerns you have. No one is more paranoid than expectant mothers and brand new parents. Often times when you find out you are expecting, you start searching for your OBGYN, and begin making a list of pediatricians to interview (provided you aren't under a program such as tricare prime where the doctor is assigned to you). You will look for the best ultrasound technician to provide you with the gender of your baby, and look for the best and safest products on the market for your baby. You will never use google search more in your life than as a pregnant and new mother. You will never read more reviews or ask more questions than when searching for something for your brand new baby.
And then you decide to look for a newborn photographer.
Often times price is the biggest factor. Why? Many different reasons, many feel they should be on a budget for this type of luxury.
But if you're looking at prices only... you could be missing out on a big, big part of choosing your newborn photographer. Safety. Experience.
So, let's talk about that. What SHOULD you look for in a newborn photographer??
Below I, along with two fellow newborn photographers, have compiled a list of what you might ask your potential newborn photographers.
Do you have insurance?
How long have you been working with newborns?
What kind of training qualifies you to handle newborns?
How long will my session be?
Can I and my other children be included in the session?
Do you have your own props?
How many newborns have you handled?
Do you have any references I can talk to about their experience with you and their newborn session?
Are you a hobbiest or do you own and operate a legal business?
Do you have a contract for me to review and sign?
For my answers to these questions, see below. Photographers, have something you want to add to this list of questions? Comment below!
Do you have insurance?
Yes of course! Liability and equipment insurance is super important to me.
How long have you been working with newborns?
I have been photographing newborns solo since January of 2013.
What kind of training qualifies you to handle newborns?
Prior to photographing newborns, I worked mainly with families and children. I have worked with other photographers both as an assistant and as a second shooter for newborn photography. I have taken a 1 on 1 mentorship, attended 3 newborn workshops, am educated in newborn safety and posing. And, I love babies.
How long will my session be?
Sessions will be between 1 1/2 to 4 hours. Be wary of any newborn photographer who says an hour or less, they likely don't know what they're talking about. 1 1/2 hour was my very shortest session ever, baby slept the entire time. My longest session ever was 5 hours when I was just starting out. If we get to the hour and a half point and we have no poses or photographs, please take your baby home and we will try again in 2-4 days. Some days baby has a cranky day or growth spurt.
Can I and my other children be included in the session?
Absolutely. The connection between siblings is priceless. I would never try to say no to capturing that. If you do bring your child or children to your newborn session, please bring an extra set of parental or grandparent hands to take care of the child when he or she is not being photographed. The studio is awfully hot, but they are welcome to stay and play in my home supervised. My babysitter for my own children is not responsible for your baby's siblings <3 <3
Do you have your own props?
Yes I do!
How many newborns have you handled?
I have 41 galleries uploaded that I counted. So 41 newborns since June of 2013, and another handful prior to that for me, plus the babies i handled as an assistant.
Do you have any references I can talk to about their experience with you and their newborn session?
Yes! Please contact me for references - I'm sure a few of my clients would be more than happy to speak with you.
Are you a hobbiest or do you own and operate a legal business?
I am a very proud business owner - you can see my business and tax licenses hanging in my studio upon arrival for your newborn session if you like.
Do you have a contract for me to review and sign?
