10 Questions to ask before you hire a newborn photographer

February 9, 2022

If you’re an expecting parent, looking to capture your baby’s first few days of life, you’re probably considering hiring a photographer to capture your baby’s precious newborn phase. There are many baby photographers in Bangalore who offer newborn session. But newborn photography is a highly specialised genre. I hope by sharing this, I can help you choose an experienced, professionally trained photographer.

Here are the questions you should be asking your photographer before you book them;

1. Are you trained in newborn safety and posing?

First and foremost, you NEED to choose a photographer who is trained and knowledgeable about newborn safety. Personally, I would never risk a newborn’s safety just to “get the shot” that a parent has requested. There is no pose that is worth it.

FYI— I am thoroughly trained in handling and posing newborns. I have had extensive newborn safety training with some of the best educators and doctors.

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

Newborn photography is a specialised job and involves highly skilled activities. You are not only looking for a photographer who take great pictures of your newborn but a care giver who takes good care of your tender baby. With the experienced photographers you can be confident that your newborn will be in safe hands.

I specialise in newborn photography (6 days – 6 weeks). I run a “low volume, high service” business model which includes high interaction and service from beginning to end – this ensures I can provide undivided attention to all of my clients. At this point, KNP has been in business for more than 4 years and I have photographed more than 200 newborns, including many sets of twins.

3. How would you describe your photography style?

A baby photographer can be the best in the business, but if their aesthetic and style doesn’t match your preferences, they might not be the best fit for you. In addition to checking out their website and social media accounts, have them describe their photography style to you to ensure it’s a good fit.

My work focuses on classic, timeless, fresh and pure newborn portraits. The texture and color used in my newborn sessions creates character, balance, interest and improves the overall composition of the portrait. I use distressed wood floors that are coarse and rustic; paired with the organic wrap, soft bonnets and the fine texture of the knitted plush blanket. I choose to pose the newborns as simply as possible; I do this by ensuring your brand new little love is the star of the image.

Creative, cozy and adorable wrapping is the cornerstone to all of my newborn sessions. Parents are often in awe when they see how well their babies sleep and we’re able to move through the session very quickly and efficiently. Babies love to be wrapped because it reminds them of being in the womb; it keeps them cozy and comfy.

4. Do you have a professional website and an active social media presence?

The Photographers website and the social media leaves you many clues about the way they approach their work.

Look and carefully analyse the portfolio of the photographer you are considering. Do they have a diverse portfolio of newborns and poses? Do the newborns look comfortable? Can you see their faces? Are the photographs in focus and are well lit?

5. Where can I find your client reviews?

Check out testimonials the photographer has on his/her website and Google. This will show you if the photographer is experienced and how past clients have felt about their sessions with the photographer. Check out a few of mine HERE.

6. Am I allowed to choose the setups and colours for my newborn session?

As you’ve been planning your newborn’s photo session, you may have specific preference to setups and colours. Ask if this is something the photographer is open to trying.

I allow my clients to choose the set-ups & colours from my previous work. Please refer to the set ups I offer HERE

7. Do you have an assistant? If not, will you allow me to spot my baby during a session?

Sometimes photographers will have an assistant who helps them during the session, and other times they will rely on a parent to help them with more difficult poses. It’s always good to know if there will be additional people handling your baby and who they are.

I have an assistant who is able to keep an eye (and hand) on baby when I have to look away. If you would like to spot your baby, you are welcome to do it.

8. Will my newborn session carried out by the lead photographer?

Will the newborn session be taken by the main photographer on whose name the brand is registered or is it done by any of his team members? As photography is an ‘ART’ the skill, experience and style differs from person to person. Hence it’s important to know if the team members are skilled enough to produce the same quality of work with expected experience as you see in their portfolio.

At KNP, Kavitha Nagaraj is the only photographer and all the work that you see in her page are produced solely by her.

“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head.”– Henri Cartier-Bresson

9. Should my newborn session last longer than scheduled, will you extend the session? Are there any extra charges?

Knowing up front the photographer’s policy on delay in session time is critical. You don’t want to be surprised when your photographer asks for an additional charges for extra session time. Or worse, you don’t want your photographer to just hurry up the session when the session time is up.

I schedule only one photoshoot session per day to ensure your newborn baby is given utmost care and undivided attention without rushing through the session. There are no extra charges if the photoshoot time is extended.

10. Do you have a newborn session prep guide?

As new parents you can be very overwhelmed. They’re not sure whether they should let baby sleep all morning before their session or when to feed them, etc.

I have a full session prep guide that answers all of these questions or concerns that is sent to parents a few days before their session. This ensures new Parents are comfortable and fully prepared before coming for their photoshoot session.

When you are looking for Newborn photography in Bangalore, use these 10 questions to be sure of hiring a professional newborn photographer whose work is not only outstanding but you can trust them with your newborn. Newborn sessions are best scheduled in your second trimester to ensure a spot on my calendar. If you are currently expecting, please contact me today to ask any questions and schedule your newborn session.

For FAQs What precautions do you take to keep the baby safe during this Covid times? What goes into your typical newborn session? And how safe it is for my newborn as young as one week? What is the best time to photograph my newborn and Why? How do you handle young babies while posing, their hands and legs are so delicate?
Check out our FAQ section HERE