Hiring the right newborn photographer is important.

You wouldn’t pass your baby off to just anyone at the grocery store, would you? You shouldn’t feel like you have to pass them off to any photographer either. Hiring a newborn photographer that is trained, qualified, and experienced is important. Just because your cousin or best friend from high school is a photographer- doesn’t mean they are trained to keep your baby safe [even though they have the intent to do that of course!] Below is a list of questions to ask when shopping for a newborn photographer [and my answers!] with safety as a #1 priority!

Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer:

1. How many years have you been working as a newborn photographer and approximately how many babies have you handled up to this point?

I have been a newborn photographer for 3.5 years and have handled 350+ babies in that time!

2. Have you received any newborn specific posing training and with whom did you train?

Yes! I am certified through APNPI (Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International) for newborn safety and as a qualified professional newborn photographer. On top of that training, I am also an RN with experience with pediatrics. Safety is my #1 priority!

3. What are the safety practices you have in place in your studio specifically geared towards the newborn client?

Safety practices that I utilize in my studio are:

-controlled temperature (studio is nice and warm for baby and I am always watching for signs of overheating)

-posing support by assistant or parent (composite photos are my jam!)

–cleanliness of props and air (all props are clean and the quality of air is great in the studio- no musty smells here!)

–no tripping hazards (you won’t find cords to trip on!)

–prop safety (using the correct weights for certain props, such as a bucket for bucket posing)

–secure and clean prop surfaces (such as my newborn posing table)

–healthy staff (our germs stay to ourselves here!)

–the studio has plenty of rest areas for recovering mamas and baby as well as access to fresh drinking water.

–insured

4. Will my newborn be supported by human hands in all upright positions as well as any poses requiring suspension?

Yes! Newborns are known to “flinch” and it is very important that they are supported in certain poses. Poses such as the froggy pose are actually composite photos (2+ images combined) and not a single photo. The magic of editing!

5. Do you work with an assistant or provide spotters at your newborn sessions? If not, will you allow me to spot my baby during a session?

I allow all parents to spot their baby during their session. If an assistant is necessary (for multiples, medical reasons, or any other reason) I will make sure to have an assistant present at the session.

6. What will happen in the case of illness, your own or otherwise?

We will reschedule! Safety is my top priority and if I feel like there is a germy concern, the parents will be the first to know. We will be able to reschedule in a timely manner. Also, I do wear a mask even when I am feeling 100%.

7. Are you currently up to date on the necessary vaccines needed when working with a pregnant or newborn population?

Yes! Vaccines (to include boosters!) are all up to date to keep everyone safe.

8. Can you point me towards online resources from which I can learn about safe practices when photographing newborns?

Yes, click here to learn more from the APNPI website about newborn safety during a session.

Feel free to copy and paste these questions when chatting with newborn photographers 🙂 It’s okay to shop around to hire a newborn photographer that suits you and your safety requirements best. If you have more questions for myself, contact me here or chat with me on IG.

xoxo, Ash