Capturing your newborn baby photos has become so popular here in Australia over recent years. As first time parents, it's such a joyful way to experience your new baby and to share your bundle online with friends and family.
Many of my clients have said that they fall in love with the bubba all over again after seeing the gallery! It's really interesting how beautiful photos can do that, and I think it is about stepping outside the day-to-day tasks and being able to admire your creation through the eyes of a photographic artist.
Ararat newborn photography is a ever expanding industry and can be a little daunting to find a photographer to hire, especially as first time parents you have not done so before. So here is a simple list of a few things to check out when choosing your newborn photographer.
Portfolio
Ask yourself, do you prefer a more natural approach to newborn photography? If so you might be interested in lifestyle newborn photography, which is usually done at your home - capturing your family in your own surroundings. Often these images are less posed and focus on capturing the bond between you and your new baby.
Perhaps you love newborn photos with a few props and things to give your images something a little special? In this case you would most likely be looking for a newborn studio photographer that has all the props and outfits on hand to create the images you love. Usually these sessions take a bit longer and you can choose from different packages.
These are the two main newborn photography styles. Once you know which you prefer, check out your photographers portfolio. If you love the style then you have found an artist than is an option for you.
Experience
Newborn photography is hard. It is possibly one of the hardest types of portrait to get right. It's taken me 9 years to really hone my craft and learn different techniques for different situations.
There are a couple of important factors in play that the photographer does not have control over. Your baby may be unsettled, wide awake or want to be held the whole time. All completely normal for a tiny human! You need to find an artist who has experience in their craft and be able to handle problems. It's also good to note that an experienced newborn photographer will know about newborn safely and what to look out for during the session.
Timing / Packages
For first time parents there is alot to get your head around and often you will book a newborn photographer within your baby's first 2 weeks of life on the outside. Make sure when you choose your photographer, that they allow ample time for the session duration. I have worked in studios before where we were only allocated one hour - it was doable but in all honesty I prefer to take my time {up to 3 hours}.
You definitely don't want to worry about someone coming in after you if your baby is unsettled and you need time for cuddles / breastfeeding and changing props and things.
In terms of packages, I do believe in quality over quantity. A beautiful little package of 10 images will give you 10 options to print and deliver to friends and family. A full gallery of 30 images will give you enough to make a photo book of your new baby.
Anything more than 30 images will leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to make a decision about which to print or purchase. They will most likely sit on your computer as you will always have a million other things to do. Pay a bit more for your photos. The experience of your photographer and safety of your precious baby are certainly worth it.
Make sure you give your baby photographer a call, have a chat to them and make sure you connect on the phone. It's important to connect and feel like you have made a great decision with the right person. Because really, this is your once in a lifetime x
Sera Williamson is a Gold Coast based family photographer that specialises in maternity and newborn photography for first time parents.
She has been working as a professional newborn and baby photographer for 9 years, in various studios and within her own business as an in-home baby photographer.
Recently, Soul Mama Photography has relocated taking the popular in-home newborn photography to the Gold Coast Region - settling in the beautiful area of Paradise Point!
Sera travels for mobile Newborn Photography and Outdoor Maternity Photography and & is serving the entire Gold Coast area and has been called the best Newborn Photographer in Australia!
To book or enquire about a Gold Coast maternity photoshoot or In-home newborn photoshoot enquire here!