This little thing is your heart on your sleeve, never be afraid to ask anything!
1. How long have you been photographing newborns and babies?
Knowing how long the photographer has been a photographer is a different question than how long they have been photographing newborns and babies. You want to ask how long they have been working with newborns, because this is the key bit of information that tells you how experienced and comfortable they are with handling newborns. You want to make sure that you feel confident handing over your little one to your photographer, because they will be doing so for a few hours.
2. What is your style? What does that mean for me?
It is important to know whether the photographer captures lifestyle or documentary style images, or whether they curate meticulously posed portraits of newborns. These are two vastly different types of images, and if you were hoping for one, you would likely be unhappy with the other. Within those two categories, there are even more sub-styles. Does the photographer use bright colours? Do they use a ton of props and hats and accessories? Do they stick to a minimalist style? Do they not use colour at all and stick to black & white images? This should be represented in their portfolio and website galleries.
3. What kind of props do you use? Do I need to supply them?
Some of us could be considered hoarders by the amount of props and accessories we have at the studio, but not all photographers have that many on hand, if at all. It is important to ask if you are responsible for providing the little outfits or headbands, so that you can be educated and be sure to buy them in advance, or choose a photographer that has everything available for you to use.
4. What products do you offer?
When choosing a newborn photographer, be sure to ask what types of products they offer. Especially if you have your heart set on a particular art piece, you want to make sure they have it available before you book, rather than being disappointed afterwards.
5. Do you have a studio? Where is it? Do you have business hours?
It is nice to know what you can anticipate when travelling to the studio, but also important to know if you are expected to host the photoshoot at your home. Don’t be afraid to ask for a tour of the studio prior to your session; most full-service photographers are happy to meet with you beforehand. It is also important to know if there are specified business hours, so that you are aware of the scheduling options for the session or administrative appointment, and the turnaround time for phone calls.
6. What do I need to do to book?
This is typically part of the information that the photographer tells you, it is very important that you make sure you are made aware of all you need to do to make sure are booked. The last thing you want is to think you have a spot reserved, only to find out after baby has arrived that you weren’t actually booked because you never sent the booking fee.
7. What is included in the fee?
While you should not be making a decision on pricing alone, you absolutely do need to know what you are getting for the amount you are paying. Professional photographers typically collect a deposit to reserve the session, and often have the products available for purchase separately. Some offer pre-made packages, and others offer a one-stop-shop with a set number of digital files. When making pricing comparison once you’ve narrowed down your choices on style & location, make sure you are comparing accurately.
8. How much can I be expected to spend if I want ___________ + ___________ +___________?
Again, you don’t want to base the entire decision on price, but you also don’t want any surprises when you get to placing your order. If you were anticipating getting a few items like a canvas print, a photobook, and a few digital files, you will want to know how much you can expect to pay. Of course, you can always upgrade to a bigger size or larger amount of prints when you actually place the order, but you at least want the base rate.
9. How long until I can see the photos? How long until I receive my print order?
Especially if you have a deadline for out-of-town family members, or wanting to send out cards, you will want to know the planned turnaround time for your images, and timeline for your print order to arrive. Most studios will rush the order for birth announcements, and do their best to get everything ready for you to give to your family members if you let them know beforehand. Some items however like handmade photo albums take much longer because of the custom nature of the product, and will likely incur and added cost for a rush—another reason to be sure to ask beforehand.
10. What safety measures do you have in place?
It might seem obvious, but it is absolutely something you want to make sure is top of mind. Babies have startle reflexes that are much stronger than you’d think, so it is important that there be someone other than the photographer within arm’s reach at all times to prevent any accidents. Some poses can only be done by way of a composite, which is to capture more than one image in the same position with the spotter supporting baby at different places for each snap, to create one final image without any hands. It is also important to know that all of the backdrops and accessories get cleaned in between each use, and that the props also get inspected for sharp edges or structural defects before each session. Which leads into the next question…
11. Are you insured? Are you a registered business?
While it doesn’t affect the quality of the photography or the products, it says a lot about the way a business is run. Being insured is vital to the protection of both the clients and the business. Being registered with the CRA means they are accountable to the law, and follow the regulations set forth by the province and the country.
12. What if my baby pees, or worse..?
This one is technically a throw-in because you don’t actually need to ask this. Any professional newborn photographer knows that with baby comes messes, and usually from all three directions. We make sure everything is cleaned and sanitized afterwards, and we are aware that sometimes there are situations where the outfit is not salvageable. It is all part of the job. But it is good to ask, for reassurance.
BONUS! What makes you different?
Everyone has something that makes them unique, and while we may try, it is not always apparent to potential clients. This question allows for the photographer to reiterate the things they are the most passionate about, and what truly sets them apart from the next newborn photographer.
