Hey new parent! Are you looking at the ridiculous number of options for hiring a newborn photographer? It’s *almost* as overwhelming as the options for baby car seats. Carriers. Binkies. Bassinets. Whew… are you exhausted?! 

Not all photographers are a good fit for every family, but there is always a photographer that is a good fit for YOUR family. So let’s help you make the best decision…and hopefully it’ll be easier than deciding which diaper brand to try first! 

The Brey Photo style is always authentic, down to earth, and relaxed… even when working with littles! I’m a lifestyle newborn photographer and I’m also a postpartum doula. I understand the value and importance of capturing these early moments of your baby’s life AND I also value the importance of healing, closeness, and intimacy in your own home. It is my true belief that baby belongs in the parents’ arms and that new parents belong at home— not running around to appointments, including your newborn session. There is no precious moment that must be captured at the expense of mother and baby’s needs, and as a doula, my goal is to bring that holistic, nurturing vibe to your photography session. 

Let me guide you through the process and provide you with all the information you need to capture the early moments of your baby’s life.

First, let’s dive into some of the most common questions about newborn photography.

“What should I look for when hiring a newborn photographer?”

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to find a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has experience working with infants. There are a plethora of photographers that will respond like rabid raccoons to any post looking for a newborn photographer on any given Glen Mills Facebook page… and barely any of them are experienced. An inexperienced newborn photographer is an unsafe newborn photographer.

Unfortunately there is currently no newborn safety standard for photographers. While there are opportunities for education, any badge claiming that a photographer is “certified” or “accredited” is a bought and paid for website decoration— not an extensively earned educational achievement. Photographers are not required to have licensure, field experience, or even insurance to operate legally and so the market is saturated with “professional” photographers offering their services despite very little experience. How do I know this? I was one!

I started my career over a decade ago… when I was still in my teens! I could make pretty pictures… but I had zero experience actually working with newborns. And I definitely had no idea how to work with postpartum mamas. While I personally was always honest about my experience level, and I do recognize that I brought *some* value to most of the families I worked with at the time (many are return clients!) as a mother, I look back and SMH! I had no business offering new moms photoshoots! Thankfully, I quickly realized that my clients deserved a better experience. I paused offering that service and recognized that I had SO much to learn before I even THOUGHT about working with little ones again. I have since poured countless hours into education, mentorships, proper gear and safe supplies and am now so proud to have over 10 years of experience working with newborns and their families in a safe, comfortable fashion.

There is plenty of space in the photography for budding artists, but it is not YOUR job to offer that experience to new photographers and your baby’s health and safety is not something to bargain with. For your newborn portraits, I urge you to find a reputable professional photographer that you trust whole heartedly, and please expect to pay more for quality service. At the bare minimum, the photographer you are looking to hire will have more than a handful of reviews, an extensive portfolio that looks consistent, liability insurance, a business license, and a professional attitude. They will be able to answer your questions, walk you through the newborn session process, and offer compassion during those postpartum moments. The right photographer will make you and your baby feel safe, comfortable, and secure.

“What can I expect during a newborn photography session?”

During a newborn photography session, I’ll work to create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby, and guide you through an easy, snuggly, family focused session. I encourage parents and siblings to participate for as long as they would like! Sessions are open to fur babies as well. While my sessions are largely unposed, you’ll receive lots of direction and help to create real, raw moments that capture your family’s authentic story in the comfort of your own home.

The session will be divided into segments, offering ample time for diaper changes, newborn or toddler sibling messes, new mama emotions, and snack breaks. We’ll capture the whole family together, each parent with your new arrival, and baby’s itty bitty details. A standard session also includes natural, comfortable posing for baby on their own for those heirloom quality baby portraits.

Professional styling including hair and makeup services is offered for postpartum mamas. As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to manage all the chaos, the hormones, the suddenly unidentifiable person in the mirror. Styling services can be a magical way to make mom feel pampered, relaxed, and more herself. This add on is entirely optional, and entirely handled by Brey Photo— no scheduling, calling, texting, or hunting down a stylist required.

“When should schedule our session?”

I recommend booking your newborn photography session as early as possible in your pregnancy, to ensure availability. I try to schedule new parents roughly 2 weeks after baby’s arrival— I do not work with newborns less than 1 week old. Many photographers will limit newborn sessions to children under 2 weeks, but due to the nature of in home lifestyle photography, I adore working with newborns of any age. Once baby is older than 6 weeks, the session is considered an in home documentary session and will focus on capturing baby’s individual personality, her space, and her relationship with you!

Newborn photography is a niche that I have found such joy in, prompting me to pursue extensive postpartum doula training, so that I can offer an even better experience to the entire family. I understand the importance of capturing these early moments, and I take pride in creating beautiful, timeless memories that you’ll cherish for years to come, but I also put your child’s safety and experience first and foremost. Doula care is also available as an add on for any expecting mother that feels she may need additional support during those first few precious weeks of life. If you’d like to book Brey Photo for prenatal or postpartum doula care, this can be scheduled at 36 weeks through the first six months of baby’s life.

“Do I need to have anything?”

Likely, you’ll already have everything you need right at home already. I encourage you to bring a few personal items that you would like to incorporate into the photos, like a special blanket or toy (this is optional)! Some things that are helpful to have on hand include milk/formula, a spare change of clothes for each family member, and thick burp cloths. You can also check out my list of general newborn supplies I think every family should have as they navigate this precious time in life! 

“When will I get my photos?”

After the session, you can expect to receive the final edited photos within 30 days. All Brey Photo portrait sessions include access to digital images. I offer a range of heirloom artwork options that include both digital files and prints so that your memories can be preserved and passed down to your little one when they grow! 

“How much does newborn photography cost?”

Newborn photography sessions in the Glen Mills area can range from $500 to $5,000. All photographers are different and have varying offerings and packages. In line with keeping it stress free and easy, Brey Photo Earthside sessions begin at $650, which includes access to digital images and heirloom artwork products that can be passed down to your little one as she grows. Newborn photography is a significant investment, not just financially, but it also requires your time, energy, and emotional availability. For families willing to make those investments, I’m dedicated to providing high-quality images & products that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!

So, there you have it! Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the early moments of your baby’s life and I do my best to take care of all the details, so all you have to do is show up!

If you have any questions about newborn photography, doula care, or would like to learn more about booking a session, click here to fill out my contact form.

I’m here to help you create beautiful, timeless memories of this special time in your family’s life!

Click here to contact me