Newborn Photography: 10 Top Tips for Choosing Your Photographer

Singapore Newborn Photographer

Alright, I know some of you are thinking, “Enough talk..show me the photos already!” so before we dive deeper, here’s the gallery to some of my newborn works.

Click the image below to visit the Newborn Gallery >>

1. Identify Your Preferred Newborn Photography Style

Posed, lifestyle, natural, modern, or soft and airy?

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer classic, posed images (curled-up poses, wraps, props, baskets)?
• Or do you prefer natural lifestyle moments (baby sleeping in your arms, family cuddles)?
• Do you like bright & airy tones, classic & vintage, moody warmth, or clean minimalism?
• Studio setups or in-home sessions? This is covered in detailed on point no.9

While many newborn photographers offer various styles, look for one with a strong, consistent aesthetic that resonates with you.

Tip: Save a few photos you love and compare them to the photographer’s portfolio to see if the style matches.

2. Lighting and it’s impact

While your personal style is important, lighting is an equally critical component in a newborn photoshoot.

Soft light creates depth and mood while evoking calmness that complements a newborn baby’s gentle nature. ‘Strategic shadows’ enhance delicate facial features, such as a delicate jawline or button nose. Thoughtful feathering and positioning of light modifiers such as a light soft box are key to achieving a harmonious balance between highlights and shadows. Essentially, lighting acts as a sculptor’s tool, it shapes how how we perceive an image.

3. Props

Props can make newborn photos extra special, but they should highlight your baby, not steal the spotlight.

Think about:

• Variety & Style: A mix of classic props like baskets, wraps, and bowls, along with little touches like knitted blankets or handmade accessories, can bring personality to the photos. Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray are timeless and easy to match with any theme.
• Textures: Soft furs, chunky knits, or delicate fabrics add depth and warmth to the images. The right texture can make a photo feel cozy and inviting.
• Balance & Placement: How props are arranged matters. Simple, delicate setups look elegant, while too many bright or busy props can distract from your baby. What truly separates good photos from great ones is strong composition: when done well, the props help frame the story and naturally guide your eye straight to the baby, without stealing attention.

A rule of thumb: Props can definitely add a nice touch to your photos, but here’s the thing – they’re just the icing on the cake. The pose has to work first. If it doesn’t, even the cutest props can’t save the shot.
Above all, props must be clean. Ask your photographer if they wash or spot-clean delicate items after each session.

4. Retouching & Evaluating Portfolios for Quality and Consistency

Retouching is an important element of newborn photography. The process typically involves enhancing skin tone, removing imperfections, adjusting colours, and refining shadows to achieve the desired aesthetic envisioned by your photographer. The extent of retouching can vary significantly depending on the photographer’s style and your personal preference.

Carefully review the photographer’s portfolio on their website or social media. It not only reveals how much retouching is typically done but also showcases consistency, creativity, and overall skill.

Does the photographer specializes in newborn photography? Specialization shows they understand the patience, safety, and styling these sessions demand. If a studio covers multiple genres, inquire who specifically takes the newborn images you admire and request that photographer for your session, don’t leave it to chance!

What to Look For in a Portfolio (Website & Social Media):

• Creativity & consistency
• Soft, natural lighting and skin tones
• Comfortable, safe posing (nothing that looks forced)
• A style that resonates with you – rustic, minimal, or cartoony?

Red Flags:

• Overly similar setups or poses: every baby posed the same way or with identical setups = lack of creativity
• Overly airbrushed: “plastic-looking” or blown out skin that looks unnatural
• Inconsistent editing: some photos warm, others cool, heavily filtered
• Unsafe or awkward poses such as unsupported heads or balancing without composite techniques. e.g. baby in an upright position without any support. To achieve poses like these safely, the photographer should use digital composite techniques with the help of an assistant or have a spotter close enough to the baby.

Some photographers may also offer extensive retouching packages for an additional fee. Open communication upfront, both about their packages and your expectations, can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you receive newborn photos that truly align with your vision.

Ultimately, a photographer’s portfolio is the clearest window into their expertise. At Meadow Lullabies, newborn photography is my focus, and every session is styled with safety, patience, and artistry in mind.

View Meadow Lullabies portfolio here >>

5. Researching and Gathering Recommendations

This is probably the first thing most of us do before engaging a service: looking up Google reviews! What could be a better way to research and gauge a newborn photographer’s reliability and quality based on the experiences of past clients? Sееking recommendations for friends аnd family who have had positive experiences with their newborn photoshoots сan also be invaluablе. Рersonal rеfеrrals often сome with hоnest feedbacks.

