Choosing a Newborn Photographer

Newborn photography has become incredibly popular over the last few years. Ask for a recommendation on Facebook and you'll probably be given dozens of names.

The trouble is, whilst that's great for giving parents lots of choice, it also means there are a huge number of people offering newborn photography with very different levels of experience, training and knowledge.

As someone who has specialised in newborn photography for many years, this genuinely worries me.

Your newborn is tiny, delicate and precious. Photographing them safely takes far more than owning a nice camera or buying a few baskets and blankets. It requires specialist training, experience and an understanding of how babies move, breathe and respond when they're being posed.

So how do you know who to trust?

Safety should always come first

This is, without question, the most important thing.

No photograph is ever worth putting a baby at risk.

Many of the beautiful newborn photographs you see online aren't actually taken in one shot. They're created by combining two or more images together afterwards in Photoshop. These are called composite images and they're used whenever a pose can't be achieved safely in a single photograph.

The popular "head in hands" pose is one example. Babies should never support the weight of their own head. The final image is created by photographing the baby while they're fully supported before merging the photographs together afterwards.

The same applies to babies in hammocks or appearing to balance on props. They're never actually suspended or left unsupported.

If your baby is being photographed in a bucket, basket or other prop, there should always be someone within arm's reach acting as a spotter.

Look at their portfolio

Every photographer has their own style.

Some photographs are bright and airy, others are darker and moodier. Some photographers love lots of props, whilst others prefer a more natural, timeless look.

Choose someone whose work makes you smile every time you look at it.

These photographs will still be hanging on your wall in twenty years' time, so make sure you love the style.

Are the photographs consistently good?

Don't just look at one or two standout images.

Can they produce beautiful photographs time after time?

Are the babies well lit? Are they posed naturally? Are the images sharp and well edited?

Consistency is one of the biggest signs of an experienced photographer.

Is the photographer insured?

This is something many parents don't think to ask, but it's incredibly important.

A professional newborn photographer should have public liability insurance as well as insurance for their equipment.

If they don't, I'd be asking why.

Look carefully at the posing

A baby should always look comfortable.

Their head should be well supported, their limbs shouldn't look strained and they should never appear balanced on the edge of a prop.

Small details matter.For example, in the popular "bum up" pose, the baby's hand should support their cheek, their chin should gently touch their shoulder and their back foot should cross over the front one. Not only does this look better, it also helps prevent the baby pushing themselves forwards if they startle.

These aren't random posing choices—they're all about keeping your baby safe and comfortable.

In the above pose, the baby is supported under her chest and arms. This helps to keep her stable and supported.

Training matters

This is the one I feel most passionate about.

There are so many people offering newborn photography after watching a few YouTube videos or attending a short workshop.

Newborn photography isn't something that should be learned by practising on real babies.

Professional training teaches safe posing, newborn physiology, how to recognise when a baby is uncomfortable and, most importantly, when not to attempt a pose at all.

Never be afraid to ask a photographer where they've trained.

A professional will never be offended by the question.

Qualifications

Qualifications aren't essential, but they do show a commitment to maintaining professional standards.

I'm proud to hold a qualification in newborn photography with The Guild of Photographers, and I'm currently the only photographer in the Vale of Glamorgan to hold that qualification.

For me, learning never stops. I regularly invest in further training because safety and quality are things I never want to compromise on.

Price

Everyone loves a bargain.

But newborn photography is one area where cheaper isn't always better.

You're not simply paying for someone to press a button on a camera.

You're paying for years of experience, specialist training, professional equipment, insurance, editing, patience and, most importantly, the confidence that your baby is in safe hands.

If someone is charging a fraction of what everyone else charges, it's worth asking yourself why.

In the end...

These photographs will become part of your family's history.

Years from now, you won't remember how much they cost, but you'll treasure them every time you walk past them.

Choose someone whose work you love, whose experience you trust and who puts your baby's safety before getting the perfect photograph.

Because that's exactly how it should be.

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