Choosing a Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

I don’t have to tell you that there are a LOT of options when it comes to newborn photography. Throw a rock, and you’ll hit a photography studio, even here in Minneapolis. (Don’t do that, though, please, we like the windows in our studios to stay intact!!) What I’m trying to say, is that it can be really overwhelming to choose a photographer, especially for such a magical moment! Commemorating the birth of your new baby is a big deal. It’s something you can only do once, too! They’re only going to stay that little for a short while. Too short, in my opinion. 

So given how important this decision is, and all of the options you have… how do you choose? What should you be thinking about? What questions are most important? Let’s get into it!

Every Newborn Photographer is Different

Make sure you know what your non-negotiables are!!

The first thing for you to think about when you’re going through this process is pretty simple. And honestly kind of obvious. But I’ve got to say it anyway!! Every newborn photographer is different. We all have different styles, preferences, and themes that appear in our work. Some of us prefer studio. Some of us only offer lifestyle. Some of us offer bundles where you can pair Maternity, Fresh 48, and Newborn Photography all together.

What does this mean for YOU? Well, you’re going to have to think about what you want, and then find a photographer who’s work matches it! Some great ways to get an idea of what style you want for your session, is to check out Instagram, and Pinterest. I do love a solid Google search for local businesses, but if you aren’t quite sure what you want specifically yet? Head over to social media!! Get inspiration on Pinterest. Check out local options on Instagram. Now with all that being said, there’s some more specific things to ask yourself while you’re having your casual online-stalk.

Where will your Session be?

One thing to keep in mind when you’re getting inspo and evaluating potential newborn photographers, is your preferred maternity photography location. I don’t mean your city, because most of the time you’re going to be looking at local photographers. What I mean, is whether you plan to have your session indoors, outdoors, or in your home! Not all photographers offer all of those options. So before you get your heart set on a specific newborn photographer, make sure that you know where you want your session to be. That way you can check that they actually offer sessions in those locations!

What’s in your Newborn Photographer’s Portfolio?

One of the ways you can find out about locations your photographer offers, is checking out their portfolio. That’s not the only way, but it’s a good starting point! The other big thing you’ll learn from a photographer’s portfolio, is the style they like to shoot in. And that’s arguably the most important component of this whole process!

When you’re choosing a newborn photographer, the biggest detail (is that an oxymoron?) is the style that your final images will be in. Are you looking for a final set of images that are going to be fairly true to color? Moody? Airy? Some photographers work in different styles upon request, but not all. And most have a signature style that they tend to work in. So, when you’re choosing a newborn photographer, make sure you look at their portfolio, and check for work in the style you want!

Can they help with Prints?

Newborn Photos Deserve to be Printed

Often people miss out on what happens AFTER the session. You’ll be so focused on choosing the right photographer based on style and location… you forget that there’s a whole life that comes after your photos are actually created! Your session isn’t the end of your experience with that professional photographer you chose to work with. Or at least it’s not when you work with me! After we’ve worked together at your session, regardless of what kind of session you’ve chosen, we talk about how you want to feature your images in your home.

I personally think that newborn photos are one of the most important categories of photos to actually print and place in your home. There’s a lot of reasons for that, but the biggest one is pretty simple. That baby? The new squishy one? Very, very soon… it’s going to be very loud. And it’s going to want things. And you’re not going to be able/willing to give it those things. And then… it will yell.

And when it yells? (Yell might not be the right word, actually…) I promise you want to be able to look over to your livingroom wall and see their squishy face, NOT contorted into a scream. I *promise*.

So ask: does this photographer help me actually print my photos?

Picking your Newborn Photographer is a BIG CHOICE

Make sure you think about the details!

If you haven’t noticed by now, I could keep going. I could rant about this all day, and that’s mostly because like I said at the beginning, this is a really important decision. Choosing a newborn photographer who works in a style that you like, offers a location you want, and will help you print your photos… they’re a unicorn. And if it seems like I might be your unicorn, I’d love to talk to you! Reach out, and ask me any and every question. Let’s make this big decision an easy one!