Eeek!! You’re pregnant! While you’re busy trying to find the perfect crib and learn about the hot new baby items, you also should be doing some research on who you want as your newborn photographer! Custom photography is a big financial and time commitment, so I’ve put together a list of 5 things you should know before booking your newborn photographer.

What is the photographer’s style?

When you think of your ideal newborn pictures, are they in a studio with your baby perfectly swaddled on a cloud or with their chin resting on their hands? If this is what you’re looking for, you should be looking for a photographer that does posed newborn sessions. Or do you envision more organic photos of you with your family enjoying your newborn in the comfort of your own home? If so, you should be looking for a lifestyle newborn photographer. It is important that you hire a photographer that produces the type of images you would like, since every photographer has a different style. Be sure to check out examples of their newborn photographs on their website and social channels. This should give you a pretty good idea of whether the photographer shoots posed or lifestyle newborn sessions. At Nikki Caviness Photography, I photograph lifestyle sessions as I have a passion for capturing the genuine interactions between family members during those early weeks of having a newborn at home.

Where will the session take place?

Most posed newborn photography sessions will happen in your photographer’s studio. Lifestyle newborn sessions happen in your home. During a lifestyle session, your photographer will seek out the rooms with the best natural light and will guide you into those areas to interact with your family. I love shooting in-home because that is where life happens! Your home is where you bring your baby home to, where you celebrate birthdays and holidays, and where life happens. It is also where you (and your kids!) are most comfortable.

When does the newborn shoot happen?

Newborn sessions are scheduled during the early weeks of a baby’s life. This varies by photographer as to when they prefer to photograph them. Babies younger than 2 weeks will still be very sleepy. I like to photograph my newborn sessions between 2 and 5 weeks so they are still little but are a bit more aware of the world so I can get both some sleepy and awake photos. I love seeing a newborn baby’s eyes!

What is included in pricing?

Not all pricing is created equal, especially when it comes to photography. It is important to have an understanding of the photographer’s pricing structure before booking. Some photographers only charge a sitting fee and then have you purchase digital images. Some photographers do in-person sales where your gallery is presented to you and you choose what printed products you’d like to purchase. Some photographers include session and digital images with one set fee. Please don’t let price be the deciding factor. The saying goes, you get what you pay for. Your photographer spends more time on your photos than just shooting your session. There is session preparation, shooting, uploading, culling, editing, creating your gallery, not to mention education, software, equipment, taxes, and all the other things that go into running a photography business. I offer all-inclusive pricing which means your session fee, approximately 70+ professionally edited images, and print release are all included in a single fee. I also offer access to professionally printed, high quality prints for you to order.

When you should you book your session?

Book early! Photographers book out months in advance so reach out to schedule your ideal newborn photographer a few months before your due date to make sure you get on their calendar. I only offer a handful of newborn sessions each month, so once they’re booked, they’re gone!

Would you like more information on my lifestyle newborn sessions? I’d love to chat with you! Send me a message – I can’t wait to tell you all about it!