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What is a newborn photographer… and more

Have you ever googled something and then looked in the People Also Ask section? I googled 'What is a newborn photographer' and then did just that and I'll answer those questions for you.

What is a newborn photographer?

A newborn photographer is someone who photographs newborns. That's it. There is no specific certification or organization you need to belong to. Your dog could press his paw on your iPhone and call himself a newborn photographer.

Having said that, most people who call themselves newborn photographers specialize in photographing newborns, probably amongst other things. Photographer newborns is hard for a couple reasons. One is that they are unpredictable which means a lot of patience and a little big of magic to make things run smoothly. The other reason is that skin tones are really tricky on newborns. There has been a trend to just ignore proper skin tones all together in favour of a toned image, which is fine. However, if correct skin tones are important the light has to be just right.

Newborn photographers usually take their photo in-home or a studio.

They are usually posed or lifestyle.

Posed newborn photographers place very young babies into poses which usually includes props.

Lifestyle, or unposed newborn photographers do not pose babies and do not usually use props beyond swaddles and blankets.

Usually, but not always, photographers do one or another style.

What do baby photographers do?

Baby photographers work with families to create beautiful portraits of newborns and perhaps of their families too.

They will suggest styling, poses (even lifestyle sessions are posed to a certain extent), create authentic expressions, and edit images. All of this is specific to a photographers style.

Baby in a white onesie is looking out the window with eyes wide open.

More Google Ask Questions

What photographer takes pictures of babies?

I don't really know what this question means! Maybe people are trying to google local baby photographers? Google's answer was Anne Geddes. lol.

What age is best to photograph a newborn?

I do not do posed photography, but for that style I believe that the baby should be between 6-10 days old. Baby is sleepiest and still a little flexible during that time. My style is unposed baby photography so anytime is fine with me. However, the older baby is the less likely we will get photos of them asleep.

Do you need qualifications to be a newborn photographer?

No, and frankly when you see the quality of work out there that's pretty obvious. Google (and I!) recommend you do your homework carefully when hiring a newborn photographer.

What skills do you need to be a newborn photographer?

Oh my gosh, this is endless. Without looking at what google says I say:

-Know your camera

-Know light

-understand editing software

-Refine client communication and prep

-Learn posing, angles and creating authentic moments

-Software, software, software

Google says: patience, tenderness, empathy... and I say, yes, that too!!

Is newborn photography difficult?

Undoubtedly yes. I already mentioned the skin tones, and baby is only posed lying down usually so just creating beautiful photos with a baby only lying down is a challenge. On top of that deal with tired parents, an unpredictable baby and any number of newborn challenges like acne or jaundice and it is very hard. That's why so few get it right and if they do the price of newborn photography is usually a little higher than a family session. There's also a lot of editing involved to get that skin just right.

Are you curious about my newborn photography? Contact me. Sessions are in-home or at my studio.

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