Three Tips for Choosing the Right Great Falls, MT Newborn Photographer for Your Family
Welcoming a new baby into your family is such a fleeting, beautiful season of life—a time filled with oh-so-sweet snuggles, endless feedings, and not nearly enough sleep. You'll want to remember these newborn moments forever (well, maybe not the sleep-deprivation part!), but those first days pass far too quickly.
That's why choosing the right newborn photographer to capture those precious moments is such an important decision. The photos you capture now become treasured memories you can look back on for years to come. But with so many photographers to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to know what to look for when searching for your perfect Great Falls, MT newborn photographer.
I'll help you make the process easier with my three tips on finding the perfect newborn photographer for your family.

1. Decide whether you want a posed or lifestyle newborn session
There are two main types of newborn photo sessions: posed sessions and lifestyle sessions. I had posed newborn sessions for my last two babies, and I’m so glad I have those photos! I especially treasure the photos of each new baby with his older siblings. I do wish I'd known about lifestyle sessions back then, as that’s the type of session I would have really loved. I vividly remember gazing down at my babies while they nursed and wanting so badly to freeze that moment in time, which is exactly what lifestyle newborn sessions do.
Here's a quick description of the two main types of newborn sessions to help you choose the right one for your newborn session.
what are posed newborn sessions?
Posed newborn sessions typically take place in a studio, with a backdrop, studio lighting, and a focus on carefully posed shots of your baby. Baby is usually asleep for these photos, and either swaddled or naked. Cute props like a galvanized bucket, flowers, or a swing are often featured in posed newborn shots. These sessions can also include posed photos of baby with parents or siblings. Some photographers will even bring their props, lighting, and backdrop to your home for an in-home posed session.
What's a lifestyle newborn session?
In-home lifestyle newborn sessions are all about capturing real, unposed moments with your new baby in the comfort of your home. These sessions are relaxed and tailored to your family, focusing on the little things that make this season so special. A lifestyle newborn session freezes those sweet moments so you can remember them forever--oh-so-important things like your baby snuggled close during a feeding or the way their little nose scrunches up when they yawn. And because these sessions take place in your own home, there's no need to stress about packing up and getting out the door with a newborn.
Lifestyle session offer a great variety of photos. These include shots of baby alone, tiny details like feet and hands, and lightly posed family photos. We’ll also capture candid moments like feedings, cuddles, and the sweet, natural ways you interact with your baby. And if you have older child, big brother or sister shots with baby are some of the sweetest things about lifestyle sessions! Your baby can be swaddled, clad in only a diaper, or wearing a favorite outfit. Photos are usually taken in a few different areas of your home, like the nursery, master bedroom, or living room, giving you a photo gallery that's unique & personalized to your family.
Many lifestyle photographers, myself included, use only natural light from windows for in-home newborn sessions. Some photographers bring studio lighting to your home, which can be helpful if your home doesn't have much natural light or it's a particularly gloomy day. You can still get great newborn photos using only natural light even in darker home or on cloudy days--it just means staying close to windows to best use the available light.
2. How to Find Your Great Falls, MT Newborn Photographer
Once you've decided on the type of newborn session you want, the next step is to find the right photographer. Since the newborn stage is so fleeting, you'll want to be absolutely certain that the photographer you choose can capture your little one just the way you want. So when choosing a newborn photographer, it’s important to look beyond their portfolio. Here are some key factors to consider:
Do they have a style you love?
Every photographer has a unique way of capturing moments. Some prefer darker, moodier tones, while others focus on brighter, more colorful images. Take the time to browse their galleries and decide if their images feel like “you.”
As you look, ask yourself: Can you imagine your baby and your family in their photos? Do their style and editing feel timeless, or have the look you’re going for? How do the photos makes you feel—do they bring a sense of happiness or nostalgia? In the end, you want to choose a photographer whose work feels like “you,” so when you look back at these photos years from now, they still feel authentic and meaningful to your family.


Do you connect with them?
You'll be spending an hour or two with your photographer during the session, and that time can feel surprisingly intimate. After all, they'll be touching your baby, guiding you in poses, and capturing some of the most tender moments in this new season of life. That's why it's so important to choose a photographer you feel comfortable with and who puts you at ease.
Do their website and social media pages make them seem like someone you'd want to spend a couple of hours with? Does their personality seem like it would click with yours? Are they friendly and responsive when you contact them? Do they seem patient and understanding? Trust your instincts—choosing a photographer you genuinely connect with will make all the difference.
Do they have experience with newborns?
While tiny, newborns have very definite opinions on what they like (and don’t like). It's perfectly normal for a newborn to do some fussing or crying during their newborn photo session.
A photographer with newborn experience will know how to soothe, pose, and photograph your little one safely and patiently. As a mom of six as well as a newborn photographer, I have plenty of experience with newborns, which can be especially helpful if you're a first time parent and still figuring out "what works" for your baby.
Are they trained in newborn safety?
Your baby’s safety should be the top priority during any newborn session! For posed newborn photos, safety training is very important to ensure that poses don’t compromise baby’s tiny airway or safety. Lifestyle sessions don’t put newborns in poses that are not natural to a baby, but experience with newborns is still essential. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the photographer's safety training, techniques, or experience! As a newborn photographer, I've taken a few different courses on newborn photography, with newborn safety being covered in each course.



3. Consider Your Budget When Choosing Your Newborn Photographer
Professional newborn photography is a truly an investment in preserving your memories. Costs can vary widely depending on the photographer’s training & experience, along with their client journey and what's included in their packages. A budget photographer will have lower prices along with no-frills service, and may have less experience with newborn or low light photographer. A full service photographer will help to make preparing for your session stress-free, along with delivering consistently great photos, and their prices tend to reflect this higher level of service & expertise.
If your budget is a factor, many photographers offer payment plans to help make the cost more manageable. So if you've found a photographer you love but have budget concerns, don’t be afraid to ask about options to spread out payments.
Your newborn photos will become cherished keepsakes, so choose a photographer whose style and approach you truly love—it’s so worth it to have photos that truly the capture the wonder of your little one's first days of life!

Final Thoughts
Choosing the right newborn photographer in Great Falls, MT is about more than just beautiful photos—it’s about finding someone who truly understands what matters to your family. These are the days you'll want to look back on: your baby's tiny fingers & toes, their peaceful expression when they're sleeping, and the way they fit perfectly into your arms.
Whether you’re drawn to perfectly posed portraits or prefer candid moments that capture your family’s natural interactions, the right photographer will create images that capture what you want to remember most about this precious time. Take your time, trust your instincts, and choose someone who feels like the perfect fit for your family. After all, these photos aren’t just for today—they’re for years down the road when you’ll look back and remember just how small they were and how much love for your sweet baby filled your heart in these early days.
Learn more about lifestyle newborn sessions in this post: 5 Reasons to Have a Lifestyle Newborn Photo Session
Thinking a posed newborn session is more your style? Take a look at posed newborn sessions in Great Falls, MT
Want to learn more about my approach to lifestyle newborn photography? Check out my newborn photography page!