How to Find the Best Seattle Newborn Photographer for You and Avoid Mistakes

Finding a Seattle photographer to help you capture those early, precious moments in your newborn baby’s life can seem overwhelming. How do you know which one is best? This article provides you with a list of things to consider prior to hiring a newborn photographer — so that you find the perfect match.

Last Update: July 17, 2024 • Newborn

Newborn photo shoot, parents admiring their newborn baby girl

All newborn photography is beautiful and artful in its own way — probably because it’s hard to take a bad photo of something as precious, perfect, and sweet as a newborn baby!

But, with so many newborn photographers in the Seattle area, how do you know which one to book for your family?

In many instances, choosing the best photographer for you is like finding the right hairdresser — it’s about communication, chemistry, and similar styles (if you know, you know!).

Of course, it’s equally important to consider a photographer’s reputation and transparent business practices.

Hiring the wrong photographer for you could potentially result in the following scenarios:

But don’t just take my word for it:

A screenshot of a comment from a motherhood forum discussion
A screenshot of a comment from a motherhood forum discussion

To avoid these situations, it’s best to invest the time needed to find an experienced newborn photographer who best suits you — it will be so worth it!

1. Get Acquainted with the Photographer’s Unique Style and MO

Every photographer out there has a unique shooting style and approach to their craft, focusing on a specific niche. And there are many of them to choose from.

To start, learn how to recognize the differences in various photography styles. Look for things like:

Once you start looking around, the next step is to identify which style of photography you like and vibe with the most. Consider how these photos will be used — if you plan to display them on your walls, which style will complement the design of the intended room?

Ask yourself, “Do I see me and my family in this style of photos?” Sometimes, you can find some photography beautiful, but when you try to visualize yourself in those positions, colors, and setups, you just don’t see it.

Once you have a better idea of what you like, look for a photographer that is true to their style. Is there a clear and consistent representation of this style throughout their website and social media accounts? Or is their work all over the place? A seasoned and skilled photographer's portfolio will display a large body of images, showing they are more likely to deliver consistent results.

How I do it:

A posed shot of a newborn boy from a studio newborn session
A posed shot with a few simple props to keep the focus on the baby. This photo was taken during my studio Newborn Deluxe Session.

2. Make Sure You Understand What’s Included in the Photo Session Price and What Your Deliverables Will Be

Multiple factors go into how a professional photographer will establish their rates, such as level of expertise, photography and session type, travel time, equipment, after-session editing, etc. (It's more than you think!)

Because of this, there are many pricing structures out there — probably as many as there are photographers! However, in my experience, you will find some variation of these three common structures:

As you can see, each pricing structure has its benefits and drawbacks — depending on your preference.

Some Seattle photographers display their photo packages and pricing structures online, while others prefer to keep their prices private, so you might need to fill out a contact form to get that information. While the former is more convenient, don’t automatically dismiss the photographer who requires you to contact them for pricing — you might miss out on something great.

How I do it:

I use the Base Package + Optional Add-Ons pricing structure. My website clearly displays all the newborn photography sessions I offer, including the pricing and what is included in each. I prefer you have all the pricing info at your fingertips to make the most informed decision.

Natural newborn photography, sleeping baby girl
A light and airy photo of the baby from my studio Newborn Deluxe Session.

3. Look for a Newborn Photographer Who Offers Pre-Session Guidance to Ensure You and Your Baby Come Prepared for the Photoshoot

The first couple weeks after your baby’s birth can be a little chaotic for you and your family, so getting everyone ready for a photography session may seem like an overwhelming task — and understandably so!

To have an enjoyable and easy-going session, an experienced photographer will provide you with some guidance to ensure you know what to expect and how to prepare beforehand.

The amount of help you receive from a photographer may differ from one to the other. For example:

In the end, there is no right or wrong here. It comes down to what works best for you, so make sure the photographer you choose will match your needs.

How I do it:

I will email you a detailed prep guide with tips on what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect during the session. My clients find my prep guide extremely helpful! In addition, I offer complimentary access to an online styling service and make myself available through email and text messages for additional questions.

A sample photo from a newborn photoshoot
A naturally posed shot with dad from my studio Newborn Deluxe Session.

4. Make Sure You Have an Idea of What to Expect During the Photo Session and How It Will Unfold

It may surprise you to know that not all photographers are created equal! From wedding, lifestyle, family, portrait, landscape, and other photography types, photographers tend to find a niche they specialize in.

This means a great wedding photographer might not be as good with family photography, for example.

Each photographer also brings a unique personality, vibe, and workflow to the session. Some are bubbly, hyper, and silly, while others are more relaxed, calm, and quiet. Some are more introverted and reserved, while others are extroverted and chatty.

To get you relaxed and laughing, a photographer might tell jokes or funny anecdotes, while others prefer to photograph you as you are without interference.

During a newborn photoshoot, some Seattle photographers will give you more direction and pose the baby in your arms, while others will tell you to hold the baby in whatever way feels natural to you.

Newborn photography is special and requires a unique approach, care, and skill level, so it’s essential to find a photographer who specializes in this (and loves doing so!).

Our babies are priceless to us, and an experienced newborn photographer will know how to handle and pose your baby correctly, safely, and gently to capture those precious photos for you.

As far as the photographer’s vibe, personality, and process, there is no right or wrong. But if you have a strong preference, get acquainted with the photographer by reaching out and asking them questions, browsing their website, and looking through their social media posts and reviews.