6. You plan on doing a Maternity Photoshoot

If you’re also planning a maternity photoshoot before your baby arrives, the consideration of your photographer extends beyond your newborn photography session. It’ll be a good idea to browse through your photographer’s maternity photos and see if they align with your vision.

Creating visual consistency between both sessions will result in a more cohesive and polished final outlook. That said, some parents may prefer distinct styles to reflect the different phases, each with its own tone and emotion. Many photographers also offer bundle packages at discounted rates when you book both sessions together, providing excellent value while ensuring stylistic continuity.

Your Journey: Maternity to Newborn Bundle with Meadow Lullabies Photography >>

7. Understanding Pricing and Packages

A higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality, nor does it guarantee that the style will align with your vision for your newborn photoshoot. All the 5-star reviews or accolades have little meaning if the photos don’t resonate with you.

After shortlisting your photographers, compare their pricing packages and understand what they include. Look for transparent pricing without hidden costs, and evaluate the value offered by each package, including high-resolution deliverables and turnaround time.

Depending on the photographer’s approach and package, a newborn photoshoot session typically takes anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours. Babies may need to be fed, changed, or soothed during the session, and some poses can be more challenging and take longer to achieve. If the indicated duration is shorter, it’s a good idea to check whether additional charges apply if the session overruns.

Some considerations

• How many fully retouched digital files are included in my package?
• Will the unselected photos be included, or would those need to be purchased separately? And will basic retouching such as colour and exposure adjustments be applied to the photos that are not selected for a full retouch?
• Is there a time limit for the session, and are additional fees charged if it runs longer?
• Are any complimentary items included, such as prints, albums, or frames?
• Are there additional fees for including family members?

Meadow Lullabies Photography offers a range of newborn photoshoot packages tailored to your unique needs. Each package includes returning of all images with basic retouching, plus a selection (based on package tier) of fully retouched photos.

8. Building a Personal Connection with Your Newborn Photographer

Photoshoots can last a few hours so good rapport matters!
The photos should bring back happy “aww” moments, not memories of stress or being ignored.

A quick consult or chat before booking helps you:

• get a feel for their personality & communication style and see if you’ll truly be comfortable working together
• share preferences (colors, props, poses to avoid), but trust their creativity too for that’s where the magic lives

Newborn photographers aren’t guessing:

• they’re trained in safe soothing & posing methods
• they’ve worked with lots of babies (yes, even the fussy ones!)

If baby fusses during the session, don’t fret and deep breath, it’s normal. Photographers usually have a plan for calming, feeding, breaks, and resets.

But of course, if something genuinely feels off, speak up calmly and respectfully. A good photographer will always put baby’s safety + your comfort first.

9. Considering Location and Convenience

Deciding between studio sessions and home visits comes down to your family’s comfort and priorities. Studio sеssions оften providе controlled environments with professional lighting and access to the complete range of props, outfits, and backdrops.

A home session brings the photographer to you. While there may be an additional fee, selected props can be transported to your home, some photographers will bring professional lighting equipment to make up for or complement limited natural light.

Studio session

• Offer a fully controlled environment with professional lighting.
• Access to the photographer’s full collection of props, outfits, and backdrops.
• No prep or cleanup: You don’t need to tidy your home, worry about space or the need to shift your furniture. Just arrive and leave.
• Studios have uncluttered, backdrops or neutral walls that are wide enough to accommodate full family portraits
• Specialized equipment: Beyond props, studios have posing aids such as a special posing bean bag, and specialized surfaces that are impractical to transport.

Home session

• More convenient if you prefer not to travel with a newborn.
• Easier for families with older children. At home, siblings have access to their own toys, books, and routines, so they’re less likely to grow restless while waiting. They can take breaks, play, or rest in their own environment, making the experience less stressful for both kids and parents.
• May involve additional fees, since the photographer transports a selected set of props and (if needed) professional studio lighting to make up for limited natural light.

10. Flexibility for Scheduling

Babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date. Look for photographers who offer flexible scheduling and allow you to “soft book” a session around your estimated due date, then confirm once the baby arrives. Also, ask if the photographer can reschedule the shoot in case of an unexpected event or emergency.

Whеn yоu рreраre for yоur babies’ precious moments, kееp thеsе tiрs in mind tо ensurе а great experienсe. You’ll probably look bасk on thеsе рhоtоs fоr yеаrs tо come and past them down to generations, so be surе tо chооse а newborn photоgrаpher that resonates with you!

If you’re looking for a a newborn photographer to capture exquisite newborn photos, explore Meadow Lullabies photography portfolio .