8 Traits Of A Skilled Newborn Baby Photographer in Cincinnati
What To Look For In A Skilled Newborn Baby Photographer
Looking for a skilled newborn baby photographer? The options can be endless.
You have your general lifestyle photographers, your family friend who is trying to become a photographer, your next door neighbor, your iPhone, and a professional newborn photographer, so who do you go with?
Specialization is key when it comes to photography. Every photographer has their niche or specific style that they’re best at. A wedding photographer may be amazing in capturing the bride and groom, but struggle with babies and toddlers.
So it’s key you find a specialist who has years of experience photographing newborns.
You also don’t want to drive five hours and deal with that inconvenience. Let’s make sure they’re from the Cincinnati area.
Newborn photographer, check. Cincinnati, check.
What else? Here are eight other characteristics to look for when you’re searching for the person who is going to be responsible for capturing your newborn photos.
1. A Photographer Good With Babies
You may think this a no brainer, but trust me there are people out there that will take photos of anything and everything just to make a paycheck. When choosing a newborn baby photographer, this is not who you want to end up with. I believe that one of the most important factors when it comes to getting a killer newborn shot, is really knowing how to work with the baby. I mean, look at this photo.. Not just anyone can get a newborn to smile like that. Making the baby feel comfortable, positioning the baby to rest, making sure the baby is supported and safe, all the while directing light, and capturing that beautiful shot.
I found my love for newborn photography after becoming a mother to four children. Not only do I absolutely adore and love my babies, but I have a passion for all babies. Newborns are my favorite stage of life and I love to capture this precious moment.
You could call me the baby whisperer. I have a certain way of calming the baby, making them feel warm and cozy, and falling asleep in the blink of an eye. Getting that baby in a deep rest is absolutely necessary when capturing that dreamy shot.
2. A Photographer Who Is Creative
A good photographer in general has to be creative. Setting up props, backdrops, and newborn poses takes creativity if you’re going to be good at what you do. All babies are different and all babies deserve a different concept when it comes to a photoshoot.
Of course there are certain trends when it comes to anything, especially photography, but that doesn’t mean there should be a lack of creativity. I like to incorporate popular photography trends but make it my own, and make it individualized for your baby. We all have different styles and I work hard to make all of my photos are unique as possible.
If you consider yourself creative and you like to get involved in design and decor, you’re more than welcome to team up with me and we can create a concept together. If you don’t want to be involved in the creative process, that is totally okay too! That’s what I am here for after all.
3. A Photographer Who Is Prepared
Another quality you would like to find in a newborn baby photographer is someone who is prepared. Someone who has all the right lights, camera lenses, props, and gadgets to make the photoshoot happen. When it comes to newborn photography, I’ve realized that a warm cozy room, makes a complete difference in the way the baby relaxes.
If you’re interested in a studio photoshoot, all you have to do is show up with your baby and I have everything prepared. Bringing a baby and outfit changes is hard enough, I don’t want you to have to worry about anything else.
If you want to do a photoshoot in your nursery room or outdoors you can count on me to show up on time, with a fully charged battery, and all the equipment necessary. I know as a mother, time is precious and is something that shouldn’t be wasted. I can assure you we will stick to the game plan and be as exquisite and timely as possible.
4. A Photographer With Experience
When you’re looking for a professional in any field, experience is one thing you should never take for granted. Research how long they’ve been doing what they’ve been doing, read their reviews, and analyze their photos. You’ll never regret not doing your homework.
I’ve been capturing photos for over 10 years. At this point I know most if not all of the in’s and out’s of photography. I’ve experienced every hiccup, speed bump or challenging scenario there is. And most importantly, I can work with any baby.
I remember when I first started out as a photographer, and boy was I thankful that people trusted me to do what I did, but I can proudly say I’ve come a very long way. The experience I have now compared to when I first started is immeasurably more. When you’re talking about newborn photos, it’s crucial to trust your photographer, because it is your newborn baby we are talking about.
