Hello!
While deciding on a newborn photographer for my second son’s arrival this past January, I compiled a list of questions which helped me find the perfect photographer for my family…
I feel it’s important for everyone looking for a Newborn Photographer to do their research, as it is crucial to choose the right photographer for you!
So here are a list of questions (and my own answers) to ask your potential photographer, or to ask yourself…
I hope this blog post helps!
Q. Does the photographer offer a guaranteed turnaround time for your photos?
Many photographers keep their clients waiting many weeks (if not months) for their completed packages.
Here at Kristielle Amy Photography, I offer a 2 week turnaround for viewing of completed galleries. Clients then select their images, and I immediately order your chosen prints and products. Once the products are delivered, they are packaged and ready for clients to pick-up within 2 days. (Delivery available)
Q. Do they have a dedicated studio?
I have a beautiful natural light home studio, where most of my newborn sessions are held.
Having a dedicated studio allows me to set-up prior to your session, making the most of our time in the studio. It also allows clients a wider variety of props and set-ups, as clients are always able to choose from my selection of in-studio props to incorporate into their sessions.
Q.Will they travel?
While I do have a dedicated home studio, I am also willing to travel up to 100km from Echuca for free, and will travel further afield for a travel fee.
Q. Do they have first aid certification?
I currently have my Level 2 first aid and CPR certification.
Q. Do they have a working with children’s check?
For peace of mind, I have a current working with children’s check, which will be updated as is necessary.
Q. Do they use professional full frame cameras and equipment?
Many photographers use entry-level DSLR cameras with low resolutions, and unfortunately clients are often completely unaware that they are paying for an inferior product. If you take one thing from this article, insist your photographer have a FULL FRAME DSLR. This allows you the freedom to enlarge your photos to huge sizes while maintaining their sharpness.
I currently use a Nikon D800, which is a full frame DSLR offering superb quality images with extremely high resolutions, along with top of the range lenses.
Q. Do they have qualifications in photography?
While not essential, qualifications do display a commitment to the craft, and offer peace of mind for their clients that they are hiring a skilled, professional photographer.
I have completed a Diploma in Photography.
Q. Do they have insurance?
INSURANCE IS A MUST!
All professional photographers should have Public Liability Insurance to protect you and your family if something unthinkable were to happen during your session.
Rest assured, I have Public Liability Insurance.
Q. Have you compared the quality of the work to other photographers? Is quality or price more important?
Photographs of your loved ones are a lifelong investment… These moments in time disappear all too quickly, and beautifully captured images freeze these precious moments, allowing you to look back and remember every little detail in years to come.
The quality of these images are extremely important. Like most things, you get what you pay for! High quality work is worth the investment. If price is more important, and you aren’t willing to invest your money in a great photographer, then the quality of the work is usually not going to be as high. Compare the images of different photographers, and decide for yourself. Who’s style is more ‘you’? Which images are posed and styled better? Which images are edited to a higher standard?
I aim to capture timeless images, free of ‘fad’ styling, and edited to the highest standard possible so in 20 years time you are still going to love your images… Long after the moments were captured, and long after you held your tiny newborn close to your heart, safe and snug in your arms…
Q. Does the photographer use a professional print lab (available only to professional photographers) or just use your local consumer print lab?
The difference is huge! You should demand professional quality prints.
I print all of my products through professional print labs, ensuring top quality products and accurate colour. My computer monitor is fully calibrated to ensure colour and tonal consistency with these labs, and the quality is always superior.
Printing your images through local consumer labs, such as Big W, etc, will not provide you with the same quality image as those printed through the professional print labs I have trialled and chosen.
Q. Do they offer a professional range of products?
I offer prints, albums, canvases, custom-made frames and birth announcement cards, all through professional print labs, to ensure the highest quality products to display your art.
Q. Does your photographer edit the images using a professional quality, fully calibrated computer monitor to ensure colour and tonal consistency?
Most consumer-grade laptops and desktop monitors lack the ability to accurately match the colour and tone of prints; they are often too bright and are unable to display wide colour gamuts. Professional monitors cost around $2500, and are fully calibrated to ensure colour and tonal consistency and to provide the best results possible. Those who do not edit using professional quality monitors which are fully calibrated will likely have images where the colour and tone of your prints will look drab.
I edit using a professional monitor which is fully calibrated in order to achieve the best quality artwork for my clients.
Q. Do they have a good reputation and quality testimonials?
Referrals, testimonials and facebook reviews are all ways you can gauge the professionalism and quality of work from your potential photographer. I pride myself on providing a happy, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for parents, along with my patience, love and care when handling your precious newborn baby. I aim to provide beautiful artwork for each and every client, and go above and beyond to ensure each client loves their final images.
A long list of client testimonials can be found on my website, under the ‘Testimonials’ tab.
Q. Do they provide a complete preparation packet to ensure you are fully prepared?
The prep packet is a guide for clients on what to expect during a Newborn Session. From what to wear, to how to prepare your new baby, it covers it all. This allows for a calm environment, as clients have prior knowledge of what will happen during their session.
I provide a Preparation Packet for parents which you receive once baby has arrived, with all of the information necessary to ensure as smooth a session as possible.
Q. Does the photographer specialise in newborns?
Many photographers are a ‘Jack of all trades’. While they may be competent in many different forms of photography, a specialist focuses all of their attention on perfecting their chosen genre. For example, the skills required to beautifully capture Weddings are VERY different to those required for handling, posing and capturing Newborns.
Capturing newborns is my passion – it is what drew me to photography in the first place! I have spent many hours honing my skills in this area; I have participated in mentoring workshops and e-workshops from some of the leading newborn photographers in the industry, along with investing a lot of time and money finding my ‘style’ and purchasing the appropriate props and equipment in order to provide my clients with these timeless images of their precious little ones.
Q. How long has the photographer been working with newborns?
I have been photographing newborns for over 2 years now; Before I was a photographer, I spent 9 years in the Childcare industry, working with children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 years. I am also a Mummy of two precious little boys, an Aunty to 2 nieces (with 2 more on the way), 1 nephew, and I absolutely adore newborns!
Q. How far ahead should I book?
Popular photographers often book out months in advance. For this reason, booking while you are pregnant is the best way to ensure availability for your session.
Due to the uncertain nature of delivery times, I will only take on a limited number of newborn sessions per month and allocate a session date once baby arrives.
Newborns are best captured between days 5-12, and the best time to book your session is in your second trimester to avoid missing out.
Q. Does the photographer use composite digital imaging for unsafe poses?
Safety is paramount!
If there is an unsafe pose you or I wish to incorporate into your session, I will always put your baby first and ensure that we achieve the image safely, using digital editing to achieve the final image in post-production, along with having someone ‘spot’ the baby (never being more than an arms reach away, ready to steady baby if he/she startles).
I hope this has helped those of you who are researching potential Newborn Photographers, and I hope to have the honour of capturing your precious little one in the near future…
I look forward to hearing from you!
Kristielle. X
