Like maternity shoots, newborn photography has become a hit in recent years. After all, who can resist not taking a snap of their baby sleeping soundly while curled up into a tiny ball? For parents who would love to have these memories immortalized, taking their newborn to be photographed and getting some prints as keepsakes is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But newborns are fragile, so you have to make sure that the photographer you’re hiring has had years of experience handling little ones. The price of a newborn shoot also does not come cheap, so choosing an experienced professional provides better chances of getting your money’s worth.If you’re considering having a shoot for your newborn, consider these five experienced photographers and companies:
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Luxe Photography
Newborn packages start at Php8,500
The brand was born seven years ago when dad Wilvin Ang decided he wanted to take nice photos of his firstborn. “A few months before my daughter came out I bought myself a camera, attended a basic photography class, and got some props for the future shoot,” Wilvin tells SmartParenting.com.ph in an email interview.
The self-taught photog then became more popular through referrals from families, friends, and friends of friends.
Wilvin has a home studio in Quezon City where he does most of his shoots, complete with different backgrounds and props, so parents can also feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. He says he’s very open to collaborations with clients and does customized themed shoots.
67-B Scout de Guia St., Diliman, Quezon City. For bookings, message Wilvin at +63 947 978-4694
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The Stork Studio
Newborn packages start at Php15,000
When it comes to newborn photography, Sofia Genato, the woman behind The Stork Studio, is probably one of the first photographers that will come to mind. With 10 years of experience in newborn, baby, and family photography, as well as commercial work for several brands and editorial work for magazines, you know that you’re in good hands.
“We have hands-on newborn training for newborn photography with some of the top photographers in the U.S.,” she says in an email interview with Smart Parenting. “Many people think handling and posing newborns is easy, but they don’t realize it’s also easy to injure a newborn if you don’t know how to pose them safely in the right way. We are professional and safety-trained and are extremely clean — we sanitize our props and fabrics regularly.”
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Sofia has her handpicked team of photographers to do other types of shoots like family sessions and events, but she shoots newborns and maternity exclusively alongside her cousin Tina Genato Henson. They have private home studios in Alabang and Makati, but they also do location shoots.
Sofia is now based in Kansas, U.S., but she travels frequently to Manila to service clients. She also travels to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia for shoots. It’s best to book her months in advance as she has a limited number of slots for each month. She’s also open to themes if the client requests it. “We have a specific style of photography, but we make sure to work with clients on how to incorporate the theme they have in mind with our style.”
For bookings, email Sofia at thestorkstudio@gmail.com.
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Cocoon Studio
Newborn Packages start at Php15,000
Cocoon Studio was founded in 2012 by wedding photographer Nelwin Uy. In January 2016, two other renowned wedding photographers, Pat Dy and Jayson Arquiza joined the brand. According to their marketing manager, Patricia Infante, they have six full-time photographers who are all apprentices and handpicked by the owners. Patricia also serves as the art director and “baby whisperer” of the team.
She ensures that your little one is comfortable throughout the shoot, so her team can get the perfect shot. And don’t worry — Patricia is a trained professional. “I’ve attended a number of workshops from doing proper care for the baby to handling the baby when s/he is crying, as well as swaddling and calming them,” she tells Smart Parenting.
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For newborn shoots, you have the option to do it within the comforts of your own home or at their studio in San Juan. Just be sure to set aside enough time. “We make sure all angles are taken, and we take our time as we want to make clients feel that it is all worth it,” says Patricia. Should you have any themes or concepts in mind, the team is more than willing to make it come to life.
Apart from newborn shoots, Cocoon Studio also dabbles in birth photography, maternity shoots, and event coverage such as baptism, company events, and family gatherings. They also do glamour studio shoots.
2F Wilson Square Bldg., 199 Wilson St. cor P. Guevarra St. San Juan. For bookings, contact Patricia Infante at +63 917 519-7980 or email cocoonstudioph@gmail.com. Allow 2-3 weeks lead time.
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Mayad Beginnings
Newborn packages start at Php20,000
The team behind Mayad Studios, who first became popular in the wedding industry 11 years ago, decided to branch out in 2015 to continue their relationship with their wedding clients and document their family milestones. They cater to lifestyle shoots, event coverage, and destination shoots.
Their lifestyle shoots (maternity, newborn, and family) are exclusively done at the clients’ home. “This is so we can always make our clients feel more convenient and comfortable,” explains Love Ng, marketing manager for Mayad Beginnings in an email interview. They do offer a “Milestone Package,” a year’s worth of studio shoots for clients who want to book them for their maternity, newborn, 6 months, and 1-year shoot. These photo shoots are done at their studio in Mandaluyong with a set design that’s dependent on the client’s requested theme.
#7 Lawson St., Brgy. Bagong Silang, Mandaluyong City. For bookings, contact +632 506-3257 or +63 917 300-3968
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Stanley Ong Photography
Newborn packages start at Php20,000
Stanley Ong is a veteran photographer who started in 2001 and started doing photo shoots with kids and families in 2007. Though he has worked with various brands and magazines in the country (Smart Parenting included!), we can personally attest to having met moms who prefer Stanley for shoots as he has a magical way of handling babies and kids (including their temperaments!).
He’s also a dad of two, so he’s very experienced handling newborns. “I make sure baby is relaxed or asleep and only do poses that are safe,” he tells Smart Parenting. “I also sometimes ask parents to assist me, so they are more comfortable.”
Many of his photo shoots are done at home or on location, but if the client wants it done in a studio, he usually just rents one. “I can adjust to the client’s need. I’m willing to do their concept if I think it’s within my style,” he says.
For bookings, contact Stanley through his Facebook or Instagram accounts or email him at stanong@stanleyongphotography.com.
