10 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Newborn Photographer in Chicago

When it comes to capturing your baby’s first moments, choosing the right newborn photographer is crucial. Many times, I meet parents for the first time during their newborn session, and I understand the trust they’re placing in me to safely handle their precious newborn. This is why picking the right photographer for your baby’s first portraits shouldn’t be taken lightly.

As a professional newborn photographer in Chicago, I encourage all parents to explore their options thoroughly and look beyond just the price. Here are the top 10 questions you should ask before booking your Chicago newborn photographer.

Safety & Qualifications

Do You Have Any Formal Safety Training?

Newborn photography is a specialized field, and your baby’s safety should always come first. Handling and posing a newborn requires specific skills and knowledge, and it’s essential that your photographer has undergone proper safety training.

Ask about any courses, workshops, or mentorships they’ve completed to ensure they can pose your baby safely. Remember, not every image you see online is captured in-camera—some are digitally composed to prioritize your baby’s safety.

Are You Up To Date On Vaccinations?

It’s completely acceptable to ask this question when someone will be handling your newborn. It’s also recommended that anyone in close contact with a newborn should be up to date on vaccines like Tdap. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if this is a deal-breaker, but it’s an important question to consider.

Is Your Business Licensed And Insured?

A legitimate newborn photographer should operate with the proper licenses and carry liability insurance. In my Chicago studio, we are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind that you’re working with a professional who takes their business—and your baby’s safety—seriously. 

Can I See A Full Gallery From A Newborn Session?

While most photographers showcase a beautiful portfolio of their favorite images, it’s important to see a complete gallery from a single session. This gives you a better idea of what to expect in your finished gallery and helps set realistic expectations.

In my studio, I also have sample baby albums that clients can view, showcasing full newborn sessions.

What To Expect

What Ages Do You Photograph For Newborn Sessions?

Different photographers have different preferences for the ages they photograph. In my Chicago studio, I typically avoid photographing babies younger than 7 days old. I find that waiting until after the first week allows the baby to settle into a feeding routine. My ideal window for posed sessions is between 7-21 days, and I also offer swaddled-only sessions up to 6 weeks of age.

How Long Is The Session?

Also, are there any time constraints on the day of the newborn session, or can you be flexible if the baby is fussy, needs to eat/be changed, etc.? 

Session timing is especially important to ask if you are concerned about scheduling photos around your family’s work or school schedule. 

This depends entirely on baby, but I plan for 3-4 hours for a full posed newborn session with parents/siblings because of just that. Babies are unpredictable so all my sessions are baby-led, meaning we take as much time as necessary to soothe, settle, and feed as needed.

Sessions are done on weekday mornings in our studio and I don’t ever plan anything directly after.

Do I Need To Bring My Own Props Or Outfits?

This varies from photographer to photographer. In my Chicago studio, I provide a wide range of props and outfits, but I also welcome personal items to make your session unique. Whether it’s a small prop, blanket, or even something special like a drum set (yes, I’ve had that happen!), we’ll discuss your ideas beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Are Family And Sibling Poses Included?

Not all photographers include family or sibling poses in their sessions, so be sure to ask. In my sessions, I love capturing those special family moments, but it’s important to have realistic expectations, especially when photographing toddlers with newborns. Always check if these poses are included or if there’s an additional charge.

How Long Will It Be Until I See My Images?

Each photographer has their own timeline for delivering images, and it’s crucial to be clear on this upfront. In my studio, I typically schedule a consultation 1-2 weeks after the session to present the edited images.

I’ve heard of families waiting 2-3 months to see their photos, which I believe is far too long, especially if you’re planning birth announcements.

Can I See Your Full Pricing And Product List?

Before booking, you should have a clear understanding of the photographer’s pricing and what products are available. While some photographers prefer to discuss this during a phone consultation, it’s important to get all the details upfront to avoid any surprises later on.

I hope you have found this post to be helpful and I wish you the best of luck as you begin the search for your perfect newborn photographer! If you have any additional questions that you do not see listed here, please feel free to reach out (michele@micheletaylorphoto.com or 708-359-8881) and I would be happy to answer them for you! 

I would love the chance to show you all that my studio has to offer. If you think we might be a good fit to work together, fill out our contact form and say hello!