Hiring a newborn photographer is a fun and exciting adventure for new parents! It might be one of the first things you plan for your new baby! I would like to dig into what I believe are some of the most important things you should look for and consider in your search for the perfect newborn photographer.

Your baby's safety is the main priority during their newborn session. When you are doing your research you want to find an experienced and professional newborn photographer. 

* Do they have a legal business & are they insured?

* Do they have a professional website and a social media presence?

* Look at their reviews either on their website & on Google. Do you know any past clients that can refer you? Good word of mouth is invaluable!

* Do they respond to you in a timely manner with enthusiasm about their job?

* Have you looked at their portfolio and is it a style that you like?

Here are 8 important questions to ask your potential newborn photographer that will help you find the perfect one!

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1. WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

First & foremost you must choose an experienced newborn photographer. Ask them how long they have been photographing newborns. There are no certificates or stamps of approval when it comes to newborn photography, no matter what anyone claims. There IS training - whether it is hands-on with other professionals in the field or if it is paid for online courses & education. A good newborn photographer will know how to read a baby's cues, to learn quickly their likes and dislikes. They know how to soothe and most importantly.....they will know that not every baby can be soothed the same way. They MUST MUST MUST practice the utmost patience and always be gentle with your baby. They should never be forced into poses they clearly dislike. If your baby shows great displeasure with something we will move on to something else and figure out what they DO like. Some babies dislike swaddling, some babies need more cuddling in between poses than others. Your newborn photographer must know how to go with the flow and handle changes as they are presented. During nearly every newborn session I hear the words "Gosh, you are so patient!" I consider that the greatest compliment because I will treat your baby as lovingly as I would treat my own.

 At the time this blog post was written Leah Islinger Photography has been photographing newborns for 16 years. 

2. WHAT TRAINING DO YOU HAVE WITH NEWBORN POSING AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN GENERAL?

As stated briefly above, your photographer should have a solid knowledge of how to handle newborns, how to pose them safely, and should always be expanding their education. Not only is it important that they have knowledge in handling newborns but they should also have strong photography skills as well. Look through their website or social media images.....do the babies look comfortable & safely posed? Are their images in focus and are they well lit? If they use natural light do they know what to do in low light situations? If they use studio light are they lighting their subjects properly? Don't be afraid to ask to see a full client gallery of theirs so you can see if an entire session looks consistent or if they are just showing their 'best' images online. They should be delivering an entire gallery of strong, well-lit, well-posed images.

Leah Islinger Photography has invested in numerous educational courses & workshops including safe newborn posing, posing instructions & how to's, lighting techniques, camera usage, and editing education - and she has also had four newborns of her very own :)

3. DO YOU KNOW HOW TO COMPOSITE IMAGES?

Carrying on a bit from the #2 question - most parents don't realize that some images are composites. Composites are when a photographer merges two or more photos together. These are done when a pose is not safe enough to simply photograph the baby by themselves. A few examples are the images down below. Certain props that look like they are hanging up in the air should NEVER be actually hung in the air with a baby on or in them. The image below of the baby on the dreamcatcher was taken with the dreamcatcher placed onto a sturdy stool surface. My assistant was standing next to the baby the entire time with hands in place - I photographed the baby (daddy was holding up the stick) - we removed the baby from the prop, took away the stool and daddy held the dreamcatcher in the air, empty. I merged the images together to make one solid photograph in photoshop.

The image of the baby in the 'froggie' position was also done with an assistant. The baby is placed into the pose - an assistant will hold the baby's head with one hand and I will take a photo - then they will place a hand holding baby's cheeks/under the chin & remove their top hand and I will take another photo - then I merge both images together in photoshop. If a photographer ever leaves a baby unassisted in this pose please know that a baby can startle at a moment's notice and our reflexes will not always be fast enough to catch them - especially if we are holding a camera. Also, their delicate wrists are not made to support their heads in this way. NEVER let your photographer put your newborn at risk for ANY pose.

Leah Islinger Photography has a vast knowledge of photoshop and editing education and will make a composite of any image she feels cannot be safely performed without one.

4. WILL YOU DO MY REQUESTED POSES? 

As an honest and experienced newborn photographer, I will attempt your requested poses but I will never force your baby into a pose that they resist. At the start of any pose, your baby may fuss a little bit which is normal until they settle into it but if they continue to show signs of uncomfortableness I will move on to something else. Mind you, there are a few poses that take time and effort and I will soldier on if your baby shows that they are ok with it. Often times I will use a professionally trained assistant during my sessions if she is available. If you have requested more than a few complicated props or poses this is when I consider asking for an assistant's help. Other times I will use the assistance of the parents if I feel the tasks are easy enough.

