It’s so hard to know how to hire the best Newborn Photographer for you. Here are some questions I recommend asking when shopping around for a newborn photographer.

Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

1. How many years have you been working as a newborn photographer and approximately how many babies have you handled up to this point?

When you are looking I suggest at least 2 years experience and at least 50 babies handled. It takes time to learn to respond to newborn queues and reflexes. At DHP I have been working with newborns since 2013 and have handled almost 200 babies. I also have my ECE units and have owned a home daycare focusing on newborns for 15 years.

2. Have you received any newborn specific posing training and with whom did you train?

Knowing that your photographer has trained in not only technical aspects of photography but also in safety and posing methodology and safety. The field of Newborn Photography is not regulated therefore it is important for you as the parent to ask where they trained and with who. Online learning is great to an extent, however, to learn proper posing and safety it is highly recommended to learn from a reputable photographer in person. It’s also important to look up their references to make sure they are reputable. I have mentored under Ana Brandt, Winnie Bruce, and Rachel Vanoven. As well as several online courses. I am a Qualified Newborn Photographer through the APNPI (Accredited Profesional Newborn Photographers International) and have my safety certification through them also and am currently applying for accreditation in Newborn Photography.

3. What are the safety practices you have in place in your studio specifically geared towards the newborn client?

Things that need to be considered for safety, are the posing surfaces large enough that baby is safe at all times? Are wood backdrops secured to the wall to prevent tipping over? Are pliable posing pillows being used to keep baby ergonomically safe during poses to not put a strain on any joints? At DHP I have the wood backdrop secured to the wall safely, I use a variety of posing pillows to always keep baby in a correct position and to cushion the head and neck. I always weight my buckets or any prop shaped in a way that may have a possibility of tipping over. I also will ask parents to spot the baby in some poses!

4. Will my newborn be supported by human hands in all upright positions as well as any poses requiring suspension?

If you are interested in some of the popular prop poses that require suspension or the trendy froggy pose – you need to ask this question. Babies should ALWAYS have human hands on them in an upright pose. Suspended poses should be done as a composite only – I have my suspended dreamcatcher and wicker hanging basket already shot hanging on a branch. The baby will be photographed in the prop on a flat surface. I then put the images together in photoshop so that it appears that your baby is hanging from a branch. The potato sack and froggy poses are a composite as well, with hands on baby the entire time. Please don’t let anyone put your baby in a position to hold its head up with its hands and arms, they are not strong enough and will likely fall!

5. Do you work with an assistant or provide spotters at your newborn sessions? If not, will you allow me to spot my baby during a session?

Many photographers do not work with an assistant. However, there are times when you must have a second set of hands to achieve a particular pose. This could be that the baby is extra wiggly and you need that second set of hands to make sure if they move someone is there to place a hand on their back. Ask how the photographer handles needing a spotter and make sure if they don’t use an assistant that they do feel comfortable asking the parents. I like to use parents in these situations. Parents make great spotters, that baby is your most precious possession so I know you’ll keep them safe!

6. What will happen in the case of illness, your own or otherwise?

That dreaded time of year when all the germs seem to attack us! We can pick up illneses anywhere, from school to the grocery store. Your photographer should not be conducting sessions until they are medically clear of illness. A good photographer should be willing to reschedule or have an available replacement with comparable skill. In the case of illness, I would absolutely not do the session. I usually leave a little wiggle room in my bookings to reschedule. I also have a few photographers that I can refer to if need be. This also goes the other way – if you or your children are sick, please reschedule! I have newborns and immune-compromised children in the studio on a weekly basis and never want to risk anyone’s health!

7. Are you currently up to date on the necessary vaccines needed when working with a pregnant or newborn population?

The question of whether to vaccinate or not is a highly debated subject! I don’t take a stand either way – I feel this is a personal family decision that needs to be made. However, I am fully vaccinated to NICU standards to allow me to work with The Tiny Footprints Project.

8. Are you a member of an organization or association directly servicing newborn photographers and their educational needs?

The amount of information we can find on any subject is mind-boggling. We also need to use discernment when we read online material. There is so much good information but also there’s some misinformation. I have lisetd below some reputable organizations that I belong to that have good information on baby safety.

Your new little one is a tiny miracle! That baby you hold in your arms or will soon hold in your arms is your whole world. Please make sure that whomever you choose to photograph your precious little one respects that miracle and you as the parents. No question is a dumb question and there can never be too many questions! If it’s important to you it should be important to them!

9. Can you point me towards online resources from which I can learn about safe practices when photographing newborns?

Please feel free to download your own copy of these questions:  Downloadable PDF 

Links to articles on Baby safety:

1. NAPCP Baby Safety in Posing
2. Newborn Safety Week 2015
3. How to Keep Babies Safe – Clickin Moms
4. Newborn Safety Week 2011
5. APNPI Baby Safety

If you would like information or any other questions answered please contact me info@denisehurdlephotogrpahy.com or use the contact form here: Contact Form

Orange County Newborn Photographer | Best Newborn photographer Orange County