Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Newborn Photographer

As an award-winning newborn photographer for the Bothell, Redmond and Seattle area, I want all parents to be well prepared for an amazing newborn photo session, and that starts by choosing an experienced photographer to take care of your sweet baby. Oddly enough, your photographer will spend more time with you and your baby than your pediatrician so this is a very careful choice to make. Let’s explore some important questions.

The Accredited Professional Newborn Photographer International group recommends asking these questions before you hire a photographer to work with your sweet little baby. I wanted to share my answers to them so that you can see how much I value education and safety when working with newborns.

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

I have worked with 212 newborn as of Jan. 2023

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

Yes, by Kelly Brown (industry leader).

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

I use specific newborn posing props, sanitized wraps and backdrops and never leave a baby unattended during the session. All my backdrops and wraps are washed in baby-safe hypoallergenic laundry soap, as well as the clothing I wear to the session.

When holding my camera, my strap is ALWAYS around my neck to ensure the camera does not come in contact with your baby. I do NOT stand on a ladder above your baby for a photo, ever! If you see a stool, that is for me to sit on while posing your baby safely on the posing table (which is specifically designed for newborn photographers).

In addition, I wear a mask and gloves at ever session to help keep everyone healthy. Safety is always my priority.   

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

Yes!  Always! I actually avoid poses like the froggy pose or other popular poses where the baby not fully supported by a prop or posing bean bags because I do not feel it is safe for the newborn.

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?

I do not have an assistant, but love to have the parents be a part of the session and observe the process. 

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

We reschedule! There is no need to risk your newborn’s health, even if I wear a mask and gloves.

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

Yes!  Fully up to date on all vaccines: COVID, T-Dapp and Flu

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

https://newbornposing.com/category/safety/

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

Yes, I am a part of both Kelly Brown’s Newborn Education group and Ana Brandt’s Newborn Member Network.