Why the 'gram' isn't the best way to choose a Newborn Photographer! | Baby Photography Geelong

We all love a pretty grid - perfectly sleepy babies, creamy tones, soft wraps, not a toe out of place. But here’s the thing:  Instagram only shows you the highlights and what us photographers know you are wishing and hoping for.

What you don’t see?

  • The baby who was wide awake the whole session

  • The little one who hated being unwrapped

  • The reflux bub who just needed to be held a LOT

  • The uncooperative sibling


Instagram = Portfolio, Not the Full Picture

Us Photographers often curate Instagram like a magazine spread  - cohesive colours, sleepy poses and beautiful families.  It’s really satisfying to do!

But the reality is, not every family I have is after a neutral palette with a perfectly sleepy baby.    Not every family I have turns up at family sessions with clothes that are perfectly matched and look like they are out of a magazine - not every family WANTS that!

Newborns are tiny humans, not props. Some sleep through everything, and some need more time, snuggles, feeding and patience. Some love being wrapped, and others don’t tolerate it. And some babies? They just aren’t into the curled-up, naked poses, and that’s perfectly okay.


What Matters More Than the Grid

Instead of just judging a photographer by their Instagram, here’s what to ask:

  • Do they have experience with unsettled or awake babies?

  • Are they trained in newborn safety and cues?

  • Will they adapt to your baby’s needs on the day or stick to a set workflow?

  • Do they value giving you what you want as much as aesthetics?

It’s EASY to photograph a session with an easy baby. If every single post on a photographer’s instagram is a perfectly sleepy baby - ASK to see a couple of full session galleries so you have a better idea of how they handle more challenging situations.

A Photographer’s Real Skill Is in the Adaptability

A good newborn photographer doesn’t just take beautiful photos, we read babies, we read people,  we follow their lead, and delivery a beautiful gallery even when things don’t go “to plan.”

I’ve been doing this 12 years, my aim is to delivery the best gallery for you, it’s not always so I can get the next booking.

Yes, the wrapped, sleepy shots are lovely and often possible.   But the last thing I want you to have is performance anxiety on behalf of your baby - they don’t need to be anything but themselves.  

When it comes to choosing someone to capture your baby’s first days, dig a little deeper than the grid. ❤️

Natalie ManuelComment