Expecting a baby is such an exciting time for families - and planning your newborn portraits is always a lot of fun, too. But it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure who to hire or where to take your newborn baby. As a newborn photographer who’s been photographing babies for many years now, I’ve come to realize that there’s some important topics you should discuss with your newborn photographer before ever booking a session.

1. What safety training do you have with photographing newborns?

This is the most important question you can ask the photographers that you are considering for your little one's first portraits. Newborn photography requires specialized training, and you don't want to trust just anyone with a camera when it comes to your baby that is only a few days or weeks old. You want to hire someone who has in-depth safety training and who knows how to safely handle and pose a newborn -- because posing a newborn safely is much different than handling a newborn in your day-to-day life at home. There are many opportunities for newborn photographers to learn these skills both in-person and online. I have done a variety of workshops and even mentored other photographers, and I continue my newborn education every year with new workshops and trainings. I've photographed hundreds of newborns since 2012, and their safety is my #1 priority in every single session. Safety trumps a cute pose every single time.

2. How many newborn sessions do you schedule a month?

Some photographers run a high volume studio, which means they take on dozens of clients each month. I run a low volume, high service business so that I can devote more time and attention to each client. This also allows me plenty of flexibility in scheduling newborn sessions depending on when each baby arrives. I take on a limited number of newborn clients each month so that I can be sure to fit everyone on the calendar with plenty of wiggle room for babies who are early and late arrivals.

3. Is the studio cleaned and sanitized between sessions?

This has always been important to me as a business owner, and now more than ever we are paying extra attention to all of the ways to make our studio safe for our littlest clients. Every hard surface is disinfected before a session, and every fabric and soft prop is sanitized as well. Read more about our Covid policies here on the blog.

baby girl in monogrammed pink pajamas sleeps on white blanket during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

4. What happens during a newborn session and how long is it?

There's nothing more stressful than becoming a new parent. There are so many unknowns in the first few weeks, which is why I like to prep families ahead of time for their newborn session so that they know exactly what to expect. My studio sessions typically last 2-3 hours, and you can read more about what to expect from start to finish here.

What to expect during newborn sessions

baby sleeps in knit hat during newborn portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography

5. Do you have a newborn session prep guide?

I give every family a welcome packet upon booking their session, and it includes a prep guide with tips on what to do and what to expect before, during, and after their portrait session! I tell all families that this may be their first time, but I've done this literally hundreds of times, so I do whatever it takes to make their experience easier and less stressful.

6. Is family posing included?

Not every newborn photographer includes family and sibling portraits in their sessions. If the first family portrait is something that is important to you (I know it is to me!), then look for a photographer that includes this. I encourage all families to jump in front of the camera for a few portraits at the beginning of their session because I can guarantee you that these are the memories you'll want to look back on one day -- just how tiny your baby was all curled up in your arms and the way your toddler looks at their new sibling before leaning in for a kiss. See some of my favorite family moments captured during newborn sessions in this Best of 2021 Newborn Portraits on the blog!

See some of my favorite family moments here!

new parents and big sister hug newborn baby girl during portraits in studio with Nicole Starr Photography

7. What happens if the baby cries or won't settle?

This happens. And actually, speaking of things that happen during a newborn session, so does poop. And you know what? We just go with it! I wrap and swaddle the baby, rock and gently bounce the baby, turn up the heat, play white noise or a shusher, and use a few baby whisperer techniques that I've picked up over the years that calm even the fussiest babies. I tell all families that all babies settle eventually, and we just go with it knowing that once they settle we'll be able to capture the most beautiful portraits of your little one. In the meantime, I love a good awake newborn portrait and these are a great opportunity to capture their wide variety of expressions and interaction with family members. No time is ever wasted, but we also take our time and don't rush through anything.

baby girl sleeps in white wrap during newborn portraits with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

8. What should we wear? Do you offer a client closet?

This is one of my FAVORITE questions, and if clients don't mention this to me on our phone call then I 100% make sure to bring it up! I have lots of tips for families to make choosing an outfit simple, and I even provide a closet filled with dresses for moms to borrow for their portraits. I know what it's like as a new mom when you're not sure what is going to fit right after delivering your baby. That is why I have carefully selected a variety of long dresses in flowy, neutral fabrics and flattering styles that look amazing on new moms. You're welcome to borrow one for your portraits when you book your newborn session with me! Find more tips for what to wear on the blog, including for dad & siblings!

What to wear inspiration

new parents hold baby during studio newborn session with Nicole Starr Photography, NY newborn photographer

9. Can you come to our home?

Some photographers offer lifestyle portrait session in the client's home. I love these sessions, and they are a beautiful and relaxed peek into your lives at home with your new baby. If you want the convenience of a photographer that comes to you, this might be something to consider! These sessions look and feel quite different from a studio session, so be sure that they're the right fit for you before booking.