You don’t want just anyone trying to take their photos, not following safety hazards, and just winging it. Newborn photography is a huge responsibility and not one that I take lightly. Some precautionary steps I take for a newborn session include:
- Always washing my hands prior to touching the baby
- Be extra careful to reposition the baby
- Always support the baby’s head
- Make sure photography equipment is secure and in place
- Always wash the items or props I will be using
- If placing the baby in an item like a basket, I only use sturdy items
5. A Photographer Who Will Be Upfront And Honest
Another extremely important quality you want in a newborn photographer is someone who gives you all the details. I’ve heard of people working with photographers who aren’t upfront about their pricing, they don’t prepare you for the photoshoot, and you don’t know what you’re getting into until it’s done and over with. Lack of details can be stressful on your part, especially because getting professional photos aren’t always cheap.
As a photographer, I believe the more details you know, the more comfortable you will be, the easier it is for you to get prepared and the easier my job will be. In fact, I’ve created a guide for parents if it’s your first time getting newborn photos taken.
This guide includes helpful information such as:
- When you should book your photoshoot
- How you should prepare for your photoshoot
- What you should bring to the photo session
- What you should wear (I often use parents as the backdrop)
- When you should receive your photos back
If you have any other questions in terms of the newborn photoshoot, I am always available to answer those.
6. A Photographer With An Eye For Detail
This may not be as well known, but it is crucial for photographers to have an eye for detail. A photographer could get the perfect shot, but if they miss a detail in the background the shot could be ruined.
I’ve even experienced this myself. Sometimes in the moment you’re so caught up in how the baby looks that you miss a detail in the background. Yes, there is photoshop but if you can avoid using it for all of your photos, that is a much better scenario.
While being a photographer for many years, I’ve learned how to have a keen eye for details. I analyze the entire shot, and make sure it’s just right before moving on. There is nothing worse than completing a 2-3 hour photoshoot, only to get home or receive your photos back and be bothered by a lack of detail.
This could be anything from the baby’s hair sticking up, to the blanket laying awkwardly, and the lighting hitting the wrong spot.
7. A Photographer With Availability
If you booked ahead of time, good for you! The chances of you doing that probably are not very high considering there is a lot going on when you’re pregnant. So finding a newborn baby photographer who isn’t booked up for a year in advance may be the best case for you.
Typically I have a very full schedule, but I am usually always willing to work something out with my clients. I know life happens and it’s hard to be ahead of everything, that’s okay! I will make sure you get your wonderful newborn shots.
However, if you are a planner and you like to have things organized and booked ahead of time, it’s best to book your photo session between 2 and 4 months before your due date. Obviously, unless it’s a scheduled C section you won’t quite know exactly when your baby will arrive. Because of the unknown we suggest giving us the ballpark date, and then calling us when your baby does arrive and we will first celebrate with you and then we will book an official date and time.
We suggest getting your newborn photos taken before the baby is two weeks old and ideally in the first 9 days. During these initial days, the baby is less fussy, sleeps deeply, and not yet affected by infant acne.
For this reason, it’s very important to find a photographer who is going to be available during those 9 days. If someone is booked up for months, good luck getting your newborn photos taken!
8. A Photographer Who Is Reliable
Reliability could be anything from showing up on the right date and time to getting your photos back in a reasonable time frame. My clients can expect to get their photos back 3-4 weeks after the session has been completed. I take this time frame seriously, because I know how excited and eager you are to receive them back. (I would be to!)
Some photographers book themselves up for months and months and are completely backed up when it comes to returning photos. Is it worth paying hundreds of dollars to not get your photos back until your baby is 6 months old? By that time these photos are still great for memories but not as relevant to share with friends and post on social media.
If your photographer doesn’t show up or has to keep rescheduling, it could be next week or weeks later and your baby may not be in their fresh newborn phase. Like I said, those first nine days are so crucial!
Conclusion
When you spend time to consider those traits before choosing your newborn baby photographer, you can rest assured you’ve picked the perfect one for the job.
One last tip: See if you relate to the photographer and wouldn’t mind being friends with them. As a photographer, I love to think of my clients as friends and people I want to go through life with. When you’re family has a big moment or season, I want to be there to capture it for you.
If you could see yourself considering a photographer your friend, that’s a good sign that they may be a great pick. This way you’ll wind up with beautiful photos and have a blast during the photoshoot.
To book a newborn photographer session with me, Carrie Lynne Photography, simply click here and fill out the form where you can also write a quick message describing your wants. I cannot wait to work with you!
