I thought photographing my own newborn would be easy. After all, I was already a professional photographer. Three days, twelve hours, and one very humbling experience later, I realized newborn photography is an entirely different craft. If you're trying to decide between DIY newborn photos and hiring a professional, here's my honest answer... and it might surprise you.

Choosing a newborn photographer is about more than beautiful images. Safety, experience with newborns, patience, and a calm, baby-led process matter most. In this guide, a parent and professional newborn photographer shares what truly matters when selecting someone to trust with your baby—so you can book confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.