So in general yes, I will attempt them but your baby's safety and comfort are my first priority.

5. IS YOUR STUDIO CLEANED & SANITIZED - HOW DO YOU WASH YOUR PROPS?

Studios should be cleaned after every client. Props should be wiped down with baby-safe cleaners and dried thoroughly before the next use. Any fabrics should be washed or cleaned per their instructions. Floors should also be mopped between sessions along with bathroom areas.

In my studio, you will find hand sanitizer available and you will see me use it often before and during the session. Hand washing is also a must! I run an air purifier one hour prior to your session and throughout the session itself. I take all the fabrics used for the session home with me to be washed and props and other surfaces are wiped down before I leave the studio. Most importantly, if I am feeling unwell I will reschedule your session because your baby's health and safety are important to me!

6. IS YOUR BUSINESS INSURED & ARE YOU A LEGAL, TAX-PAYING BUSINESS?

All photographers who deal with clients, especially brand new little ones, should have business insurance, liability insurance & a registered licensed business. This is how you will know that your photographer is serious and will treat you professionally. A true professional photographer will also ask you to fill in a contract that lists out all of the terms and conditions - a contract protects both you AND the photographer. 

Leah Islinger Photography is a fully insured, legal, tax-paying business, and every client is asked to fill out a contract at the time of booking.

7. DO YOU WORK FROM A STUDIO OR DO YOU COME TO YOUR CLIENT'S HOMES?

Some photographers work out of a studio and some are 'on-location' photographers. A studio photographer is pretty self-explanatory - you will go to their place of business and that is where your session will take place. Most studios use professional lighting equipment but some may use natural light if they have large, well-lit windows.

An 'on-location' photographer travels with their equipment to your home (typically) and will set up a small portable studio, most likely in your living room. Some on-location photographers use the same props and studio lighting just as one would in a studio space but some perform these in-home sessions with a 'lifestyle' approach. Be sure to ask your photographer what type of style they photograph. Ask if they use natural light or studio lights. If they use natural light and you are having an in-home session please be sure they know how to work in possible low-light situations.

Leah Islinger Photography has a studio located in downtown Little Chute. It is fully stocked with everything you might need; wipes, diapers, snacks, drinks, a comfy couch for mom & dad, a coffee maker, and a bottle warmer plus so much more! I use a studio light so that my lighting is always consistent - what you see on my website & social media is what you will get for your images.

8. DO YOU OFFER PROPS AND CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR MY BABY?

If you are wanting props and little outfits be sure to ask what your photographer provides. Every photographer has their own style - be sure their style is one that you like! Not every photographer will provide the same types of props, colors, clothing, etc... Some photographers are very colorful, some prefer to only use neutrals, and some provide the best of both worlds! Many newborn photographers do request that you only use the little outfits that they provide. I think I can safely say that this is because we newborn photographers, as a whole, love to shop LOL We spend hours scouring the internets for the perfect vendors to order props and outfits and fabrics from. And these vendors scour the internets finding the best materials and fabrics to make these items from. They are made to fit the tiny newborn body much better than your general department store clothes do. That being said, we understand a parents desire to sometimes use something they consider special to them. Tell your photographer about this item or outfit beforehand and see if there is a way to work it into your session. Just please, don't bring a suitcase into your session and surprise your photographer with a bundle of clothes and props from home. We newborn photographers tend to be a little neurotic and we have everything planned out before you even leave your house that morning to drive over LOL 

Leah Islinger Photography shops a lot (LOL) and has loads of props, outfits, headbands, tiny hats, little plush stuffies, fabrics, layering pieces and more! 

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If you ask these 8 key questions I am confident you will find yourself the best newborn photographer that not only fits your needs but also the needs of your baby. I understand that most new parents' first question for a potential newborn photographer is "What is your price?"  ---- let me assure you that you need to first ask "How well will you take care of my precious newborn?" My answer will always be "To the very, very best of my ability and I will love that sweet-smelling, fuzzy-headed, itty bitty baby just like my very own!!

Photos below show some of my studio space, the wall of little outfits I offer (regularly added to!), props, the parent lounge area (TV was just added!) - not pictured.....the storage room full of a million more props and backdrops!