First 3 questions to ask your newborn photographer
You only get one chance to capture your baby’s newborn stage—it’s such a fleeting, magical time that passes in the blink of an eye. That’s why choosing the right photographer is so important! To make sure your session is everything you hope for (and more), it starts with finding someone who truly understands how to work with newborns. As a newborn photographer who has been serving Winston-Salem, Greensboro and all the surrounding areas, I’m excited to share a few helpful tips and key questions to ask when choosing the perfect photographer for your growing family.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS?
As a parent stepping into the world of newborn photography, there are a few important things you might not know. There are specific safety measures that must be followed for baby’s safety and comfort. Because there is no formal licenses or certifications required to call oneself a newborn photographer, that means, anyone can offer newborn photography services, whether or not they’ve had the proper training to handle your baby safely.
That’s why asking the right questions is so important.
A professional newborn photographer should understand how to pose your baby safely, always keeping their head and neck supported and ensuring their airway remains open at all times. Hands and feet circulation is another thing to watch for while swaddling. I’ve undergone extensive hands-on training in newborn safety techniques, with both in-person and online educations, and I’m also CPR certified. As a mom to 3 boys myself, I bring not just technical skills but a deep personal understanding of how to care for little ones.
Not every photographer can say the same, so I encourage all parents to ask about safety training before booking. Any photographer who works with newborns should be happy to answer.
What does your newborn session workflow look like? What types of poses can we expect?
Your photographer should absolutely be able to discuss the workflow and poses they typically use. But keep in mind that, an experienced newborn photographer will never guarantee specific poses. Every baby is unique, and what works for one baby may not be comfortable for another.
In my sessions, I gently guide babies into a variety of poses, but I always prioritize your little one’s comfort and safety. If a baby shows any sign of discomfort, I follow their lead and adjust or just simply move on. A great session is one that feels natural and peaceful—for both baby and parents.
My newborn session workflow typically includes a mix of un-swaddled poses on a blanket and swaddled poses using props. The specific flow can vary depending on your baby’s age and comfort level. Some little ones prefer to stay swaddled the entire time, and that’s perfectly okay—we always follow your baby’s cues to ensure a safe and soothing experience.
What precaution steps you will take to make my baby safe?
To ensure the health and safety of every family member who comes to the session, I encourage parents to ask about the precautions taken during newborn sessions.
I’m happy to provide my up-to-date vaccination records upon request. During newborn sessions, I wear a mask at all times while your baby is in the studio. I’m also CPR certified for added peace of mind.
Additionally, all fabrics and materials that come in contact with your baby’s skin are thoroughly washed and sanitized immediately after each session.
