Choosing an Infant Photographer
You have been waiting for your precious gift for long months, and now that first year for your baby's life will go by much faster than you know it. In all that blur of sleepless nights, changed diapers and visits to the pediatrician's office, it is so important to have a beautiful proof of your precious baby being this tiny –the way they curl in your arms, breath so quietly, smile so randomly at first and giving the sweetest hugs later.
Although almost any parent (or photographer enthusiast with a decent camera) might seem like they will get the job done, it is so important to choose the right professional to capture those moments most beautifully and to your true expectations. You will take your time to choose the perfect pediatrician for your newborn: professional, caring, easy to get a hold of, with impeccable reputation and someone who you enjoy being around. So why not use the same guidelines in choosing the right photographer for your baby's portraits? If you value those memories and milestones of your baby's first year and appreciate photography as art, taking into consideration the following tips will help you to choose the right photography professional:
Start Early
Start researching and contacting your favorite photographers during your pregnancy when you are most likely to have more time and be less tired to be able to make a right choice. Not to mention that most professionals get booked months ahead, and might not find the time for your little one. First weeks will go by in a blur and it might be too late to contact a photographer after the baby was born. A professional that you were hoping to hire might not be able to fit you in his schedule during those important first 14 days of baby's life. And usually around 10-14 days your baby might become more active or more easily disturbed by touch. Acne will start showing, and baby looses flexibility and curve that he or she acquainted during long months in the womb.
Do Your Homework
Research. Does a certain photo service look professional? Look at some of the photographer’s work. This will give you an idea of both the style and quality each photographer provides. Decide whose style of the photography you love. Look through "About Us" page. Do you get a feel that you like the "personality" of the photographer?
Budget for Custom Photography
Realize that quality photography, as with any other quality specialized service, requires an investment. Custom photographers are known as boutique photography studios and offer unparalleled service and superb quality products that have been personally inspected by a professional who cares.
Quality custom photography is more of a luxury than your entry-level chain experience or an old friend with a camera. Custom photography truly is not for everyone, it requires a level of commitment, investment in time and money, and planning on the part of the family and photographer. There is a great deal of time involved in creating high-end, custom photography sessions for a family. The luxury of great service, better choices and high-end products result in images you will truly cherish forever. Think Mercedes vs. Honda –a vehicle will never add appreciation in value with time, but photography will become priceless as years go by.
Contact Your Favorites
Contact three to five of your favorite boutique photo studios and interview several of them. They should be willing to take the time to listen to what you want and ask questions about you and/or your family. Inquire about an information packet. Discuss all the details and set your expectations, which will help to avoid misunderstandings, allowing the photographer to deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Enter Into an Agreement
Take the time to discuss the services and fees involved. Make sure you have a hard evidence of what will be included in your session fee or any product you are investing at the time and proof of payment, so that there will be no surprise in the future.
Stay in Touch
Follow the photographer's work on their blog and social networking pages. See what new ideas do he or she has. Do they use any new props? New locations? Get ideas for your own future session. Make sure to stay in touch with your photographer and keep her/him updated if you have any news, which might help plan out the session.
Come Up With a Plan
Set expectations and make a plan for your portrait session! If you come in and want it all, you might end up missing that important portrait you were dreaming about all this time!
Listen & Follow the Rules
Read the agreement and follow all the rules. Be aware of photographer's expectations and respect his/her work.
Cherish Your Memories!
Please, cherish your new portraits! Make sure to get a wall portrait and proudly display it in your home. Show off your memories and let you family and friends share them with you!