Choosing a newborn photographer feels like a huge decision because it IS a huge decision. You’re trusting someone with your brand-new baby during the most vulnerable first days of their life. But when every photographer’s website says they’re ‘experienced’ and ‘professional,’ how do you actually tell who’s the real deal? Here are three questions to ask your newborn photographer that will cut through the fluff and help you find a photographer who’s truly right for your family.

Before I ever picked up a camera professionally, I was a nursing student spending long hours in the NICU. I’d swap turns with nurses, holding full-term babies who were going through withdrawal or needed their glucose levels stabilized. But I also watched the NICU nurses care for the tiniest babies – some as early as 23 weeks. Witnessing that level of precision and gentleness with such fragile little ones taught me something that shaped how I approach newborn photography today.

That experience, combined with being a mom of three and 14 years behind the camera, has shown me exactly what questions to ask a newborn photographer – and more importantly, what the answers should tell you. Whether you’re searching for a Myers Park newborn photographer or anywhere in the Charlotte area, these questions will help you make a confident choice.

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Question One: What’s Your Experience and Approach to Newborn Safety?

This is the question I wish every parent would ask, and honestly, the one I’m most passionate about answering.

Before I ever picked up a camera professionally, I was a nursing student spending long hours in the NICU. I’d swap turns with nurses, holding full-term babies who were going through withdrawal or needed their glucose levels stabilized. But I also watched the NICU nurses care for the tiniest babies – some as early as 23 weeks. Witnessing that level of precision and gentleness with such fragile little ones taught me something that no photography workshop ever could: newborns require careful, intentional handling.

I watched those nurses move with a choreographed care – every position monitored, every movement purposeful. And beyond the medical care, I saw how they supported parents through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives. That experience holds such a special place in my heart, and it absolutely shapes how I approach newborn photography today.

As a mom of three (including one with terrible reflux who basically lived on my shoulder for months), I’ve spent countless hours learning to read baby cues, understanding what makes them comfortable, and knowing when they need a break. That real-world experience with my own babies, combined with my nursing background, means I’m confident and comfortable handling your newborn throughout our session.

Now, let me tell you about my style. I practice baby-led posing, which means I follow your baby’s natural movements and comfort rather than heavily manipulating them into specific poses. You know those images you see with babies in the “froggy pose” or suspended in elaborate setups? They’re adorable – truly – but that’s just not my aesthetic. I prefer capturing babies doing what babies naturally do: curling up, stretching out, those tiny yawns, the way their fingers curl around yours. To me, that’s the magic worth preserving.

What should you listen for when you ask this question?

When asking questions to your newborn photographer about safety, they should be able to clearly explain their experience with newborns and their approach to keeping babies comfortable and secure – whether that’s formal training, medical background, or years of specialized experience. What matters most is that they’re confident, knowledgeable, and take your concerns seriously.

Pay attention to how they talk about handling babies. Do they seem comfortable and experienced? Can they explain their process? Do they welcome your questions or seem defensive?

The truth is, you’re trusting someone with your brand new baby during their most vulnerable days. You should feel completely confident in their ability to handle your little one with the care and gentleness they deserve.

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Question Two: When Should I Book, and What Happens If My Baby Arrives Early or Late?

Here’s what I recommend: book during your second trimester if possible. Not because I’m trying to rush you, but because working with a photographer who limits their monthly sessions means you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your spot is secured. No scrambling at 38 weeks pregnant trying to find someone available in Myers Park or the greater Charlotte area.

And here’s the best part about working with us: we’ve never run into a timing problem we couldn’t solve. Baby came three weeks early? We adjust. Baby is fashionably late? We wait. That’s the beauty of limiting how many families we work with each month – there’s breathing room built into the schedule, so you never have to stress about timing.

When you book, we’ll pick a tentative session date about 7-10 days after your due date – that sweet spot when babies are still sleepy and curled up. After that, I just ask that you stay in touch and let me know if anything changes. No pressure, no rigid timelines.

And here’s something important: flexibility isn’t just about medical complications. Once I had a mama who was SO swollen after delivery – hands, feet, face, everything. She didn’t feel like herself, and the thought of getting in front of the camera was the absolute last thing she wanted to do. So we waited. We did her son’s newborn session when he was a month old, and she was so glad we had. And you know what? He was still a tiny little one. Those first few weeks go by so fast, but babies stay small longer than you think.