Learn more about lifestyle sessions

big brother holds baby on bed during lifestyle newborn session with Saratoga Springs NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

10. What is included in the price?

This is going to be different for every photographer. There are some photographers that sell only prints, and others that sell only digital images. There are photographers that will design your birth announcements and albums, and help you select wall art that will be perfectly sized and will complement the decor in your home. There are other photographers that will send you an online gallery and leave the rest up to you to figure out. Find the photographer whose process fits your needs. Are you looking for photos to post on Facebook? Or are you looking for beautiful artwork to enjoy at home and keepsakes to pass down to your children?

baby girl sleeps on pink blanket in white wrap during newborn session with newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

Over the past decade of working with families, I have found that most new parents are overwhelmed with life at home with a new baby, and that is why I offer a full-service experience that includes an in-home ordering appointment where I help them select their favorite images. I print everything for them from my professional labs, and bring them artwork that is ready to hang and enjoy. When working with me, families don't have to worry about when they'll have the time to log into a gallery, figure out which images are their favorites, determine which sizes will fit on their walls, make sure the ones they chose look good together, find a decent lab to send everything to print, design an album, make and print their own cards, etc. It's literally all done for them while they get to soak up those first few weeks with their brand new baby and not have to worry about anything else.

I realize that everyone has a budget in mind when scheduling their portrait session, however, I also believe that you shouldn't choose your newborn photographer based on price alone. These are memories that you are going to treasure for the rest of your life, and the birth of your child is one of the most important milestones your family will ever celebrate. You want your portraits to reflect that, and you want your printed products to stand the test of time so that you can pass these keepsakes down to your child one day when they are grown.

Make sure you choose a photographer whose style you love. Look carefully at their work and see if you can imagine it hanging in your home. Learn about the service they provide and the products they will create for you, and think about the ways they can make your life easier as a new parent when it comes to enjoying your portraits.

Are you expecting a little one? Reach out today and let's chat about how I can create a memorable portrait experience for your family!

Contact me!

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10 questions to ask your newborn photographer before booking a session shared by NY newborn photographer Nicole Starr Photography

baby girl doing tummy time with a floral backdrop

Vivian is quite possibly the smiliest baby girl that I have had the pleasure of photographing in the studio. This little girl did not stop smiling for even a second of our session, and that gummy smile stretched from ear to ear with sparkling eyes and the sweetest little giggle. Happy and curious, she loved the camera. Just look at those sparkling eyes!

However, not all babies come to their sessions ready to bust out a smile, and there are so many tips that I give families to help their little ones be comfortable here in the studio during our portrait sessions. Our sessions are light, playful, and fast-moving to keep the little ones' attention and capture the most beautiful memories of your family.

On top of the games, songs, silly dances, and fun little toys that I like to pull out during our sessions, there are a few things that parents can do to help their child have a fantastic experience, too. Read on for a few ideas before your session, and enjoy more of Vivian's sweet little smile.

tips to a successful portrait session boston family photographer

It's hard looking cute for an hour! Bring a bite-sized snack or a drink that won't stain their lips or tongue, and take a few moments between shots to cuddle with your little one. Puffs, cheerios, and goldfish are perfect for a quick little pick-me-up between photos, and they even fit right into the baby's hard so we don't see them in the photo!

Babies crave familiarity. Bringing a lovie, a blanket, their favorite toy, or a cherished book can do just the trick. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate their favorite things into the photographs!

For toddlers and other young children, tell your child that we are going to a special place where we will play lots of games and have fun together. Nicole (that's me!) will be there and will play with us, too, and sometimes she will take pictures when we are having fun.

Throughout the week before your session, practice different expressions in the mirror with your child (ages 2+). Have them show you their sad face, silly face, happy face, kitty cat face, excited face, puppy dog face, etc. Kids are still learning how to create a natural expression on their faces, and sometimes they see a camera and go a little overboard with the smile. We want their most natural expressions that show who they are inside, truly showcasing their personalities. When they do a smile that is particularly adorable, praise them and point it out to them. Then try saying, "I love your happy face! Can you show me that one again?" Repeat this throughout the week and they will be comfortable in front of the camera when we get together.

Sometimes a child can have TOO many people tell her what to do, where to look, how to act. Take a break and wander off for a few minutes, leaving me with your child. A lot of the time they loosen right up and their true personalities really shine when left alone with just the photographer. This little girl's mom went off to "check her phone", and right away her daughter was laughing, twirling, and making silly faces with me. Then this little guy wanted to show me his favorite spot in his yard, and once we were behind these stunning yellow bushes he told me all about his secret fort and why he loves it there. Sometimes kids just need a little space. Let's give them that during the session for a few minutes to help them become more comfortable to open up to the camera.

boston family photography — boston rustic photography farms

Most importantly, remember to HAVE FUN during our session. I'm talking to you, mom and dad! ;o) Don't stress out if your little one isn't cooperating. Trust me, we are still capturing beautiful moments on camera. Besides, children can pick up on the stress in adults and will feel it themselves, causing their behavior to be even less than ideal.Simply follow my lead as we redirect the children, keep the session light and playful, and move on to the next set-up if this one is not working. We can always come back to it later in the session. By remembering to have fun, we will create memories that are truly stunning and you will love these photographs for many years. Aren't these photos of moms and dads interacting with their children so much more lovely, dynamic, and emotional than the stiff poses of years past with everyone looking straight ahead at the camera? YES! There's connection, laughter, and excitement shining through in every single portrait. Let's create some memories for your family. What are you waiting for? Click on the "CONTACT" tab above and let's chat.