How I do it:

A sample photo from a newborn photo session with parents
A naturally posed family shot from a Newborn Deluxe Session in my studio.

5. Make Sure You Fully Understand the Photographer’s Editing Style and Policy

A photographer will usually spend a significant amount of time going through the hundreds of photos taken during your photo session to choose the best ones to edit and present to you.

Even though you can’t possibly know all that goes into the editing process behind the scenes, it is important that you are aware of which types of edits are covered in the session's price.

Does the photographer offer hand editing, which would remove things like minor imperfections, bruises, boogies, and wardrobe malfunctions? If the session price includes color adjustment/correction only, then any sort of hand editing may be an extra charge or not available at all.

For example, let’s say that your perfect baby is experiencing some acne (something that commonly happens with newborns). Some photographers prefer to keep the photos as natural and real-life as possible, so their editing won’t include removing them.

If that is what you are looking for, great! But if you prefer more polished and “blemish-free” photos, you need to know if this type of hand-editing is an option. And if so, is it included in the session’s price or at an extra charge?

This is especially relevant if you’ve worked with other photographers who did things one way in the past, whereas the new photographer you are considering may do things a bit differently. Don’t assume!

How I do it:

I offer hand edits to “perfect” the included number of photos with every session. However, I clearly state the type of hand edits included in the price, what would be considered an advanced edit, and what I cannot edit or correct.

An example of a newborn photo with props
A baby shot with props from a Newborn Deluxe Session in my studio.

6. Make Sure You Understand the Photographer’s Privacy Policy and How they Intend to Use the Photos from Your Session

Photographers need to showcase their photos to share their art, market their products, and grow their businesses.

It’s also helpful to the consumer when a photographer is able to display their previous work on their website and social media accounts.

A photographer might ask you to agree to a “model release,” which permits them to publish and share your photos as needed. Make sure you understand how the images from your session will be used and if you are OK with it.

Even though most people are comfortable with their photos being artfully displayed, in this age of social media “oversharing,” some people prefer to keep their photos private. Or they might be OK with them being shared on the photographer's website but not on social media.

Some photographers are willing to accommodate you, while others will charge an extra fee if you don’t allow them to post photos from your session.

How I do it:

I value my client’s privacy, and if they are not OK with their photos being displayed on my website or social media accounts, I give them an option to opt out—no hard feelings or extra fees.

A sample photo from an in-home newborn photo shoot
A classic parent shot with a newborn on the bed. This photo was taken during my newborn in-home session.

7. Make Sure the Photographer Has Clear Terms of Service You Fully Understand

Before booking your newborn session, read and review their terms of service. Is everything clearly spelled out? Things like:

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the photographer’s policies will help avoid any misconceptions and possible frustrations in the future. Let’s be honest; we’ve all been there.

For example, you might make a request or edit later that is not included — by then, it will be too late. The photographer will often kindly decline and refer you to their terms of service, which you agreed to.

So, if you’re unclear about something in the terms, contact the photographer before agreeing to the contract and booking the session.

How I do it:

I offer my clients straightforward and easy-to-understand terms of service online, which they must agree to prior to booking their session. I am available to answer questions and provide clarification.

A photo from an in-home newborn photo shoot, dad cuddling with his baby in a nursery
A naturally posed shot of a dad cuddling with the baby in a nursery. This photo was taken during my in-home newborn session.

8. Research and Read Reviews to Ensure the Photographer Has a Good Reputation

A photographer will proudly display the most positive feedback from clients on their website, so for the most honest reviews and comments, it’s best to look up Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram.

Reviews will help validate (or disprove) the claims a photographer makes in their marketing. Look for patterns in feedback about the following:

And remember, one odd review or comment shouldn’t make or break a photographer’s reputation in your eyes. When it comes to online reviews, keep in mind that:

The key is to look for patterns and trends in reviews — this will give you a pretty good insight into the photographer’s business practices, character, and if they are someone you would enjoy working with.

How I do it:

My clients have been kind enough to share their reviews of my business on various online platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Yelp, and I encourage you to take a look. I also proudly display many of these reviews on my website for the convenience of my potential clients.

A family cuddling with their newborn baby girl, a photo from in-home photo session
A naturally posed family shot during an in-home newborn session.

Bringing This All Together

There are many Seattle newborn photographers, each one different from the next but not necessarily better or worse.

It’s all about individual style, posing techniques, philosophy, experience level, editing preferences, session flow, etc. — and which one most “vibes” with you.

A good newborn photographer should also have easy-to-understand terms of service, clear pricing structures, and a good reputation. They should also be able to make their clients feel comfortable with compassion, patience, and care.

It’s important to do your research before hiring any photographer and to make sure you fully understand the photo session process and terms before signing any contract.

And remember, the best newborn photographers love what they do, and it will show!

As a photographer with over 15 years of experience, it’s genuinely gratifying when families reach out and repeatedly hire my services. Having the opportunity to experience the various memorable moments in their lives is an honor and a privilege.

If you’re looking for a Seattle newborn photographer, I hope you consider booking me.

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Hi, I’m Lana

I have been a Seattle maternity, newborn, and family photographer since 2008. Having photographed thousands of families, I have developed a hassle-free and fun process so families could have an easier time documenting their journey through the years. I invite you to learn more about me, and my unique values and quirks.

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