Top 10 Questions and Answers on what to look for when hiring a newborn photographer

Focus Studios Answers: Things to Ask Your Newborn Photographer

I hope our list of questions last week helped you to make an informed decision when hiring a newborn photographer.

For those of you that did not get a chance to ask these questions of Focus Studios, or for those that were not able to make it to the Baby Show last weekend, here are the answers.

  1. What professional training do you have? How many years of experience do you have photographing newborns?

    I graduated from Humber College’s Photography and Graphic Design programs almost 15 years ago. I have 12 years of experience as a professional photographer, and I have spent the last 10 years photographing newborns and families. I continue to upgrade my skill set through many private workshops.

  2. At what age would you prefer to see a new baby? Do you work with preemies?

    Ideally, I like to photograph a new baby within the first three weeks. The smaller the baby, the longer we can wait; bigger babies should come earlier. I will photograph preemies, but babies must be at least five pounds before they come in for a session.

  3. Are siblings and family included in the photographs?

    Siblings and family are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the session.

  4. Do you photograph in studio or in home? Which do you prefer and why?

    When it comes to a newborn session, I photograph only in studio at 1211 Gorham St., Unit 9 in the south end of Newmarket. This allows me to have complete control of the environment – I warm up the studio a fair bit so that the baby is never uncomfortable – and I can maintain control over the lighting, which is essential in a newborn session. This also allows the client to have full creative control, as all our props and outfits and backgrounds are at their disposal.

  5. What can I expect during a session? And what can I expect after?

    A newborn session lasts, on average, two to three hours. We work entirely on the baby’s schedule. We take our time; we make sure to get all the poses and shots the client would like to have. Clients have unfettered access to props, outfits and blankets available in studio. After the session, we schedule an appointment to review images and order artwork.
  • How should we prepare and what should we bring?

    After booking your session, I will send over a guide to help you prepare. It includes feeding and outfit suggestions for any siblings and family members.
  • What props and wardrobe options are available?

    The studio is filled with things you can use in your photos: crates, buckets, beds, baths, etc. We also have plenty of outfits, hats, and accessories.

  • What happens if the baby is fussy and won’t settle?

    We do not set a time limit on the session. The baby dictates how the day flows. They need extra snuggles, they get extra snuggles. It’s a particularly hungry day? Then baby gets fed frequently. We want to ensure that baby is comfortable and happy and sleepy. The studio is a warm and calming environment; we don’t rush perfection.

  • Do you have an assistant?

    I will often have my studio manager assist during newborn sessions.

  • And the most important of all: How do you ensure the safety of the newborn?

    Not only do I have two young children of my own, but in the past ten years I have photographed more than 300 babies. I will never ever put a baby – or anyone for that matter – in a compromising pose. If I want a particular shot, and it cannot be done safely, I will digitally compose it later. There is always a spotter for the baby who is never more than an arm’s length away. The safety of your baby is my number one priority.

If you want any more information, or have any more questions, I am always more than happy to answers those. You can call or send me a text at 416-888-8775 or shoot me an email at info@focusstudios.ca

Baby M at 7 days new