There are many different options in the central Florida area for newborn and maternity photographers. So, how do you know which one to choose? I have some questions you should be asking a newborn photographer when you are thinking about booking with them. I'll also give you MY answers to those questions. If, by the end of this post, you think we are the right fit for each other, I would love to hear from you to set up your perfect newborn and/or bump to baby photography experience!
Q: What is the photographer's editing style?
Why ask this question? First of all when looking around for photographers, you are drawn to them for a reason. It is likely the look of the photos catching your eye. Not only should the photographer be able to consistently pose babies, they should also be able to consistently edit the photos. A professional photographer should have an editing style including the colors and lighting that attract you and they should be able to explain that style to you.
My answer: I love to keep things classic and true to color! This way you know that years down the road you can look at your photos and remember exactly how your sweet baby looked and you know those photos will never go out of style. I also love to add a bold touch with deep shadows and strong highlights to really draw in the eye and capture the attention of visitors when you have that gorgeous framed print or canvas hung on the walls of your home. While I do smooth out baby's skin by removing any unwanted blemishes, like baby acne or scratches, I also keep the texture of the skin so that we keep baby looking real and human.
Q: How much experience does the photographer have with newborn photography?
Why ask this question? Not only how long a newborn photographer has been in business, but the time spent perfecting, specifically, newborn photography is very important. You want to find someone with experience dealing with all sorts of newborns. They should have experience in handling babies with physical differences, racial differences and even babies with different family dynamics. A photographer with many different experiences will know just how to handle your unique family and situation to give you the best results every time.
My answer: While I have been in the photography business for over 12 years, I have been photographing newborns for seven+ years. In that time, I have taken newborn photography specific courses to perfect not only my skill, but how to handle newborns safely. I have worked with many different scenarios including twins, triplets, newborns with very young and much older siblings, babies with club feet (both before and after casting), premie babies and NICU babies. I have photographed babies with different skin tones and know how to adjust my camera settings and editing to keep things looking natural to that specific baby.
Q: What sort of safety procedures does the photographer have in place during the session?
Why ask this question? Your new baby is precious, delicate and so loved! You want the best for your sweet baby and need to make sure that the newborn photographer you choose has the knowledge to safely handle your baby.
My answer: First, I am always sure to keep things that baby touches clean. The changing table and each prop is wiped with sanitizer wipes and every wrap, outfit and blanket used is laundered after each session. I have also taken classes on newborn photography safety. I am always sure to keep baby's airway open and never to do poses that are uncomfortable for baby by reading their cues.
Q: How does the photographer schedule the newborn session?
Why ask this question? It is usually not known when baby will be born, so a photographer should be flexible in scheduling a newborn session. Many photographers may handle scheduling different so be sure to ask their protocol.
My answer: Your due date reserves your spot in my calendar. Once baby is born and you are settled in at home, get in touch with me to schedule their actual newborn session. We like to get baby in for between 5-21 days old, ideally, as long as mom and baby's health allows. As for time, I like to schedule sessions for weekdays between 9:30-10:30am. Mornings seem to work best for baby as they are likely less stimulated and in an all around better mood during this time. Please be prepared to take siblings out of school, if needed, and/or taking at least part of the day off for working parents. If a weekend is absolutely necessary, I can sometimes accommodate upon request.
Q: What is included in the photographer's packages?
Why ask this question? Photographers all have different kinds of packages. Some offer digital images only and it is included in the price. Some will offer digitals separately for an additional cost. Are there prints included in the photographer's packages? Are they sold separately? Or do they even offer prints and artwork?
My answer: All of my packages include a certain number of digital high-resolution images in an online gallery with downloads and printing rights. Also included is a set of fine art matted prints inside of a wooden keepsake print box. The number of digital images and prints depends on the package purchased. You do not to decide on the package until your ordering appointment. You also have the option to purchase artwork including gallery wrap canvases and signature photo books. All prints and artwork are ordered from my partner printing lab, only available to professional photographers, so that you know it is of the best, highest quality.
Q: How long does a newborn session with the photographer typically last?
Why ask this question? You want to be prepared for how long the session is going to take. This will help you in planning what you need to bring with you (how much milk to bring, how many diapers to plan for, what to bring to entertain siblings or yourself, etc.). Some photographers will give you a set amount of time and photos need to be finished within that timeframe. Others will take as much time as is needed to get the photos they would like.
My answer: A typical newborn session with me lasts anywhere from 1.5-3+ hours. I do not set a specific time slot as we never know how baby will be that day. Some babies need more time to fall asleep, while some will sleep through the entire session from the time they walk (are carried) in the door. Some need more feeding breaks, while others will eat once and be full and happy the rest of the session. We just never know, so I do not like to put a time limit on our session. There is a time, however, when we do just need to call the session. If a baby is unable to be consoled and posed within a reasonable timeframe, we may end up rescheduling. I want to make sure that we get the photos we want, even if that means trying again another day.
Q: How long will it take to receive my final images?
Why ask this question? I am sure you want to know about when to expect your images from your photographer. This way you can be on the lookout for your gallery email to be sure not to miss it. Maybe you have an event that you would like to print some of the images for. You will want to know that you will have them in time. Plus, finally getting your images is so much fun!
My answer: From the time of your session to receiving your final images should be about 2-4 weeks, depending on my schedule and the amount of images chosen for your gallery. The first step is to see your unedited images at your ordering appointment within one week of the session. These will be all of the great images that were taken at your session. I will choose the best photos from each pose that we do during the session and edit 1-2 to show you as an example of a fully edited image. You will then go through and choose and purchase your final images to keep. After this, I will edit your photos within 1-3 weeks and send you your gallery link with your custom PIN and instructions to download. I know this can seem like a lot of time to wait for your photos, but rest assured it is only because I want your photos to look perfect. The editing process, especially for newborns, is much more time consuming than one might think. It typically takes me anywhere from 10-30 minutes to edit just one photo, depending on the amount of editing that needs to take place (i.e. if baby has severely rough skin and blemishes).
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