Hiring a newborn photographer near me in New Jersey as a professional newborn photographer

It’s bittersweet, but we are done having babies so I won’t be searching for a newborn photographer for myself, however if I was going to hire a newborn photographer near me for my own newborn portraits, there are number of things I would look for.

• To start, if I was going to hire someone who does posed newborn photography, I would make sure they are trained in safe newborn handling. You can simply ask, but most will post on their website whether or not they have received training. There are positions newborns should not be placed in and there are signs to look for to identify stress in a newborn, so if I am going to trust a professional to handle my brand new baby, I would want them to have the necessary training and knowledge base.

Now, posed newborn photography is not for me, I prefer the more candid, lifestyle newborn photography approach, so I’m not going to get into too much of what I’d look for in a posed newborn photographer specifically, but these next few criteria apply to any photographer.

• I would ensure the photographer has experience photographing newborns regardless of their style. It takes a certain type of person to work with a newborn which is why you’ll find a lot of photographers who specialize in newborns have a love for newborns and the art of newborn photography. We are dedicated to taking the time to learn about newborns. We’re incredibly patient people and have a way with babies that someone who does not specialize in newborns might not have. This is also a time you cannot get back so hiring someone with experience that I know will document this time well, is very important to me.

• I would make sure that they are insured. Any photographer you hire should have liability insurance.

• After having a newborn and honestly when you’re still pregnant, you live in a sort of fog so nothing else but you and that baby really matter. Which is why most postpartum mamas are not going to be printing their own pictures after their newborn session. I certainly did not so I would make sure to find someone who will offer to create an album or frame a portrait for me because while I may not do it myself, I really want those keepsakes.

• I would make sure our personalities align and I feel comfortable being around this photographer. Photography, especially newborn photography, is a very personal event. It’s not unusual to feel insecure or uncomfortable to be in front of the camera so connecting with the person behind the camera is important to me.

• I’d like some guidance on what I should wear. If I had no design sense (which I don’t in everyday life) or knew what would look good in pictures, I’d want someone who does know and can help guide me; whether that’s with dresses they provide or with inspiration.

• Someone who understands the postpartum period. It’s such a vulnerable time in a woman’s life. Our bodies have completely changed and having someone who is knowledgeable and empathetic is a must.

• Someone who is flexible with scheduling a newborn session. I would like to have some space and time after the birth to be able to schedule my session. If there are complications with the pregnancy or birth or if I just wasn’t feeling up to being in front of a camera/ preparing for a photo session, I’d want to know I can wait at least 2 weeks to schedule a session. With my first baby, emotions hit strong those first 2 weeks. I had the baby blues and while I was blissed out most of the time, I hit periods of sadness and just a general discomfort primarily in those first 2 weeks. As a nursing mom, it can take a little bit to adjust to feeding. I didn’t have any issues with her getting milk or her latch, but my milk came in strong and I was engorged for a few days, my nipples hurt and the day my milk came in I cried! It made me really emotional. My following two births I adjusted more quickly and was out and about earlier but you never know how the birth will go or how you’re going to feel after having a baby.

The newborn phase is so fleeting. It’s challenging, uncomfortable, demanding yet incredibly beautiful. It’s a time that is worth documenting and worth documenting right. Whoever you hire as your newborn photographer, be sure to do your research and ensure the photographer you hire meets your personal criteria. If a budget isn’t a big concern, then go for that experienced photographer who will truly take care of you throughout the whole process. Who will offer to print your images for you and hand deliver them to your door. If you are working with a budget, decide what is important to you and why you really want these photos. There are so many talented newborn photographers near me that if I went into the process blindly, I know it would be difficult choosing who to go with it based solely off of their imagery alone!

If you’re here and you’re weighing your options and I am on your list, I want to share how I meet some of my own criteria! First of all, I am a mom of three so I have personal experience with all of it. Not only am I mom who has been through it, but I am also a former postpartum and newborn nurse. I have professional training in caring for newborns and postpartum women. Baby not nursing great and your nipples are cracking? I have identified a number of tongue ties in babies whose parents did not know the baby had ties. Questions about a mark on your baby’s skin? I know common birth marks babies are born with. I also have resources within the community where I can refer you to if you have questions or need to be evaluated.

I’ve been photographing babies since my niece was born 8 years ago. I took many courses in newborn photography and through practice adapted my own style.

I am insured! I am working with your precious little humans so I keep up to date on my insurance.

One of my favorite parts of the client journey is handing you your album or installing your framed portraits. It brings me so much joy and takes a lot of the stress off of you. You choose the images and the finishes, but I handle everything else.

I am an incredibly patient and I have a calming energy. It’s something my clients and friends comment on all the time. The postpartum and newborn space is sacred so I make sure I am creating an environment that is gentle and low stress. Babies sense stress. I allow for plenty of time for baby to settle and feel comfortable in my presence. I want you to feel a sense of ease as well. You may want someone who is more bubbly and expressive, so that’s why it’s important to get to know your photographer a little more before you work together.

I don’t put you on any time crunch when scheduling your session. We pick a date after baby is born so that we can schedule it when you feel ready. Yes we may miss out on some of those early newborn scrunches if we wait until baby is 6 weeks old and we may encounter newborn acne, but if you’re not feeling great, let’s not rush it.