What should you listen for when you ask this question?

When asking your newborn photographer about booking and timing, they should have a clear answer about their booking timeline AND their flexibility. If they seem rigid about the “5-14 day window” or make you feel stressed about timing, that’s a red flag. Birth is unpredictable – your photographer should understand that and work with you, not against you.

Ask about their policies for early arrivals, late babies, NICU stays, or difficult recoveries. The right photographer will make you feel supported, not pressured.

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Question Three: What Does the Session Experience Actually Look Like?

I think this might be the question that helps you relax the most, because here’s the truth: newborn sessions with us are designed to be as low-stress as possible.

A typical session takes about 1.5-2.5 hours, but here’s my promise to you – we’ll stay as long as we need to create a gallery you’ll absolutely love. Sometimes that’s an hour, sometimes it’s four. It really depends on your baby’s mood and how many people we’re photographing. First baby sessions tend to move a bit faster, while sessions with siblings running around (adorably) take a little longer. And that’s completely okay.

Before your session, we’ll send you a newborn prep guide with tips on how to help baby be sleepy and content. But if those tricks don’t work? It’s still okay. We’ll take as many feeding breaks as baby needs and as many snack breaks as the big kids need. There’s no clock ticking, no pressure to rush.

We have everything you need at the studio – diapers, wipes, snacks for siblings, and coffee for the adults (because let’s be real, you probably need it). We have wraps, hats, headbands, and tiny little outfits for baby. The only things we suggest bringing are formula if you’re bottle-feeding, and any pacifiers or loveys that comfort your baby.

If you’re planning to use our studio wardrobe for yourself or your older children, we’ll send you a link to our online gallery before your session. You can choose what you’d like to wear, and we’ll have those dresses cleaned and ready for you. Need help figuring out what dad should wear? We’re always available to weigh in on that too.

For our Signature Sessions, professional hair and makeup are included – we’ll do that at the studio or at your home depending on which location you choose for your session. You’ll show up, we’ll pamper you a bit, and then we’ll create something beautiful together.

What should you listen for when you ask this question?

Pay attention to whether the photographer seems rushed or relaxed when they describe their process. Do they talk about flexibility and taking breaks, or do they focus on keeping things “on schedule”? Newborns don’t operate on schedules, and your photographer shouldn’t either.

Ask about what’s provided versus what you need to bring. Ask how they handle fussy babies or tired toddlers. The answers should make you feel supported, not stressed.

And here’s the thing – you should genuinely like your photographer’s personality and communication style. You’re going to spend 2-4 hours together during a vulnerable, emotional time. If something feels off during the consultation, trust that instinct.

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Bonus Question: How Do You Handle Siblings and Pets in Newborn Sessions?

This is one of my favorite questions to ask a newborn photographer because the answer is almost always yes for us – siblings and pets are absolutely welcome, and actually, we highly recommend including them!

This is a family event. Your older children are becoming big brothers or big sisters, and that’s a huge milestone worth capturing. These images don’t just document your newborn – they capture this exact moment in your family’s story, the excitement, the curiosity, the love that’s already there.

The one caveat: if you’re booking a Newborn Simplicity Session, those are designed to be baby-only. But for our Signature Sessions, bring the whole crew!

One of my favorite sessions involved a Great Dane. Yes, a Great Dane with a brand new baby. The parents were confident that if they told her to stay, she would cooperate and not trample their newborn. And they were absolutely right. She was the most calm, gentle giant I’d ever met. We captured the sweetest image of baby laying between her giant paws while she watched over her new little sister. It’s the kind of photo that family will treasure forever.

Here’s my approach: I trust that you know your pets and your older children better than anyone. If you tell me your dog will be gentle and listen to commands, I believe you. If you warn me that your toddler might have approximately 30 seconds of cooperation in them, I’m ready to work fast and make it fun.

For siblings, I keep things playful and low-pressure. We take breaks, we let them be silly, and we capture the real moments – not just the posed ones. Sometimes the most beautiful image is the one where your three-year-old is making ridiculous faces to get baby to “wake up.”

For pets, I just ask that they’re comfortable around the baby and will respond to your commands. Safety is always the priority, but in my experience, family pets are often incredibly gentle and protective with new babies. They know something special has arrived.

