Choosing a newborn photographer
Are you expecting or do you already have a baby and considering hiring a baby photographer? Well in this post I will tell you how to find a newborn photographer in Pittsburgh, PA or in your city.
Step one: Click the contact button on my menu to book your session and I’ll put you on my schedule!
Seriously, it’s that simple!
Ok, all joking aside, I wouldn’t want you to choose me as your newborn photographer if we weren’t a good match! So here are some tips on how to find a newborn photographer that is a good match for you.
Specialty
You want to choose a photographer that specializes in newborn photography. Just because someone is an amazing wedding or landscape photographer does not make them a great newborn photographer. Look for examples of newborn photo sessions on their website. Almost every professional photographer has a website, if they don’t have one, you may want to consider looking for another photographer.
Experience
Please be sure to choose a photographer with a lot of experience. Newborn photography is not easy and you want to hire someone that has a lot of practice and experience with newborn babies. If they don’t mention it on their website, it’s more than ok to ask them how long they have been doing newborn sessions or about how many sessions they’ve done. The safety of your baby should be their top priority.
Do They Include the Whole Family?
If you have older children, you’ll also want to make sure the photographer is willing to include siblings and if they have experience with including toddlers and older siblings in the newborn photos. Will they take pictures of you and your partner with the baby? Ask the photographer if they charge extra for this or if it is part of the session fee.
Referrals
Ask friends and family who they hired for their newborn photo shoot! I think personal referrals are one of the best ways to begin your journey into choosing the perfect photographer for your new baby. I love when clients share my name with their friends and family and I built my business on the referrals of others. However, this is not the only way to pick a photographer. Maybe the person that photographed your neighbors’ newborn is not the same style of photography that you want for your newborn photos. See my next section on newborn photography styles!
Posed or Lifestyle?
Next, you have to decide if you want posed newborn photos or if you prefer more of a lifestyle look.
Posed photographer:
-poses your baby in an assortment of poses
-generally works out of a studio (however, some will come to your home)
-has a large selection of their own props like hats, headbands, blankets, swaddles, etc, and they’ll put your baby in baskets, on a beanbag or on a tiny bed, etc.
-prefers to photograph your baby before they are two weeks old
-can sometimes take longer than two hours
Lifestyle photographer:
-takes more unposed or very natural and simply posed images of your baby and family
-uses a very minimal amount of props or none at all except for the items you have in your home
-sessions usually take place at your home (however, some can do lifestyle sessions in a studio)
-your baby can be older than two weeks old for a non-posed lifestyle newborn session
-generally takes one to two hours
Have a look at my newborn gallery to see examples of lifestyle photography.
Session at a studio or at your home?
You’ll need to ask the photographer if you need to travel to them at their studio, or if they’ll come to your home. Do you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home with your new baby or are you are willing to drive to a studio? I take a lifestyle approach to my newborn photos and I always go to my client’s homes for their session.
Google is Your Friend
Next, start googling terms like, “Pittsburgh (or your town/city) newborn photographers” or “newborn photographers near me”, and include words like “posed ” and “lifestyle” in your searches. Visit a variety of websites, click on their newborn galleries and decide if you like their style.
Also, see if they have reviews on google or even testimonials right on their website. Looking at reviews is one of my main search criteria when choosing a business for a service that I need. I’m honored to have many of my past clients share so many kind words about me on Google.
You can also rely on websites like Expertise to help you narrow down your search to around 20 of the top photographers in your area.
Personality
It’s not just about the style! You may see five or more websites of newborn photographers in Pittsburgh or your city that all have a very similar style so you may want to get a feel for the photographers’ personality! One way to do this is to check their “about me” section of their website. You want to “click” with your photographer and if you really like them, you may want to hire them for future photo sessions!
Another way to get to know a photographer is to request a phone call so you can chat with them on the phone prior to hiring them. I love chatting with potential clients on the phone before they decide to even hire me. You can also tell by things like, how long did it take them to reply to your email? Did they seem personable or was it a very generic message?
Also , be sure to ask the photographer if they are available around your due date and ask how flexible their schedule is. Once your baby is born you’ll want to have a few dates to choose from.
I hope that this information was helpful in helping you find a newborn photographer in Pittsburgh or your city! I’m happy to answer any additional questions that you might have. And if you think I may be the perfect photographer for you, then please do not hesitate to get in touch!
I’m currently booking newborns for Spring, Summer and Fall!
I’d love to connect with you over on Instagram!
Do you have questions or concerns about a photo session?
Are you expecting a new baby this year?
Please get in touch to ask me anything or to book your session!
You can learn more about my newborn sessions here,
and go have a look at my newborn gallery!
~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography has over twelve years of experience and specializes in lifestyle newborn photography in Pittsburgh PA and many of the surrounding areas.
Such great advice!
Thank you for such helpful tips, it’s so overwhelming to find the right photographer!
Your blog posts always have such great, helpful advice.