Whether we believe we are artistic or not, we’re all drawn to certain artistic styles.  We may appreciate all of them, but some just speak to us more than others.  Think about the way you decorate your home…or the types of rooms you are drawn to on Pinterest.  When it comes to newborn photography, make sure you choose a photographer that speaks to you visually and emotionally.  While it’s a common belief that a photographer is a photographer is a photographer…it’s simply not true.  Sure, I may be able to photograph a wedding technically but I can assure you it wouldn’t be my best work.  And when you hire a wedding photographer, don’t you want them to be AWESOME at photographing weddings?  And beyond that, don’t you want them to be able to capture your story in the way you always envisioned it?  All photographers are not created equal.  Just because I have a super-fantastic camera and I know how to use it, doesn’t mean I’ll produce the results you want if my vision doesn’t match your own.

The same applies when choosing a photographer to document the next most momentous event in your life – the arrival of your baby, the extension of your family unit…the next chapter of your story.  You want to make sure you are going to LOVE your photos and that you are going to love them for a long time…and that you’ll enjoy the process that comes with getting them.  So here are a few tips to consider when looking for the best newborn photographer for YOU:

1.  Make sure you love their portfolio.  Not all newborn photography is the same and every photographer has a different way of telling your story.  Some photographers prefer perfectly posed babies (usually naked and with props), others prefer lifestyle (unposed, usually diapered and clothed), and some (like myself) shoot a bit in-between.  You can get a good idea of the type of photos you will receive from your photographer by reviewing their online portfolio and by reviewing recent work in their blog.

2.  Love their style.  While the tip above is important, this may be even more important!  A photographer will deliver their best work when your style and vision blends well with their own.  Do you love pops of color and bold photographs or do you prefer light and airy, organic-feeling photographs?  Do you like big  headbands, hats, and lots of prop changes?  Be sure to look for these elements when you are reviewing your photographer’s portfolio.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for and what you hope to incorporate into your session, chances are this is not the best newborn photographer for you and you should keep looking!

3.  Know what you want in terms of products.  Are you a DIY-er or do you want a full-service photographer who offers design and print services so that when your experience is said and done, you have tangible art to display on your walls or pass down for generations.  If you want digital photographs, think about why you want them and what you plan on doing with them…and if you’ll actually have time to do it!  If the answer is no, consider hiring someone that is excited to do this for you.  On the same token, make sure that if you want digitals, that your photographer offers them.

4.  Studio or in-home?  Be sure to decide whether this is important to you!  While studios are a more controlled environment with consistent lighting and are designed around the photographer’s style, in-home sessions allow for lifestyle imagery throughout your home and can lend to more variety.  Your photographer should be well versed in finding light in even the most unsightly of rooms and should be able to reproduce the work you see on their site.

5.  Fifth and possibly the most important of all, make sure you LIKE the photographer!  This may seem silly to even mention, but you should be able to get a good feel for your photographer’s personality through emails and phone conversations.  Make sure you feel comfortable with he or she because if you don’t, it might show in your images.

Of course, I would love nothing more than to be your newborn photographer, but most importantly is YOUR happiness.  If my work resonates with you and you would like more information about booking your maternity, newborn, or baby milestone session, CLICK HERE TO REACH OUT TO ME!

In the meantime,

Click here to find more tips about preparing for your newborn session!

Then,

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Atlanta Newborn Photographer

Heather Carraway Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, family, and child photography in Atlanta, GA and surrounding neighborhoods including but not limited to Smyrna, Buckhead, Mableton, Marietta, Vinings, and Brookhaven.  For more information or to book a newborn session, use the contact form above or email her at heather@heathercarrawayphoto.com.