Choosing the right newborn photographer is an important decision. You are not only choosing someone to create beautiful photographs. You are also trusting that person to safely handle your brand-new baby.
With so many photographers available, it can be difficult to know what to look for or which questions to ask. To help you decide, here are five important things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer.
Before booking, consider asking:
- Has the photographer completed newborn posing and safety training?
- Will your baby be supported during more complex poses?
- Does the photographer follow your baby’s cues?
- Are the props stable and suitable for newborns?
- Is the studio kept at a comfortable temperature?.
Newborn Safety & Training
our baby’s safety should always come first.
Newborn photography involves much more than owning a camera and taking beautiful photographs. A photographer should understand how to safely position and support a newborn. They should also recognise when a baby is uncomfortable and know which poses are suitable for each baby.
I have completed newborn posing and safety training, and I continue to update my knowledge. During every session, I closely monitor your baby’s comfort and the studio temperature.
Not every baby will comfortably move into every pose. Therefore, I will never force your baby into a position simply to achieve a particular photograph
A Baby-Led Approach
Every newborn is different. Some babies love being wrapped, while others prefer having more freedom to move. Some sleep deeply, while others remain alert and curious throughout their session.
For this reason, it is important to choose a photographer who will adapt the photoshoot to suit your baby.
A baby-led newborn session allows time for feeding, cuddling, changing and settling. If your baby needs a break, we pause. If they prefer to remain wrapped, we can create more wrapped photographs. Alternatively, if they are awake but calm, we can capture their eye contact and tiny expressions.
I have photographed newborn babies on the Gold Coast since 2014. Over the years, I have learned that patience and flexibility are just as important as photography skills.
Consider the photographer’s:
- Colours and styling
- Posing style
- Use of props and outfits
- Editing and skin tones
- Family and sibling photographs
- Finished wall art and albums
A Photography Style You Love
Every newborn photographer has a different creative style. Before booking, look carefully through their portfolio and make sure you would feel happy displaying those photographs in your home.
My newborn photography style is soft, warm and timeless. Before your session, we will discuss the colours and setups you love. We can also consider your home décor and where you may want to display your photographs.
My background as a graphic designer has given me a strong understanding of colour, composition and visual storytelling. My Varsity Lakes studio also has a carefully selected collection of newborn props, wraps and outfits available for your session.
Experience and Consistency
A photographer’s portfolio should show consistent work across many different sessions. This helps you understand what you can realistically expect from your own newborn photoshoot.
Beautiful social media images are a good starting point. However, you should also look at full galleries, client reviews and the photographer’s overall experience.
Each photograph you receive should also be professionally edited and finished to a consistent standard.
I have studied photography since high school and have continued developing my skills through professional training and workshops. I also have extensive experience with professional editing software from my previous career in graphic design.
Consider whether the photographer can confidently work with:
- Awake or unsettled newborns
- Parents and siblings
- Different skin tones
- Premature or older newborn babies
- A variety of family combinations
- Safe wrapping and posing
The Complete Newborn Photography Experience
Your experience should feel organised and supportive from your first enquiry through to receiving your finished photographs.
My newborn sessions take place in my private Varsity Lakes studio on the Gold Coast. Props, wraps and newborn outfits are provided, and family and sibling photographs are included.
After your session, you will view your photographs in a cinematic slideshow and choose your favourites. I can then help you create a collection of digital images, wall art or an album that suits your family and home.
Clear information allows you to choose a photographer whose service, products and pricing suit your family.
Before booking, make sure you understand:
- What the session fee includes
- How long the session may take
- Whether family and sibling photographs are included
- Whether props and outfits are provided
- When and how you will view your photographs
- What digital images, wall art and albums are available
- The expected total investment
Choose Someone Who Makes You Feel Comfortable
Photography skills matter, but so does the way your photographer makes you feel.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your wishes will be respected. A newborn photoshoot should never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, it should be a calm and enjoyable experience for your whole family.
As a mum of two, I remember the sleepless nights and how overwhelming those early weeks can feel. I want you to feel welcome, supported and completely at ease while I care for and photograph your baby.
Choosing Your Gold Coast Newborn Photographer
When choosing a newborn photographer, look beyond the prettiest photograph on social media. Consider their safety training, experience, photography style, baby-led approach and the complete service they provide.
Most importantly, choose someone you trust with your baby and whose photographs you will still love many years from now.
If you are looking for an experienced Gold Coast newborn photographer, I would love to welcome your family into my Varsity Lakes studio. Get in touch to learn more about my newborn photography experience or reserve availability around your due date.