How to choose the best newborn photographer on the Gold Coast can be a huge undertaking with so many to select from. Capturing those first few weeks for long-lasting memories is not one of those tasks you want to leave up to your Aunty Ethel or friends who fancy themselves as good photographers. You’ll want to choose the best newborn photographer because these are the moments you’ll never get back.
There’s a real art to baby photography, from knowing how to use natural light to safely using props and flash photography. Not all Gold Coast photographers are created equal, so please use my comprehensive guide to choose the best newborn photographer to help make your decision one you’ll be happy with.
Read the reviews
There’s nothing like reading another person’s experience with a photographer to help you make up your mind. The best testimonials will always be on the website. After all, a photographer is not likely to share a mediocre review. I always recommend reading Google Reviews. You’ll find these when you type in the name of the business into the search bar and on the right-hand side you will find their Google Business Profile.
There you will find links to the website, opening hours, special offers and reviews. Photographers are unable to manipulate the reviews or get 1-star to 3-star reviews removed unless they can be proven false or defamatory. So rest assured, what you’re reading on Google Reviews are genuine customers.
Check the terms and conditions
Take a look at the packages and pricing and what’s included. Always check the terms and conditions to see whether you get access to all digital photographs and if what you’re paying for includes editing. For example; being a new mum, you may be sleep-deprived but don’t want photos with tired-looking eyes. Some photographers hand over the digital photography as is—warts and all.
You will find some of the cheaper photographers will provide you with a dump of photos with no edits, and you’re free to do whatever you want with them. Others will allow one round of digital edits within reason, and you’ll get to choose two or three of your favourites for framing.
You may want to do edits yourself or provide your own prints, so it’s important to know whether your photographer allows you to have the RAW images. I can provide you with a digital online gallery of high-res JPGs for personal use. You can also request additional photography or edits to images up to 14 days after.
Don’t let your decision be ruled by your budget
Don’t rule out a photographer based on their pricing. With After Pay or payment plans, it’s more important that you choose a newborn photographer who has experience working with babies, and that understands your vision.
Look at their gallery or portfolio of previous work and make your decision based on their style of photography and their qualifications such as someone like myself with extensive experience working with babies including First Aid and CPR training in case of an emergency, up-to-date vaccinations and is appropriately educated on the associated risk of working with infants.
I offer a payment plan, after pay instalments as well as lay-by plans, so you don’t have to miss out on capturing those tiny little hands and feet, and that completely adorable newborn squishiness.
Look for consistency
Don’t simply look at one or two photographs to gauge a photographer’s style and skill set. You’ll want to make sure you ask to see a look book, check out their social media for previous photoshoots, or explore their online portfolio. It’s one thing to be able to take a good photo (anyone with a smartphone) can accidentally snap a great photo, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
You want to make sure the Gold Coast photographer you select for your newborn photoshoot can consistently replicate the quality and style published on their website. I have published a gallery where I have three albums for you to browse through: Maternity photography, Newborn photography and Family photography.
rom looking through my portfolio of work, you be able to tell that I love natural light, working outdoors because the Gold Coast has some beautiful locations for photo sessions and while I will enhance your photos with using editing software, I don’t like to over-Photoshop images so that you’re unrecognisable to your family and friends.
Choose a photographer with a flair for creativity
As a photographer, I love being creative, but the quality of the images come down to knowing how to use natural light. If you browse through my gallery of images, you’ll notice most of my outdoor photos are taken in the late afternoon when the afternoon sun is gently fading, at its softest and most flattering. Understandably, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, which is why I have a beautiful quiet and naturally lit studio in Coomera Waters.
This is where I can introduce a range of props such as wooden buckets or beanbags to your newborn baby photo shoot. If you would prefer an outdoor shoot, here is a list of my top Gold Coast locations. For outdoor shoots, there are no props, but I can take some wraps with me to create some gorgeous photos of your baby.
Right now, I am taking books for Xmas Mini Shoots, so you’ll have unique wall art, luxury prints or framed storyboards in time for Christmas. Book now.
