How do I choose the right newborn photographer for my newborn? Seattle Newborn Photos

There are a lot of talented Newborn Photographers in Seattle and each of them has their own strengths and talents. Here are a few tips on how to pick the best Newborn photographer for your new baby.

Step 1: What Style of Newborn Photography Are You Interested In?

Start by envisioning the kind of newborn photos you want. Do you want more posed newborn photography or more lifestyle newborn photography (that is what I do.) Knowing your preferred style can help you narrow down photographers who align with your vision. It is also really important to consider if you want in home or in studio. Browse portfolios, Instagram feeds, and websites to get a sense of their signature style – and see if it resonates with you.

Step 2: Research and Referrals

Ask fellow parents and friends for recommendations. Personal referrals are golden nuggets in the world of photography. Take to the internet, read reviews, and delve into photographers' websites. A well-crafted online presence often reflects a photographer's professionalism and dedication.

Step 3: Review Portfolios and Galleries

A picture is worth a thousand words, and a portfolio showcases a photographer's storytelling abilities. Dive into their previous work to understand how they capture those tiny fingers and sleepy yawns. Look for consistency, creativity, and the ability to evoke emotions through their photos.

Step 4: Experience and Expertise

Newborn photography is a specialized field that demands patience, safety, and expertise. You want to make extra sure that your photographer has plenty of experience working with newborn babies and that they make safety a priority. Do they know how to handle and pose babies safely? Are they familiar with creating a cozy and comfortable environment for your newborn? Are they experienced with working with toddlers and kiddos who will be part of the newborn photoshoot?

Step 5: Connection and Comfort

Your newborn photographer isn't just someone who clicks a camera – they're someone who captures your baby's first moments. It's essential to feel comfortable around them. Check out how they show up on their blog, about page, and Instagram feed to see if you think you will vibe with them. A positive connection can make the photoshoot more enjoyable and lead to more genuine moments captured.

Step 6: Transparency and Pricing

Understanding the photographer's pricing structure upfront is crucial. Does their pricing include digital images, prints, or albums? Are there any hidden costs? Transparent communication about costs and what you'll receive in return helps you make an informed decision.

Step 7: Availability and Timing

Babies come on their schedule, not ours. Check the photographer's availability around your due date and the weeks following it. Newborn photos are often taken within the first two weeks of life but it’s okay to do them later than that if you are going with a lifestyle photographer (ahem, me!)

Step 8: Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your gut feeling. If a photographer checks all the boxes but something doesn't feel right, it's okay to keep searching. You want someone who respects your wishes, values, and understands the significance of these moments in your life.

Finding your newborn photographer is like finding a friend who captures the essence of your family's story. From defining your style to establishing a connection, each step is essential in the process. As you embark on this journey, remember that the right photographer can make the difference between just photos and treasured memories that transport you back to those fleeting, beautiful moments.

I hope you decide to work with me for your newborn photos. As a former NICU nurse and having had thirteen years of photography experience under my belt, I assure you that you will be in the best hands with me. Can't wait to meet you and your little one!

Seattle Newborn Photography In Home | How do I prepare for my in home Newborn Photoshoot?

So you have decided that you would like to have your newborn photoshoot in your home! Great choice by the way! 🤗 But now you are wondering how to prepare. In this article I will share with you what you need to do to prepare, even if you are having your in home newborn photoshoot with another photographer, these tips will help you have the absolute best newborn photography experience possible!

1. Schedule your photoshoot in the late morning.

I typically like to arrive at 10:00am. This is for a couple of reasons. For one, having had three newborns of my own AND having photographed hundreds if not thousands of newborns over the years, I know that babies are happier and more calm in the morning. They just are. A calm baby allows you to relax into the session but also allows me, the photographer to work faster so that you can get. back to what is really important, and that is bonding with your new baby.

Second reason I like to photograph newborns in the home in the late morning is because that is when the light is the best indoors. Again, after photographing thousands of newborns and having been just as many homes, I know that no matter what the light is best and most consistent late morning indoors.

2. Don’t spend a ton of time cleaning your house before I arrive! Yes, you heard me right.

Like I said, I have had three newborns of my own. I know how intense that newborn period is. I don’t want your photoshoot with me to cause you any kind of stress. When I arrive I will take a short walk through of your home and choose the few areas that we will take the photos. Then I can help you quickly tidy up and clear any clutter in that area. There is zero need for you to clean the whole house when we likely will only be on the master bed or the couch. Promise!

3. Gather any blankets, outfits, or special items before I arrive.

If you have anything special you would like to be included in the photoshoot, it’s best to get those together before I arrive. I recommend a securely fitted onesie in a neutral color and also neutral colored swaddle blankets. Newborns are small, they don’t photograph well in dresses, outfits with colors, or outfits with bold patterns or graphics. Simple is better.

