Welcoming a newborn into your family is a truly magical experience, and you want to capture every tiny detail of your baby’s earliest days. Finding the right newborn photographer can make all the difference in preserving these cherished memories. But with so many photographers to choose from, how do you ensure you’ve found the perfect fit? To help you make an informed decision, here are 10 essential questions you should ask your newborn photographer.

1. Can I See Your Portfolio? 

This should be the first question you ask a newborn photographer. If you start by reviewing the photographer’s portfolio this will give you an idea of their style, creativity, and experience in capturing newborn moments. Look for consistency in quality first, but also be sure that the photographer’s style is what you’re looking for. I specialize in high end, clean and classic newborn photography, that is sure to remain timeless for many years to come. 

2. What’s Your Experience with Newborn Photography? 

Experience matters, especially when working with newborns. Inquire about the photographer’s background in newborn photography. How long have they been in the business? In my 12 years as a Boston newborn photographer, I have photographed hundreds of babies. On top of my professional experience, I am also a mom of four, so I know how to safely handle your precious newborn.

3. Do You Have a Studio or Do Sessions On Location?

Understanding the photographer’s setup is crucial. Some photographers have dedicated studios with various props and backgrounds, while others prefer natural, on-location shoots. Depending on your preference, choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Also take into consideration if you have a space at home that can serve as a neutral backdrop for your photos. If not, you’re probably going to want a studio session. I offer both posed newborn sessions in my Milton studio on the South Shore as well as lifestyle newborn sessions in the comfort of your own home. 

4. How Do You Ensure Newborn Safety? 

Your newborn is delicate and precious. Newborn safety should be a top priority. Ask the photographer about their safety protocols during sessions. They should have experience in posing babies safely and ensuring the baby’s comfort at all times. As I mentioned above, I have been photographing newborns for 12+ years and their comfort and safety is my number one priority.

5. When is the Best Time for a Newborn Session? 

Timing is key when it comes to newborn photography. The best window for capturing those sleepy, curled-up poses is within the first two weeks of life. Ask the photographer about their preferred time frame and how they accommodate scheduling changes due to unexpected circumstances. For me, I prefer to photograph newborn babies in the 10-16 day range but there is definitely some wiggle room on either side of that. I also always allow for reschedules in the event of an unexpected circumstance.

6. What’s Included in the Package? 

Understanding what’s included in the package will help you avoid surprises later on. How long is the shoot? How many outfit changes are included? Do you have to bring your own props? Do they provide digital files, prints, albums, or other products? My session fees cover the session planning, time, talent, use of props and accessories as well as the editing of your images. Your digital images and printed artwork are purchased separately after you view your final images. You can read more about my newborn packages here.

7. Can Parents and Siblings Participate? 

If you’re planning to include parents, siblings, or even pets in the photos, make sure to discuss this with your newborn photographer beforehand. Some photographers specialize in capturing family moments alongside newborns, while others focus solely on the baby. When you book a session with Stephanie Beth Photography I will always encourage the whole family to participate in the session. I even share my process for how I work with older siblings during your newborn shoot here. 

8. How Do You Handle Fussy or Uncooperative Babies? 

Babies can be unpredictable during photo sessions. Ask your newborn photographer about their strategies for soothing fussy babies and adapting to their needs. A skilled photographer should be patient, gentle, and capable of working with babies in a variety of moods. I have many soothing techniques and tricks that I use to soothe babies and a lot of my families say that they learn a few new tips from me that they end up using at home! 

9. What’s the Turnaround Time for Edited Photos? 

After the session, of course you’ll be excited and eager to see the final results. Inquire about the photographer’s editing process and the estimated turnaround time for receiving your edited photos. This will give you a clear idea of when you can expect to enjoy your beautiful images. I know that my clients like to see their images as soon as possible, which is why I strive to have them ready for you to view within a few days to a week after your session. 

10. Can You Walk Me Through the Booking Process? 

Understanding the booking process is the final step in ensuring a smooth experience. Ask about availability, booking fees, contract terms, and any additional information you need to provide before the session. When you inquire with me, the first step is to schedule a time to chat on the phone to go over everything and so I can get to know a little bit about you and what you are looking for in a newborn photographer. This will help to ensure that we are a good fit. Then if I have an available spot for your shoot I will send you a link to my online booking portal where you can quickly and easily complete all the steps and officially schedule your newborn photo session. 

One last tip if you are at the beginning of your journey of deciding on a newborn photographer for your little one, when you search online you can Google “newborn photography near me,” or search your area or city followed by newborn photographer, for example “Boston Newborn Photographer” or “South Shore Newborn Photographer”. Then once you get a list together, you can walk each one through these 10 questions you should ask your newborn photographer!

In the end, selecting the right newborn photographer is a deeply personal decision. Take your time to ask these 10 questions you should ask your newborn photographer and carefully evaluate their answers. Remember that the photographer you choose will play a significant role in preserving your family’s precious memories, making the effort to find the perfect fit well worth it. If you want more advice on how to pick your newborn photographer, click here.

Now that you know the 10 questions you should ask your newborn photographer, let’s schedule a time to chat so I can answer these and any other questions you may have! Click here to get in touch and make sure you check out my newborn photoshoot packages.