“Are you right for me?” 5 questions to ask when looking for a newborn photographer. Chesapeake, Virginia Newborn and Baby Photographer

Chesapeake, Virginia Newborn Baby Photographer & Maternity Photographer

We’ve all been there. Scouring through multiple Facebook comments looking for that perfect photographer when a mama posts ISO. But how do we pick the right one for ME? There are a few key questions to make sure you ask the photographer, and yourself before booking. After all, you are handing over your precious, day old baby into someones hands. You want to be sure they are the right ones!

1. Do you have a license and are you insured?

   This is a big one. I see countless hobbyists commenting under these threads, offering mamas-to-be their services without any sort of licensing or insurance. When looking for services, ESPECIALLY services that include handling your fresh new infant, they need to be legitimate. If something happens under that persons care, heaven forbid, you need to make sure your family is safe and covered!

2. Are they trained in handling and posing safety?

The most important question to ask your prospective photographer. “What training have you taken on handling newborns and posing safety?”. Many newborn poses are taken as composites. Meaning that images are spliced together to make one shot, so baby is never left without hands on or near them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen viral videos of a baby left in Froggie pose alone! Or seen a purple arm because the blood circulation as been cut off. It makes me literally sick to my stomach, and here these moms just don’t know. But not you! Now you know, this is absolutely a thing and a question that needs to be asked!

Virginia Beach Virginia Newborn Photographer Copyright Samantha Rudolph Photography

3. Have I looked through their portfolio to make sure I even like their art style? Does it match my aesthetic?

Photography is so much more than a point and click. 10 photographers could take the exact same shot, and in post production come out with completely different edits and styles. Make sure that the photographer you are looking at has consistent style that you like! If you want a moody and emotive photographer, don’t book someone whose instagram is filled with light and airy photos! Grab a bag of chips and just browse their website and social media handles to make sure you’re a good match.

4. Where are the portraits taken? Do you have a commercial studio space or in-home studio?

It is not uncommon for professional newborn photographers to have in home studios. I myself photographed out of my home for years! However, if you’re feeling uncomfortable for whatever reason, it is ALWAYS okay to bring someone with you, even if they aren’t in the shoot. If a photographer doesn’t grant you a plus one, I’d continue the search on. Can never be too careful these days. And if they do shoot out of their home, do they have pets? Many people are allergic to cats and dogs, so it’s never a bad question to ask. Samantha Rudolph Photography does have a commercial space!

Chesapeake newborn photography Copyright Samantha Rudolph Photography

5. Do they cost an “arm and a leg”? What is the investment?

Did you know an arm and a leg costs $240,000? That’s a lot! And let me tell you that phrase is like fighting words to us professionals! Budget of course is always a factor, but don’t let it be the only deciding factor. Just recently a group of 5 devastated moms came out saying they never received their newborn photos back from the photographer and that she took their money and blocked them. Since newborn photos are usually taken between 4-21 days old, now that time has passed and they will never get that moment back. All because they booked the “cheapest photographer” they could find. Out of everything you purchase for your newborn, portraits are one of the few things you will actually keep from that phase. That pottery barn stroller, will be gifted away or sold. But these are something you will keep and admire forever.

Many charge a separate “sitting fee” or “session fee” to book and reserve your spot. Any products and digitals are sold separately. Be sure to ask your photographer what is exactly included in their sitting fee. Do not be shocked when you see a normal starting price range of around $1200. That’s around the normal starting prices for a professional newborn photographer. Many offer Wall Art, Albums, and Digitals to purchase!

Professional newborn photographers pay thousands to keep up on proper safety handling, license, insurance, taxes, props, etc. And many offer payment plans. Newborn photography is definitely something to save up for so you can work with the artist you LOVE and are sure they are safely handling your precious day old baby. We love what we do, take pride in our art, and want to make sure its exactly what you envision!

All in all and at the end of the day, take all the photos and videos you can! Whether it is by phone, disposable camera, or a booking a professional! Between the sleepless nights, and naps when baby naps, the days melt together and are gone in a blink! Don’t solely trust your mind to remember, because many of our memories are relived through photos. And always remember, YOU’RE A GOOD MOM and your value as a mother is not predigated on if you could afford professional newborn photos. <3

XOXO,

Sammi

Samantha Rudolph Photography