5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Newborn Photographer

Let's be honest. Hiring a professional newborn photographer is anything but cheap. You might find yourself wondering, is it worth the investment? Last week we chatted about my top 5 reasons for hiring a professional family photographer. All of those reasons apply to newborn photography too! But newborn photography is a specific niche and an incredibly complex art form. Read on to find out why hiring a professional is important! 

1) YOUR BABY'S SAFETY!


Photographing newborns can be incredibly dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Here are some examples of what a professional will do during a newborn sessions to ensure your little one is safe for every minute of the session:

  1. Composite images/Photoshop editing- Did you know that some of the most popular newborn images are composites? This means that two photographs are taken of one scene and then stitched together in Photoshop. A perfect example of this is photos with dogs. Even the most well behaved dog may be unpredictable. So I take a picture with just the dog, just the baby, and then combine them in photoshop for a safe experience.
  2. Blood flow and breathing- Your photographer should be constantly aware of your newborns breathing patterns and bloodflow. We watch for fingers, arms, toes, or feet turning red/purple to indicate it is time to move a limb for better circulation. 
  3. Assistant/parent spotting- A newborn should never be left unattended on or in a prop. Period. Whether the photographer has an assistant or a parent is acting as a spotter, the baby should be watched at all times while on an elevated surface or in a prop. 

Unedited- Dog Alone

Unedited- Baby Alone

Final Edited Image

2) PROP SELECTION

As a professional, it is my job to make sure the images you receive compliment your home decor. Prior to your session, we will discuss your color choices. I want to create art that you can proudly hang on your walls that is unique to you and fits your family. I strive to make prop purchases that support other small businesses and that have the highest standards in quality. Visit my Newborn Portfolio to get a peek at a few of the different colors and patterns I offer as choices for my clients.

3) WE ARE 'FORMALLY' EDUCATED

A serious newborn photographer doesn't just wake up one day and decide "I am going to photograph a posed newborn" and then do it the very next day. There is extensive training that goes into becoming a professional photographer that specializes in newborns. We spend hours upon hours watching educational tutorials, taking workshops, practicing wrapping on dolls, collecting the safest props, and learning the best lighting/angles for photographing newborns. The very best photographers constantly seek to improve their work and keep up to date on the most recent safety recommendations. I have a specific portion of my CODB (cost of doing business), dedicated to continuing my education in newborn photography. Curious what classes I have completed on newborn photography? Visit my the FAQ section of my Newborn page for an up-to-date list. 

4) EDITING EXPERTISE 

Newborns are notorious for having challenging skin. Editing allows professional photographers to tweak their photographs so that the baby truly shines. Personally, I remove anything that would not normally be there long term (flaky skin, baby acne, jaundice skin tones) while leaving anything unique to the baby (birthmarks, etc.).

5) YOUR NEWBORN GROWS SO FAST

In just a blink of an eye, your baby will not be a baby anymore. I firmly believe that every family deserves squishy photographs of their newborn. Tiny toes, wispy hair, little fingers; find a way to capture these memories. You might originally plan on a DIY shoot after birth but having a baby is hard! Sleepless nights combined with the recovery of birth (and possibly a c-section), you will find time slipping away from you. Hiring a professional allows you to sit back and relax as your newborn is documented in those early days. You will never regret investing in newborn photographs. I've never had a mom say, 'I wish we had spent the money somewhere else". But I have had moms that can't wait to show the pictures off to their friends and family and display them proudly in their homes for years to come. 

Take The Next Step!

Capture Your Memories

Are you sold on the idea of hiring a professional newborn photographer but worried about the cost? Don't be afraid to ask your photographer if they offer payment plans to help (I do!). Interested in booking with Nicole Coons Photography?

Contact Me Today!