So you’ve decided you want to niche down and become a newborn photographer, congrats! You know I’m a bit partial to newborn photography. But before you can dive in there are important things know.
Three Things to Know Before Becoming a Newborn Photographer
Safety First
You’ll be handling the most precious pride and joys of a family as a photographer. It’s important that you take lessons on how to properly swaddle, pose, and hold baby during your sessions.
From washing your hands when you arrive before handling baby to knowing what props are safe to use for sessions, you’ll need to make sure you’re well-versed in these areas. I also highly encourage you to become CPR certified. Your local Red Cross has great resources and classes for infant safety.
And, remember, any props that you bring in will need to be properly washed before your next session.
Get Insurance
No matter what type of photography you want to pursue, you need insurance for your business. Insurance, as you know, is one of those things that you don’t want to have to file a claim for BUT if you have to, you’re glad you have it.
You definitely want to have a business policy that is separate from your personal policy, and you’ll need both equipment and liability coverage. I recommend Hill & Usher for your photography insurance needs.
Unknown Moods
They’ll be sessions where baby is sleepy and does whatever you need him or her to do. But… more often you’ll have to soothe the baby in between shots.
Prior to your session, work with the parents on how to prepare for their newborn shoot. For example, a baby with a full tummy is usually much happier during a shoot. Have the parents set out a pacifier, a bottle on hand, or bring a white noise machine to help soothe the baby during those fussier times.
Working with Siblings + Pets
You’ll have families with fur babies and older siblings that they want to have included in pictures. Before going into the session, it’s good to communicate the order of pictures and what how’ll you incorporate fur babies and siblings.
And, again, you’ll want to know what poses are safest when it comes to posing baby with pets and older siblings.
Troubleshoot
Like baby’s moods, there are factors that you will have to learn how to troubleshoot. For example, babies get sick. How do you handle cancellations and reschedules based on a baby who has a double ear infection and would be unconsolable for your session?
Those are just a handful of things to know before you become a newborn photographer. I’ve linked below some other resources that I think you’ll enjoy.
You May Also Like…
The Lifestyle + Posed Newborn Course
Lifestyle Newborn Posing Guide (It’s free!)
Complete Newborn Session Prep Collection
[…] is a must. I mention why in my blog Things to Know Before You Become a Newborn Photographer so I won’t go into much detail here. But it’s pretty much a no-brainer to have […]