Looking for a photographer? Here are some useful tips
TO A MOM LOOKING FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Ten years ago I was a photojournalist and then quit traveling and turned those skills towards the studio and working with moms and babies. Many people ask me about photography and I came up with some - hopefully useful - tips to help you narrow it down.
1. Find a photographer whose images you like, whose images resonate with you. You can find them on Google, these discussion lists, doctors offices, and via promotional cards at baby stores. Don't get too intellectual. If you see images and they make you say ooooo, that is where I would start.
2. Find out the investment. What does the creative fee or session price include? What are the prices for prints? Ask for the print price sheet. Is there a minimum print order - (this can really sneak up on you if you don't ask)? Do they sell scans? Albums, DVDs, canvas prints, framing whatever it is that you want – and you may not know yet, but get a view at the entire picture. Ask yourself, do you have time to make the prints and then take them to the framer and get them framed? Or would you rather just open the door one day and sign for a UPS package, open it up and hang up the framed prints you chose?
3. How much interaction do you want with the photographer after the session? For example, does the photographer help you select your photos or just hand you a disk, email you a link and you are on your own. Some photographers offer a more high touch service where they help you narrow the 200 images down to 10, and then they handle the printing to make sure it is done to their specifications and so it looks good. Others, just hand you the photos and you are on your own to print on Shutterfly. What do you want?
4. Is the photography or are the prints guaranteed? What if you don't like the images from your session? What if your baby was getting sick and didn't really perform? I think this is key especially when dealing with kids. Some times they have off days, just like adults. Maybe they were scheduled for too late in the day or whatever. This would be important in case the shoot goes side ways.Regarding the prints, what if the photographer printed them too dark or too light for your taste? Will they redo them at no cost? Or are you just out of luck?
5. Finally, I would get recommendations or review testimonials from other clients.Good luck. They are only this tiny once. It is such a special special time. Congratulations! Feel free to email me off the list if you have any questions.