7 Reasons Parents Hesitate to get Professional Newborn Portraits

So, you are expecting a sweet bundle of joy soon and you are wondering how to capture this amazing time in your life? Newborn Portrait Sessions are an amazing way to cherish the memories of your tiny babe. But as an expecting parent, you have many questions and concerns, naturally. Below is a brief explanation of the top 7 reasons parents hesitate to get professional newborn portraits done and the ways these concerns can be met. 

If you are considering booking Tanis Saucier Photography for a newborn portrait session, be sure to get in touch well before baby arrives to ensure time to get the answers to any other questions you may have.

You can click HERE when you are ready to get started.

1. Germs

Of course you want to keep your newborn baby away from people who are sick but that doesn't mean you need to hide yourselves away.  Newborn photographers should have high standards when it comes to studio hygiene practices. Questions like “How often do you wash your props and accessories?” and “What happens if you come down with a cold?” will help align your expectations with your concerns. 

2. Safety

Your baby is so tiny, the tiniest he will ever be! How will you be able to trust another person with the handling of your precious package? There are a multitude of images on the web that show perfectly sleepy babies on a shelf or in a bucket or seemingly propping themselves up on their own hands. Adorable, right? But what you may not know is the behind the scenes of how these images were created. Your newborn photographer should have training to safely accomplish these special poses, a spotter (assistant or mom/dad) to have hands on baby as well as advanced composite editing ability for the more challenging poses (“Froggy”) . Not all photographers will be newborn specialists so it's best to go with a photographer who is dedicated to this very unique type of memory-making! Anyone promoting themselves as a professional photographer should also have the necessary insurance and should be a certified and registered business.

3. We don't have anything to dress baby in.

Again, newborn portrait photography is a highly specialized form of photography. The typical onesies and sleeper pj's you dress your baby in at home often don't fit baby well or have distracting logos and patterns on them. A full service portrait studio that specializes in newborn photography should offer at least some basic wraps, hats/bonnets and/or outfits. You should be able to get a sense of what style and options are available to you from your photographer's portfolio. Most newborn photographers will have a variety of props, outfits and wraps to customize your session to suit your taste. A quick look at their portfolio will allow you to see the photographic styling that you can expect. Take a look at my portfolio to the variety of gorgeous props, outfits and wraps I have for you! 

4. My baby cries so much! How will she be calm enough to get photos done?

It is up to the experienced photographer to create a studio environment that is calm, clean and conducive to sleep! Newborn babies cannot regulate their internal temperatures so it is of importance to ensure a warm room (especially for those sweet naked shots!). The slightest breeze can disturb baby and so most studios have additional space heaters to create a cozy space. Newborn photographers should have techniques for soothing and calming babies such as white noise, swaddling skills and buckets of patience! Your photographer should also be able to guide you in preparing your baby for the best chances of a successful session by giving you tips and suggestions in advance.

5. I don't think I can organize myself AND my newborn baby!

Maybe you have decorated baby’s room, pre-washed and folded all the cute clothing, and read all the baby books… and maybe you haven’t. Regardless of how organized you feel you are or not, your photographer should be someone who will guide you through every step of the experience to help you prepare for this memory-making portrait session. The best way to organize yourself for a newborn portrait session is to do your research well before baby arrives, so you aren’t left scrambling to find a newborn photographer that you want to work with.

6. It’s going to cost too much.

Like with many things in life, you get what you pay for. The memories and moments captured in photographs will become priceless over time, that is for certain. I know my children love seeing themselves as they were as tiny babies. Going through these memories sparks conversation, connection to each other and the past. When they begin their own journey toward parenthood years and years from now, they will love looking back on their newborn images to compare with their own little loves. 

A professional newborn photographer should also be equipped and trained to do a job that you yourself cannot replicate. That is what you pay for. You can view my newborn session pricing by clicking here.

7. Where do I find a professional photographer who specializes in Newborns?

A quick Google Search for “Your City Newborn Photographer” will give you a variety of sites to visit but you can also ask around within your moms circles and in online parenting groups. Look for a photographer whose portfolio of newborn images matches the style you are going for.

Do you want those sweet, posed newborn photos that incorporate props, outfits and accessories so you don’t have to think of a thing or are you looking for more lifestyle, candid photos, maybe done in the comfort of your own home?

Then, be sure to either meet with them in person or at least chat with them on the phone so you can get a sense of whether you will be a good fit. Make a list of questions to ask (because baby brain is a REAL thing!) and get in touch with potential photographers well before baby arrives as most professional photographers book a limit amount of sessions. 

Do you have other concerns or questions?

Click HERE to get in touch with Tanis and get answers to all your questions and to

see if she is the photographer for you!