When you search “Newborn Photographer in Vancouver”, you’ll get a ton of search results. The first photos of your baby are incredibly special and selecting a photographer to capture these moments can be difficult when there are so many options. So how do you choose a newborn photographer? We’ve put together some key points to consider, every photographer has their niche, or specialization, and depending on what you’re looking you’ll be able to narrow down your selection.

1) EXPERIENCE

How long has your photographer been in business? How many babies have they photographed? How have they been trained and do they have the qualifications? These are all questions that are important to ask. Safety is extremely important when handling newborns, especially when it comes to specialized posing, so you’ll want to know if your photographer has handled babies, and if they have the proper training to safely pose your baby. It’s harder than it looks! Babies are unpredictable and having a photographer that knows how to gently soothe baby, allows for time for baby to be feed, rocked and to take breaks is vital. We always follow your baby’s lead and ensure that poses aren’t forced or uncomfortable. Newborn photography is specialized and it’s important to feel confident in your choice. A professional photographer will have the experience and expertise to safely capture your new baby.

2) STYLE

Do you prefer lifestyle photography, a more posed look, or a combination of both? Do you prefer natural light or studio lighting? Is this a style your photographer specializes in or just a part of a multitude of services offered? A great place to start is by looking not only at a photographers website portfolio but at their Instagram/Facebook. Just because a photographer offers all services, doesn’t mean it’s their style or niche. Make sure their brand and style truly reflects what you’re looking for, if you want a photographer that captures a more natural and organic look then a lifestyle photographer may be best. Looking for portrait style family photography, maybe a studio photographer may be best. Simply put, hiring a photographer that specializes in the style you are looking for will help you to achieve the images you want.

3) CREDENTIALS

Checking out their reviews can be super helpful in helping to decide whether a photographer is a good fit for you. Are they part of any associations? Do they have a business licenses? Have they been accredited? Am I hiring a professional photographer or a hobbyist? While there is nothing wrong with hiring that family friend to take your photos, for newborn photography and posing, safety is important and having a trained, certified professional photographer will give you piece of mind.

4) LOCATION

Where are you located? What type of lighting will you use? What backdrops will you have? Most newborn photographers will work out of a studio, but some are on-location photographers that will come to you. Each location offers different options, natural vs. artificial lighting, studio backdrops with props or more candid lifestyle photos in your own home, use of multiple rooms (nursery, living room, bedroom etc.), specialized newborn posing availability etc. Our mobile photography studio is unique in that we can bring everything to you backdrops/sets, specialized newborn posing equipment, so you can stay in the comfort of your own home.

5) VALUE

What is included in their services? Do they offer printing services or are they solely digital images? As a full service photographer we include services like hair and makeup, a client closet to borrow from, customized packages and edits, wall gallery design and mockups, and fine art printing. We feel that these services enhance not only our clients’ experience but their images as well. If this is important to you, you may want a full service photographer, if you’re looking for a quick session with many digital images then a shoot and burn photographer may be your thing. Asking yourself what you want out of the session and what you value can help you decide what fits you best.