Carli Adams is a newborn photographer specialising in newborn babies and children. She owns Bailie and Belle and is based in St Albans.
Newborn photography is relatively new to the UK, it came over from the USA where everyone seems to have their Newborn photo shoot booked by the time of the second scan. But what is it?
Newborn photography involves an experienced handler delicately posing your tiny newborn little angel into position they would have naturally taken up in the womb. These poses are adorable and mostly whilst baby is sleeping, they settle so beautifully into these positions it is really hard to have to move them when they look so comfortable.
So why should I have a Newborn photo shoot done?
Well 1 – because they are blinking cute! That tiny little baby changes so quickly that by the time you come back to the studio for your viewing appointment it is highly unlikely that they will get into those positions again.
2.) they are just beautiful, it is a very poignant reminder of how small your little one was and that will last until they have children of their own.
Who should you choose to be a Newborn Photographer for you? Now I will say at this point that not everyone is a Newborn photographer, even Ansel Adams would struggle if he was asked to photograph a Newborn and he is one of the most famous photographers in the world.
The reason for this is simple, a lot of Newborn photography isn’t about the actual photography at all, it is about learning about the way a Newborn baby moves, how they can and cannot move, how they sleep, what positions are best for them if they have wind or colic, etc etc.
Please bear this in mind, it takes a lot of continuous training to be a Newborn Photographer. The way I think about it is that no-one else has touched your baby as much as your photographer will apart from you and your midwife!
Now there is a difference, your midwife went to university to train about anatomy and how the human body works in labour and birth. Your Newborn photographer did not. Unfortunately this industry is completely unregulated. No-one looks to see whether that person that is handling your little one is safe to do so. So what should you look for for reassurance that your photographer is qualified.
- Experience. Not just being a mum or dad, although this can help, most experienced Newborn photographers have done training and take their career very seriously.
- Look for someone with training, someone just starting out may be an attractive proposition because they may be cheaper but bets are that they haven’t had 1-1 training with an experienced newborn photographer.
- Look for someone with insurance. This gives you a good idea that that photographer takes their work very seriously.
- Ask questions – Any photographer that works with newborn babies will have built up a wealth of knowledge around them. It will be easy to tell by asking a few questions about them and their business and how often they train whether they are a good fit for your family.
- Ask if you can stop. Mum’s miss their newborn babies, your photographer should be very capable to make the transition between poses to give you a break if you need one.
- Reviews, looks on google and Facebook to see their client reviews.
I really hope that this blog will give you a small guide into what goes into Newborn photographer, it really is one of the most rewarding experiences that you will go through and most of my clients will tell you it was very relaxing and enjoyable experience. If you go on to have a Newborn photo shoot, I hope that you treasure it and enjoy every minute.
For more information, please see Carli’s website.
Here’s how to find out more information on my birth plan chats or to to get in touch
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