6 Things you should know about Newborn Photography

Having a brand new baby is one of the most magical experiences in most people's lives. It changes your entire world, everything you thought you knew about love has changed within an instant - you have your very own tiny human. Incredible yet frightening all rolled into one big ball which we call parenthood.

Once that little baby is in your hands everything becomes a bit of a blur and all of a sudden your brand new baby is a couple of months old. Where did that time go? How did my baby grow and change before my eyes?  I'm still astounded by this to be honest. The days just disappear.

The chance to have newborn portraits taken is a space of about 3 weeks. It is fleeting. It is what makes capturing this time even more important, having this newborn perfection recorded for you to enjoy for many years to come. For many people, this is the first time they are having a newborn session so I have prepared a few things for you to consider when looking for the right photographer for your little one.

1.  Timing is everything
That newborn timeframe is so short. Once your little one is 3 weeks old they become so much more aware of their surroundings, they are more alert and may break out in hormone spots. These are just a few of the reasons why most newborn photographers recommend before baby is 3 weeks old.

2.  Book before baby arrives
It sounds strange doesn't it. Booking in before your baby is here? Just like everything else you have organised for the impending arrival this will be one less thing you will need to worry about when your baby does decide to make their grand entrance into the world. Booking in advance also secures your space, most newborn photographers have a limited number of newborn sessions they can take on each month so get in early to avoid disappointment. It also means you have time to go over any ideas, colours and the style with your photographer.

3. Hire a professional
Would you be happy to hand your baby over to someone that hasn't has the adequate training on how to properly (and safely) pose a newborn? Newborn photography isn't something you can learn along the way or something you can just 'figure out'. Many of the images you see online are not always as they seem, babies are not actually supporting themselves or left hanging on a flower swing. These are skillfully placed together as composite images.  Newborn photography requires specific training and I strongly suggest an experienced newborn photographer for your precious little one.

4. Printed Products
Trust me when I say this - you are not going to have all the time in the world to be hunting out the right frames, arranging prints, designing thank you cards etc etc. Do yourself a favour and choose a photographer that can take care of these for you. Professional finished products not only look 300 times better, they last longer and it makes the whole experience so much better. You can't beat beautiful images on the wall of your own home. Something you can admire every, single day.

5. On the fence?
I have had a few clients that were on the fence about booking a session for their little one. These clients have come back to me a few months later saying they really regret not capturing their baby as a newborn and now they're several months old there is no way of turning back the clock. The only images you regret are the ones you never had taken so whatever is holding you back, whether it be time, the cost, worried that your little one could be too unsettled - talk these through with your photographer, I can almost guarantee there will be a solution for you.

6. Don't worry
So easy to say huh? Your baby might arrive late, could be early, may be unsettled. Every new parent has a million worries (I know, I get you. I have been there too). Babies arrive on their own schedule, most newborn photographers understand this and have allowed space for this. An experienced photographer can also help soothe and settle your little one through their years of working with brand new babies. They have learnt all the tricks in the book - just another reason to hire someone with experience.

If you want to chat newborn photography with me at all, please feel free to get in touch.
www.emmasteinerphotography.co.nz