Anyone can buy a camera, a backdrop, or a basket full of props. Truthfully, you don’t even need expensive equipment to take great photos these days.
What you’re really hiring is the person behind the camera.
As a Manhattan Beach newborn photographer and Los Angeles family photographer, I often tell families that they are not just choosing someone to take pictures. They are choosing someone to safely handle their newborn, connect with their children, guide them through a session, and create images they will treasure for years.
What you’re really hiring is the person behind the camera.
Here are the most important things to consider when choosing your photographer.
Safety Matters, Especially for Newborns
If you are looking for a newborn photographer, safety should always come first.
When I first started, newborn photography education was not as accessible as it is today. Like many photographers, I had to learn through experience, workshops, and hands-on training. Over time, I made safety the foundation of everything I do.
There are poses you may see online that look like a baby is unsupported. In reality, many of these are composite images where hands are always supporting the baby and are later edited out. Safety is never worth risking for a photo.
During every newborn session, spotters are always nearby when needed, and if a baby is uncomfortable, we feed, snuggle and reassess. Your baby’s comfort always comes first!
Experience Matters
Newborns do not follow schedules. Toddlers have opinions. Families are unpredictable.
18 years of photography has taught me to how to adapt quickly and read each situation as it unfolds. That experience helps sessions feel calm and natural, even when things do not go exactly as planned.
Experience is not just about taking photos. It is about knowing how to handle real moments as they happen.
Find Someone Who Connects With Your Children
I have two boys of my own, so I am no stranger to silly jokes, loud noises, and anything that gets kids laughing. Most children respond best when the session feels fun, not forced.
Every child is different. Part of my job is figuring out what makes them comfortable and engaged. Sometimes that means telling one child not to smile, while being silly, pretending to sneeze to make the other laugh.
And yes, sometimes it means making a complete fool of myself.
The goal is always the same. Real smiles, real connection, and images that feel natural.
Find Someone Who Will Actually Guide You
Most people are not comfortable in front of the camera. That is completely normal.
I have had many clients tell me they previously worked with photographers who simply stood there and expected them to know what to do. That usually leads to feeling awkward and unsure.
My approach is very different.
I guide you through everything. Where to stand, how to position your body, where to look, what to do with your hands, and yes, even small details like finger placement when needed. All while trying to keep it feeling natural and documentary. During the shoot, I am the bestie you didn’t know you needed That is the Type A part of me coming out.
I am also watching all the little things you do not have to think about. Hair ties on wrists, clothing adjustments, flyaway hair, and anything else that pulls focus away from the moment. You do not need to worry about any of it. That is my job.
Consider the Experience, Not Just the Photos
There is usually one person in the family who is not excited about a photo session, often a partner or dad, but not always (always a toddler, lol). Most arrive expecting it to feel long or awkward, and my goal is to change that expectation quickly.
I keep sessions relaxed, efficient, and easy to follow so it feels natural and not like something you have to think through step by step. I guide everything from start to finish so you can simply show up and enjoy the experience.
One of my favorite things to hear at the end of a session from that dad who wasn’t excited to be there is, “That was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.” or “That was actually really easy.” “You killed it”. (These are all things I have heard).
Connection Is Everything
The best compliment I can receive is when families return year after year.
I have clients who travel from all over Los Angeles County, including San Diego, Ventura County, Riverside County, and even Santa Barbara for a mini session. That level of trust means everything to me.
What keeps families coming back is not just the photos. It is the relationship and the experience they had.
I love watching newborns grow into toddlers, toddlers become big siblings, and families grow and change over time.
My goal is always to be more than just your photographer. I want to be someone you feel comfortable coming back to as your family grows.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a photographer for your family, look beyond the portfolio.
Ask about safety. Ask about experience. Ask how they work with children. Ask how they guide you through a session.
Whether you are searching for a Manhattan Beach newborn photographer, a South Bay family photographer, or a light and airy studio for your baby’s first portraits, remember that you are choosing a person, not just a gallery.
Beautiful photos matter, but so does how you feel while creating them.
Did your baby stay safe?
Did your kids have fun?
Did you feel guided and comfortable?
Those answers matter just as much as the final images.
At the end of the day, I hope you walk away with photographs you love and an experience that felt easy, natural, and maybe even fun.