Selecting a Newborn Photographer| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photography| Richmond, VA

We found this article on NewbornPhotography.com, and thought it would be helpful to share with our readers. It provides very helpful recommendations for choosing the right newborn photographer for your family. Hope you enjoy!!

Congratulations! Expecting a child is undoubtedly the most exciting time in your life and you must have a million questions about newborn photography; what it is, how to hire a newborn photographer, where to find one, and what to look for. Well, this is the place for you! Lets start by highlighting a few questions that you might want to ask your potential newborn photographers, in hopes of narrowing down someone that is right for you!

1. Portfolio
Ask to see their portfolio, or just take some time and go through their website. Every newborn photographer has a different style and vision. Photography is a very personal experience, and regardless of trends or what is in ‘style’ make sure that you choose a photographer that’s right for you. Choose a newborn photographer whose work you can’t live without – that pulls on your heart strings, and speaks to you. This is a moment in time that you will never be able to get back – so take your time, find the photography style that you love, as these photographs will become a part of your family history for generations.

2. Testimonials & References
Once you have narrowed down your choices, why not ask for testimonials or references? As well as being a skilled photographer, the individual photographing your newborn will also be a caregiver for your infant during the 2-4 hour session, posing, soothing, and handling the most important and fragile person in your life.

3. Experience
Ask how long they have been in business, and what education they have. An experienced newborn photographer will know all of the industry secrets about posing, soothing and most importantly safety for your newborn. There are many workshops and newborn photography courses that are available for photographers that cover topics like safety and comfort of your child during the session – why not ask where they learned their skills from? This is an important question, and will help you decide if they are right fit for you.

4. Investment
This is the last thing we mention, for a reason. The investment of a newborn session differs from photographer to photographer, and where you live. Although cost is a factor and rightfully so, try not to make it the only factor.

These photographs will be in your family for generations, they will be shown again in 30 years time at your child’s wedding, then resurface when your child is expecting their own baby. When you hold these photographs in 35-40 years time, you will close your eyes and be able to recall everything about your child when they were newborns – their baby ‘smell’, the warmth of their bodies, their little fingers and toes. These photographs will not only serve as documentation – they will serve as food for your soul. Although cost is a factor, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Choose a professional newborn photographer that will provide you with stunning images that you can’t live without.

For more information on Newborn Photography and recommendations to make the most of your experience, please visit www.newbornphotography.com.  www.jackigphotography.com 

Family Sessions in MD| Jacki G.Photography| Family & Newborn Photography| Richmond, VA

One of those images that makes our hearts melt. Bursting with genuine emotions and pure love. This is why we do what we do. 
 

I travel to MD every few months to hang out with my family.  I love to fit mini sessions into my schedule while in MD.   This is my hometown and i love it there.  I want to cature your family and their milestones when i can.   Little Miss. Ava was such a sweet girl and to photograph her with her mommy is even more special.  Mom's rarely get to be in the pictures since we are usually the ones doing the photography.  I am so glad i captured this moment her her momma.   

Family & Newborn Photography| Twins| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA

Just a few favorites from a recent “golden hour” session in Fork Union, VA These twin brothers had the best smiles EVER.  Their giggles were absolutely priceless, and we had so much fun playing together.  
 

Natalie 9 months old| Jacki G. Photography|Family & Newborn Photographer| MIdlothian Mines, VA

Despite the cold weather at the end of March,  this little baby was all smiles and giggles for her photo shoot. Looking at her parents, it’s not hard to see where she gets her awesome personality. Thanks for such a fun-filled shoot!!  Midlothain mines was the perfect location for this milestone session.  The trees were just starting to bloom and make for a great backdrop.  

Maddie is ONE!!| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photographer| Richmond, VA

We love capturing our newborn clients as they grow bigger in size… and personality! Always bittersweet when a baby's first year client comes to the end of one year session.  I've loved watching Maddie's personality grow.   One-year olds are such fun to photograph!  I prefer the outdoors setting for this age, as it offers plenty of room for them to crawl and toddle around.  Letting them to play naturally and explore their environment makes for great shots.

Love at first sight| newborn photography| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn photographer

Mommy and Daddy couldn’t stop smiling. They were practically giddy with all the love for their sweet little girl,  and it was magical to capture those emotions in family portraits.  Even big brother was excited about the new arrival. 
 

