Newborn Reportage

First, you need to decide whether you want your baby photographed in the first 2-3 days of life, while still in the hospital. Photographers often go to the hospital rooms and offer photo shoots right there at the bedside, complete with lots of props. Or would you prefer a home shoot, where the photographer comes to your home to take photos of your little miracle in the comfort of your own space? There are two different styles of photography available: the "incidental" style, where all necessary props and accessories are brought along, including lighting, bowls, cloths, outfits, and backdrops. The other style of home shoot involves taking candid photos of you and your family cuddling, in the nursery, or similar settings. No additional props or accessories are needed for this style, as the focus is on natural, unposed images.

If you'd prefer to go to a photo studio, there are a few things to consider: Should it be a photographer who specializes in posed newborn photography, or would you be happy with photos from, say, photo booths where the babies are simply posed? If the photographer specializes in newborn photography, what style should they prefer – simple poses on a fur or against a white/black background, completely unposed like a home shoot but in a beautifully arranged studio setting, lightly staged with a few props, or fully staged with lots of accessories? It's always a matter of personal taste, so you should think about these things beforehand.

Would you like to rent adorable little outfits and accessories? Photographers who specialize in this can offer you a wide selection. These outfits are also haute couture and are tailored to fit perfectly (but not constricting) and don't hang loosely on the body like regular wrap bodysuits.

In this area too, it's important that you like at least three-quarters of the photographer's current photos. If that's the case, then you can trust that beautiful pictures will be taken and trust the photographer, because over time they will have developed a workflow to make the photoshoot quick and enjoyable for both you and your baby. They will also be happy to accommodate some requests, but these shouldn't deviate too much from the photographer's style.

One important point I'd like to emphasize: please ensure that your baby's safety is the photographer's top priority and that they know what they're doing. You can recognize this, among other things, by checking if they've attended workshops with professional photographers where "Safety First" is always the first priority, or if they've taken courses with midwives, the German Red Cross, or the Order of Malta on the proper handling and safety of babies.