What should you listen for when you ask this question?

The photographer should be enthusiastic about including your whole family. If they seem hesitant or have a lot of rules and restrictions, that might not be the right fit for your family.

Ask about their experience with different ages of siblings – toddlers require a very different approach than school-age kids. Ask if there’s an additional fee or time consideration for including pets or siblings. And make sure they have realistic expectations – your photographer should know that a two-year-old isn’t going to pose perfectly, and that’s exactly what makes the photos authentic.

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What Your Photographer’s Answers Tell You

Beyond the specific answers to these questions to ask your newborn photographer, pay attention to HOW they respond. The right fit isn’t just about credentials and policies – it’s about the whole experience.

Green flags to look for:

• Enthusiasm about your questions (not annoyance or defensiveness)
• Clear, detailed answers that show genuine experience
• Flexibility and understanding about the unpredictable nature of newborns
• Warmth when talking about working with babies and families
• Willingness to address your specific concerns or situation
• Transparency about policies, pricing, and what’s included

Red flags to watch for:

• Vague or dismissive answers, especially about safety
• Pressure tactics or urgency to book immediately
• Rigidity about timing, processes, or “the way things are done”
• Reluctance to show full galleries or discuss their approach in detail
• Making you feel like your questions are bothersome
• Answers that sound scripted rather than genuine

Here’s the truth: asking questions isn’t being difficult or demanding. It’s being a thoughtful parent who takes this decision seriously. And the right photographer will not only welcome your questions – they’ll respect you more for asking them.

Trust your instincts after the consultation. If something feels off, even if you can’t quite name what it is, that matters. You’re going to spend several hours with this person during one of the most precious and vulnerable times in your life. You should feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely excited about working with them.

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Trust Your Instincts (And Ask the Questions!)

I hope this post helps you feel more prepared and less stressed about choosing your newborn photographer. Because here’s what I want you to know: asking these questions isn’t pushy. It’s not demanding. It’s exactly what a good photographer wants you to do.

When parents come to a consultation with thoughtful questions to ask their newborn photographer, it tells me they’re really thinking through their choice and taking this decision seriously. It shows me they value not just the final images, but the entire experience. And honestly? Those tend to be the families I connect with most deeply, because we’re starting from a place of mutual respect and clear communication.

Let me share a story that I think about often. During COVID times, I had a client reach out who wanted to work with me but had one request – she asked if I would wear a mask during the session. This was when COVID was waning and masks were no longer required, but her son had spent a long time in the NICU as a twin baby and had congenital heart issues. She kept apologizing for asking.

I kept reassuring her: she had absolutely NOTHING to feel bad about. I was more than happy to wear a mask. Her baby’s health and her peace of mind were far more important than any minor inconvenience to me.

Here’s what that story taught me – and what I want you to remember: If you’re working with a photographer who won’t fulfill your reasonable requests, or who makes you feel bad for advocating for your family’s needs, that’s a bad sign. The right photographer will work WITH you, not against you.

The right photographer will welcome every single one of your questions and make you feel confident in your choice. They’ll take the time to explain their approach, share their experience, and help you understand exactly what to expect. Because this isn’t just about booking a photography session – it’s about trusting someone with your brand new baby and creating memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

You deserve to feel completely at ease with that decision.

So save these questions to ask your newborn photographer. Ask them during your consultations. Listen carefully to the answers AND to how those answers make you feel. The photographer who’s right for your family will make the whole process feel natural, supportive, and exciting.

And if you have other questions I didn’t cover here? Ask those too. Never apologize for advocating for your baby or your family. The consultation is your time to get every answer you need to feel confident and comfortable moving forward.

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Ready to Start Planning Your Newborn Session?

If you’re expecting in the Myers Park or Charlotte area and looking for a newborn photographer who welcomes all your questions (seriously, all of them!), I’d love to chat with you about your growing family.

Schedule a consultation and let’s talk about what you’re hoping for in your newborn photos. Come with your questions – I promise I’ll have answers that help you feel confident and excited about this experience.

Learn more about our newborn photography sessions including what’s included, session options, and what makes our approach different.

Expecting friends who are starting their photographer search? Share this post with them so they feel prepared and confident when asking questions to their newborn photographer.