How to Choose a Newborn Photographer | Austin Newborn Photography

Choosing a newborn photographer can feel overwhelming, especially in a city like Austin where there are so many options. Newborn photography is incredibly specialized, and every photographer has a unique style, level of training, and approach. Your baby’s safety, comfort, and experience should always come first.

As you begin your search, here are a few important things to consider.

1. Is newborn safety a priority? (It should be!)

Newborn photography is not the same as family or lifestyle photography. Certain poses require extensive training in baby anatomy, reflexes, circulation, and safe handling. A photographer who is not trained in newborn safety can accidentally put your baby at risk — even with the best intentions.

Look for a photographer who is:

• Trained in newborn safety

• Experienced in posing and supporting newborns

• Knowledgeable about circulation and breathing restrictions

• Comfortable using spotters and composite editing for “complex” poses

You should never see a baby balanced on their own. Many photos you see online are composites (two or three images combined in Photoshop) with hands on the baby at all times.

This pose is always created as a composite. Hands remain on the baby at all times for safety, and the final image is edited together in Photoshop.

2. Do you prefer posed newborn photos or lifestyle images?

Newborn photography falls into two main styles:

Posed Newborn Photography

• Studio environment

• Professional lighting

• Wrapped, posed, and styled setups

• Curated props, textures, and backdrops

• Sleepy, timeless portraits

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

• In-home environment

• Natural light

• Candid, connection-based

• Baby in natural positions

• Parents/siblings interacting organically

Neither is “better”, it’s simply what resonates with you. Many families love a mix and book both.

3. Do you want the photographer to come to your home or do you prefer a studio?

Both experiences are wonderful, but they’re different.

Studio Sessions

• Ideal for posed newborn photography

• Full prop + wrapping collection

• Temperature-controlled

• Relaxing environment without needing to prep your home

• Best for consistent, polished images

In-Home Sessions

• Perfect for lifestyle photography

• Documenting your home, nursery, and early moments

• Great for families with toddlers

• Minimal posing

Posed newborn studio portrait with soft, styled details for a warm and timeless look.

Lifestyle moment that’s natural, simple, and focused on baby just as they are.

4. Do you value professional portraiture?

The newborn photography industry is unregulated, which means anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a professional. This makes it even more important to look for signs of true professionalism: someone who is licensed, insured, trained in newborn safety, and equipped with proper gear and backups.

If your priority is simply “a few quick pictures,” you’ll find countless hobbyists who offer a large number of images for a very low price. But if you want high-quality portraits, consistency, safety, and an elevated experience, you’ll want to narrow your search to trained newborn specialists.

Take time to:

• Read reviews

• Explore full galleries, not just one or two images

• Look for consistency across different babies

• Pay attention to lighting, skin tones, and posing

• Get a feel for their personality through their website, blog, and social media

Once you’ve found two or three photographers whose work you love, reach out and see who you connect with the most. After that, compare pricing and packages and choose the photographer whose work and approach truly align with what you want.

5. Ask about experience, training, and safety protocols.

Here are important questions you should always ask:

• How long have you been photographing newborns?

• What newborn-specific safety training have you completed?

• Do you use composites for advanced poses?

• Are you insured and licensed?

• Do you sanitize props and equipment between sessions?

• Are you up to date on immunizations?

Your photographer should answer these confidently and without hesitation.

6. And finally… choose someone whose work + personality you love.

Newborn sessions are personal. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, supported, and confident throughout the process.

If you connect with their work and feel good about their approach, you’ve found your photographer.

If you’re looking for a safe, calm, and beautiful newborn photography experience here in Austin, I’d love to serve your family. Reach out any time. I’m always happy to help you figure out what style feels right for you.