Welcome Everliegh 10 days old| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA Family & Newborn Photographer

Beautiful Everleigh was such a pleasure to photograph. I feel pretty  fortunate to call THIS my job. Congratulations to Tricia and Brian.  You guys are beautiful on the inside and out! Its been a pleasure getting to see your family grow and documenting your life for the past two years.    Best wishes to your beautiful family! Enjoy these memories we captured <3 

Meet Addi | Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photography

Just three years ago i photographed this families first daughter's milestone pictures.  Today i photographed their new addition to the family Addi.  I felt like i was photographing her Big sisters pictures all over again!  They looked so much alike, both sweet and adorable.  Here is a few from Addi's newborn session.  Stay tuned for more since they purchased the milestone package as well.  

Meet E. | Birth Photography by Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photography

I fell in love with this sweet, beautiful family the first time we met.  I photographed the birth of their first baby and had the honor of photographing this babies as well.   This was the most lovely experience , working alongside two incredible birth workers Midwife and their doula (Amy). The birth was fast and amazing.  Patricia was a Rock Star!   The family chose not to find out their baby's gender until the birth.  I hope you love reliving the day E. came earth side just as much as i have while piecing their story together.  

Birth of Addi| Birth Photography by Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photography

If there were ever a woman who looked like a "goddess" during birth, it would have been Kim,  This was definitely one of the calmest, fastest and most lovely birth expediences i have ever witnessed..Such strength and beauty.  

Nicole Maternity session| Meadow Farm | Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photographer

Nicole was stunning during her maternity session at Meadow Farm. They are expecting their first baby in a few short weeks.  I can't wait to meet him and photograph their newborn baby boy. 

Conner 6 months old | Jacki G. Photography | Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photographer

Last week i was able to hang out with this lovely family again to capture Conner's 6 month milestone and some sibling photos.  I photographed Conner as a newborn and love when families come to see me again for their babies milestones.   Here is a sneak peek from my session with Conner. 

Claire 6 months | Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photographer | Richmond, VA

She gives such cute smiles.

Little Claire was back in the studio for some special "sitter" session photos, I happened to be running.  I photographed her as a newborn and loved seeing her again.  Here is a sneak peek of adorable Claire.  

Isabelle is here! | Jacki G. Photography | Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photography

I met Emily a few years ago as i was her doula for her first baby.  I was so excited to hear that she was expecting again.  I was even more excited when she contacted me to do her sweet little girls newborn portraits.  Isabelle was just perfect and i had great company while doing her session.  Here are a few from our session of Miss. Isabelle.  

Meet EuRiyah| Jacki G. Photography| Newborn Photographer| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photography

This little beauty was just perfect throughout the entire session!  She didn't make a peep and was absolutely adorable!  Here is a handful from our session. 

Syan Newborn photography | Jacki G. Photography | Richmond, VA| Family & Newborn Photography

Loved his smile. 

Great GrandMom loved meeting her new great grandson. <3 

I could have photographed this one alll day long. Sometimes its hard to stop  Love when babies come in sleepy, and enjoy being posed. His whole session were all of my favorite colours…

Ava 6 months old| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photographer| Richmond, VA

Here is beautiful Ava!!  I couldn't get over how beautiful she is.  I saw her 6 months ago when she was just a few days old and she has certainly grown into one of the most adorable little one's i've seen!!  She came in for a Valentine Mini session.   

Leven 9 months old | Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn Photographer

Are you ready for cuteness overload?! I had the honor of taking this little guy’s newborn pictures and look forward to seeing him grown with the grow with me package.   His mommy always comes prepared with the best outfits and accessories!! Baby Leven was so cute sitting in the red chair,  It was very cold that morning but he was a trooper.  

Tucker 6months old| Jacki G. Photography| Family & Newborn Photography| Richmond, VA

Look who came to see me today.  Baby Tucker,   he has grown so much since his newborn session.  He is now 6 months old and almost sitting unsupported.   I love this age and stage.  Generally these babies are happy and quick to smile and are quite inquisitive,  its a pretty cool age to make sure you get documented with a professional photographer.  I generally suggest waiting until baby can sit on his or her own to really make the most of the session.  

Little Tucker was such a sweet heart.  I can't wait to see him again.  

Patricia Maternity session| Jacki G. Photography| Richmond, VA | Family & Newborn photography

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful/special/ amazing times of a woman's life. Words cannot describe how incredible it feels to have your baby safely inside you,  which is why i am always so giddy to do a belly session!  I love the excitement in the air andthe glow of the mama to be.   I have photographed this couple for over 2 yrs now and i will be photographing the birth of their second baby....gender will be revealed at the birth. :)