There are a few things you need to learn if you want to become a newborn photographer. But do these things right, and it can be a very rewarding career. There are many things to consider before starting out, such as what type of photography you want to specialize in, what equipment you will need, and what kind of training you might need. In this article, we will discuss some of the basics that you need to get started in this exciting field.
You can do newborn photography in a studio space or within the client’s home. Some photographers offer both.
When you’re getting started in newborn portraits, this should be your first step. Determine which option fits your style and business model.
Studio spaces can give you more flexibility with scheduling. And enough space to keep all of your .
It can also house any newborn specific wardrobe like wraps, head ware, bows, blankets, etc.
Newborn photography doesn’t take much to get started. If you are looking to begin as an in-home newborn portrait photographer, you can use what the clients already have. This way, you can build a low budget setup.
Use a sofa cushion, various blankets for backgrounds, and a boppy pillow. This way, you have an easy and quick in-home setup.
This should really be tip number one. You need to first and foremost know how to handle a newborn. You will need to know what a newborn needs throughout their portrait session.
For example, a newborn feeds every two to three hours if not more. After feedings, a baby needs to be burped.
After that, either the parents keep them awake or they fall asleep again. You’ll have to be comfortable both with a nursing mother and a mother who bottle feeds.
If you have a studio, buy a comfortable chair. The mother can feed, rock, and have time with the baby during the portrait session. This will avoid any disruptions in the baby’s schedule.
Always keep the parents close by. Never let a baby be posed alone if they are not laying down. Keep hands close to hold baby’s head, arms, or back in place. You’ll edit this out later.
Be aware that the baby may relieve themselves on set. Have dog training pads on hand. Or use a mattress protector on your posing pillow to avoid stains and bacteria.
The more experience you have with newborns, the more comfortable you will be. If you are not comfortable handling newborns, be honest and upfront with your clients. Tell them that they will be the ones posing and handling the baby during the session.
Be aware that germs spread easily and can affect a newborn baby. You’ll need to sanitise the area as well as your hands and equipment. Do this before and after each session.
You can never wash your hands enough with baby-safe soap. Trust me.
Posing babies is difficult. They like to be swaddled or wrapped in a ball for comfort. This is where you can purchase swaddles and accessories for the newborn portrait sessions. These are specifically made for babies.
For example, Bella Baby Love by Ana Brandt has many items that help with swaddling, posing, and dressing the baby.
They are made for newborn babies. And they make posing easier and better.
A posing pillow, or boppy pillow, will help to prop the baby higher. Or you can have them lay deep into the pillow for curled up posing.
To hold poses, you may need mom or dad to help. They can hold baby in place. Later, you can retouch hands or people out and have a clean final image.
A posing pillow won’t fit in accessories like buckets, baskets, and suitcases. Use plush blankets or towels to hold the baby up in a comfortable position.
It is really important to know what you need to do to keep a baby safe during a newborn portrait session.
Never use a heating pad underneath a baby. This can lead to second degree burns since newborn baby skin is sensitive.
A floor heater is best at a safe distance. Shut it off during the session and only used before the baby arrives to warm the room.
This is important when starting your newborn photography business.
Samples can include three to five high ticket items. For example, enlarged framed prints, keepsake albums, or baby plans for the first year.
Include any item that you wish your clients to purchase following your session.
Send your clients the pricing information before you have your session. This way they can begin thinking about how much they want to invest on their photographs.
If you have a pre-consultation meeting with them, show them the samples then. If not, show them the samples during the newborn session.
Samples will help your clients to envision their photos in print. Have an extra pricing sheet available for them to take home after the session. This will keep the products fresh in their minds.
Having a referral program for clients will help your newborn photography business grow.
A referral program can offer incentives to current clients. They’ll pass your name along to other families who are looking for newborn portraits.
You can offer low ticket items or high ticket items depending on how many people they refer.
If someone refers 1-5 people, you can give them a free print for each person they sent. When they reach 5 people, a nice gift would be an 8×8 gallery wrap of their favorite image.
Another nice incentive for current clients is that for every subsequent session, they receive a page in an album.
This will help kickstart your newborn photography business and gain more returning clients year after year. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth.
Starting a newborn portrait photography business can be a gratifying experience. You’re capturing a newborn baby during their first days of life.
As magical as it is, it is also very important to keep these tips handy. This way you can make sure that your business is a success.