Are you currently looking to book newborn photos but are overwhelmed by the options of newborn photographers around you? Well, I am a member of the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International and have completed the APNPI credentials in Newborn Safety Education. I’d love to share with you a list of questions you should be asking your potential newborn photographer. I’d be happy to answer any of these questions for my potential clients.
Questions to Ask Your Newborn Photographer:
- How many years have you been working as a newborn photographer and approximately how many babies have you handled up to this point? Christine: 3 years. Approximately 35 so far.
- Have you received any newborn specific posing training and with whom did you train? Christine: YES!!! Simply Fresh Newborn Workshop with Lemonade Stand Photography and Robin Hansen Photography, Stephane Schaefer for family mentoring, The Milky Way series newborn, maternity, family and business online workshops, Erin Tole “birdseye” workshop and online videos & Sandra Hill Photography.
- What are the safety practices you have in place in your studio specifically geared towards the newborn client? Christine: I keep my studio temperature warm (approximately 75-78 degrees). I always have hand sanitizer available to use throughout my sessions as well as washing my hands periodically. My fabrics are always cleaned after use. I ask that my clients refrain from bringing snacks with nuts in them for allergen reasons. I never push a newborn into a pose they don’t want to do because every baby is different and some are more willing to respond to certain posing than others- If I find they are resisting enough, I will move onto the next set-up. Am always looking to see if there’s any loss of circulation and if so, I will change a baby’s position to bring circulation back before proceeding (newborns do not have good circulation yet). I never let my newborns be un-attended. I always use a parent spotter or assistant for upright posing.
- Will my newborn be supported by human hands in all upright positions as well as any poses requiring suspension? Christine: YES!
- Do you work with an assistant or provide spotters at your newborn sessions? If not, will you allow me to spot my baby during a session? Christine: At this time, I do not work with an assistant, but yes- I will definitely allow you to spot your baby during the session and I will ask that you do.
- What will happen in the case of illness, your own or otherwise? Christine: If I am ill and contagious, I will re-schedule a session.
- Are you currently up to date on the necessary vaccines needed when working with a pregnant or newborn population? Christine: YES!!
- Can you point me towards online resources from which I can learn about safe practices when photographing newborns? Christine: https://apnpi.com
- Are you a member of an organization or association directly servicing newborn photographers and their educational needs? Christine: YES, Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International 🙂
