Things To Know Before Booking A Newborn Photographer In Los Angeles, CA

Choosing the right newborn photographer in Los Angeles, CA, for your baby's first portraits is an important decision to make. Many times, parents of newborn babies trust a stranger to safely handle and care for their baby during a photoshoot. 

A professional photographer must not take the responsibility lightly, as photographing a newborn isn't an easy task. Thus, the parents of newborns must explore all the options carefully and consider more than just the price tag. To help you in this process of choosing the right photographer, we've put together a list of important questions that you must ask to capture these significant moments of your life. 

Key Questions You Should Ask Before Booking

#1. Do they have safety measures training?
 

Posed newborn photography is different than most other genres of photography. Your brand-new baby is delicate and must be placed in the hands of someone who knows how to pose them safely. Safety should always come before "getting the shot."

#2. Is your photography business licensed and insured?
 

Every business, even a baby photographer in Los Angeles, CA, should be operating with proper licenses and liability insurance. It is important to note that you can run a home studio, as it is legally prohibited. Make sure that you're hiring someone who is operating legally. 

#3. Can you view a full gallery from a newborn session?
 

Most photographers easily show their beautiful portfolio full of their favorite images from various sessions, and while that's a great way to see a broad range of their work, it doesn't show you what you expect to see in your finished gallery. Not all photographers have the same style or skill set. 

Asking to see a full session is a great way to not only get a better idea of what you'll receive, but it also helps set realistic expectations of what to expect from your baby photographer in Los Angeles, CA. 

What to Expect from a Photography Session 

#1. What ages do you photograph for newborn sessions?
 

Different photographers prefer working with different newborn ages, so it's good for you to ask up front which ages they prefer to work with. You may want to wait until your baby is at least 7 days old. The first week helps your baby settle into feeding and sleep routines.

The best time for a posed session usually varies between 7 and 21 days. Furthermore, you can also choose a simpler "swaddled-only" session any time up to 6 weeks of age.

#2. Do you bring your outfits or props?
 

This answer will vary among newborn photographers in Los Angeles, CA. Some do not allow outside props so that they can minimize exposure to germs in their studio. While others have a very specific photography style that they will not stray from.

#3. How Long is your Photographic Session?
 

It depends on your baby, but it plans 60-90 minutes for a swaddled session and 2-4 hours for a full posed newborn session. Furthermore, session timing is important to ask if you're concerned about scheduling photos around your family's work or school schedule. 

#4. Are family and sibling poses included?
 

This is one of the most important items in the photographer's package list. Not all newborn photographers in Woodland Hills, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, provide family photos in their sessions. So, don't assume that they do. Be sure to ask if you can include a family and sibling portrait if that is something that is important to you. 

Conclusion

Booking a newborn photographer in Woodland Hills, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, is about more than just picking a package; it's about making sure your little one is safe, comfortable, and well cared for while capturing these first moments. By asking the right questions about safety training, licensing full-session previews, and session details like age range, props, timing, and family poses, you'll feel confident that you've chosen someone who meets your needs and standards. 

With clear expectations set up front, you can relax and enjoy a stress-free experience, knowing you'll receive beautiful, precious portraits of your new baby. Are you ready to capture the first snuggles of your baby forever? Schedule your custom newborn session in Los Angeles with Mily Cooper Photography today!