I don’t bring any blankets or outfits. it is more hygienic to use your own blankets and the baby will be more cozy in something that smells like home.

4. If it is winter, turn up the thermostat to 70 degrees. If it is summer, i will likely close the windows to avoid drafts.

This one is obvious. Babies are happier in a warm environment.

5. Feed the baby and any other kiddos before I arrive.

This one is also obvious. Babies are happier with full bellies but so are toddlers and kiddos. Oh and parents too! I love to take breastfeeding and bottle feeding newborn photos so there is plenty of time for that too. But it’s nice to start out with a happy fed baby if possible.

That is all!! Your newborn photoshoot should not be stressful and it should not take all day. I will be in and out in under two hours and you will have a gallery full of photos to help you remember this very special time! I can’t wait to capture you and your family soon!

Seattle Maternity Photographer | Why a maternity photoshoot goes perfectly with a newborn photoshoot!

When we become pregnant we may fee like we don’t want photos taken of our changing bodies. But I am here to tell you that long past that pregnancy you will want to be able to reflect back and remember what that felt like.

A maternity photoshoot is the perfect compliment to your newborn photoshoot and here is why?

It allows me to get to know you before I come into your home for your newborn photos. This is especially important when you have toddlers or other children. This way I am not a stranger and it the newborn session will run more smoothly for the siblings.

It also makes for a lovely album. When you book your newborn and maternity shoot together we prepare an album for you that combines photos from both shoots. This album will make for a treasured keepsake that will last a lifetime.

A maternity photoshoot celebrates your changing body and your growing family!

It is fun to capture all the work your body is doing during pregnancy but also to capture your family as it is before the new baby arrives!

If you book your maternity and newborn photos together you get a 50% discount on your maternity photoshoot! So it’s a no brainer!

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Photographer, Rachael

Get To Know Elena S Blair Associate Seattle Family Photographer, Rachael

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! My name is Rachael. I’m a 28 year old mother to two babies and a bonus mama to one  not-so baby. I grew up in Northern California, and moved up to Washington state in 2015. I love all things outdoors(hiking, gardening, fishing). When I’m not out exploring with my family, I love to create and work with my hands. Lots of arts and craft time in my house! 

Why do you love photographing families?

There is something really special about capturing peoples personalities and emotions through photographs, especially children.  Plus, it’s FUN! Lifestyle family sessions are casual, and super playful. Even when photographing a new family, I feel like I’ve made a few new friends by the end of it. 

What is your favorite type of location to capture a family and why?

Anywhere in the PNW! Trees! Lots of trees. My favorite color is green ;)

When did you become a photographer?

I don’t want to sound cliche or anything, but I think I’ve always been one. It’s something that has always come naturally to me, since my very early teens. I guess you could say I became a “real” photographer, when I started doing it for a living nearly 4 years ago.

Do you have any more session dates left on your fall calendar?

Yep! While fall tends to be  the busiest time of year for us photographers, I always try to accommodate when I can! Send us a message and I’ll see what I can do to get you on the calendar!

What if it rains on the day I booked my Seattle Family Photoshoot? Seattle Family Photography

I am a primarily outdoor family photographer. It’s true. But here is what is also true… I live in Seattle. And in Seattle, it rains. A lot.

Even if you aren’t in Seattle and you stumbled on this post, I think it will help. Because those of us who are on location photographers have to always have a plan for bad weather.

I consider the Pacific Northwest my own, vast “studio.” If you want to see how I choose my best locations in the Seattle area CLICK HERE to read an article I wrote about it. From urban to mountain we have the most beautiful area in the world to photograph families.

That being said, here are my solutions if it rains on your photoshoot date.

1. Let’s do an in home session instead! While I do photograph my families primarily outdoors, every single newborn session I ever do is in the clients home. Every single one. I have never had a home I couldn’t work with. Your home is where your heart is. It is where your kids childhoods take place. I assure you, we can make gorgeous photos in and around your home and this means we don’t have to reschedule!

2. If you have your heart set on an outdoor location, we can easily reschedule. I have been photographing Seattle families for over a decade, I always leave room in my calendar for rescheduling family sessions. Some years are trickier than others but I have never NOT been able to get every session done in time for printing holiday cards. BUT this may require a bit of flexibility on your part, like meeting on a weekday evening.

3. We may just need to change the time of your photoshoot. The weather here is kinda all over the place. I don’t cancel a photoshoot until the day scheduled. We can often just shift your session by an hour or so to avoid the rain. I don’t mind clouds, it just can’t be raining.

Please enjoy an example of an in home session I did last year. As you can see, we had lots of fun in and around their home.