Many new mom’s have had this experience. Several of my friends can relate… Iit can be very hard to find a friendly, qualified, and safe (!) newborn photographer!
Every mom wants to find someone who has our babies safety in mind.
We spoke with expert baby photographer Ashley Marie who shared with us 5 questions to ask your prospective newborn photographer before you hire them.
1. Are you up to date on immunisation shots?
Whooping Cough booster shots are important for people who work with newborn babies.Double check with yours before you hire them!
The Australian government recommends:
“All parents or guardians should be vaccinated before the baby is born if they have not received a pertussis-containing booster in the past 10 years. The vaccine should be given to parents or guardians early in the third trimester of the pregnancy.”
2. Where did you undertake your newborn handling training?
99% of newborn photographers will have this, so make sure yours does! Here’s what Elise Gow recommends to new photographers:
“Babies are fragile. Part of becoming a newborn photographer is being aware of what new babies can and can’t do, will and won’t do, and knowing when to cut your losses and try something different. Learning how to ‘read’ babies and the signals they are giving isn’t easy, but with much practise you will learn.”
3. Do you smoke?
You definitely do not want your new baby inhaling smoke.
Webmd.com states:
“Babies and children exposed to secondhand smoke may also develop asthma, allergies, more frequent lung and ear infections, and are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)”
4. Do you have public liability insurance?
This will give you the peace of mind that if the worst possible scenario does happen, your photographer is covered.
As per BizCover.com.au:
“(Photographers) have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps for the safety of your customers, suppliers, community and their property. Public Liability Insurance is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or a member of the public are injured or sustain property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.”
5. Do you have a criminal record?
You can actually confirm with your local police department! Just request a local or state criminal records search and they may be able to provide you with a document reflecting that there is no history of a criminal record.
