Tips For Hiring Your Dream Photographer

There is more to consider when searching for a photographer than just their style or what they charge.  It's the age-old saying:  "You get what you pay for."  Of course, knowing your budget before hand is crucial. Below are some questions you should consider asking any potential photographer.

1. What is their level of experience? If they are fairly new to newborn photography or any type of photography, you shouldn't expect to pay as much as you would for someone with 10+ years of experience.  However, the quality of their work may be lacking compared to others who are more experienced.  Be careful also regarding safety.  Every newborn photographer should have training in how to safely handle and pose a newborn, including pediatric first aid and CPR.  Some poses, although super cute, are just not safe and can potentially harm your baby.  For example:  the froggy pose, head in hands, or poses that cause your baby's head to fall forward which can block the trachea.  Photographers that do use these poses MUST use an assistant to perform them safely.

2. Do they have any special qualifications, awards, certifications that set them apart and indicate that their work will rise above others who do not hold the same credentials.  This may or may not be important to you, but would be reflected in what they charge and the quality of their work.

3. What are their props and wraps sanitation procedures?  It is worth knowing that everything that comes into contact with baby is sanitized after the session so it is safely ready for the next little one.

4. Does the photographer's pricing align with your budget or are your prepared to make an investment?  Portrait photography pricing is all over the board.  Generally, speaking the more expensive photographers should have advanced training, demonstrate a high level of skill and even have some awards to show for it although that's not always true.  It's important to be able to have a candid conversation regarding your budget.  Just be sure that your expectations are realistic for what you are willing to invest.  Remember, these are priceless moments and you will never have this chance again. Being open to investing a little more than what you were initially thinking is worth it in the long run!

5. Does the photographer offer a full satisfaction guarantee?  Any service provider, if they are truly worth their salt, should offer a full refund if your not completely satisfied.  Be aware, though, for photography, this might only extend to the finished product and not the session fee.  Afterall, the photographer most likely did provide the best service they could in good faith. 

6. Does the photographer have the type of wraps and props that appeal to you?  It's good to know the extent of the selection they have.  If a photographer is fairly new, they may have a limited inventory that closely aligns with their style.  Those that are more experienced, may have a wider selection.

7. Does the photographer's style fit yours?  This is important. Every photographer has their own unique style.  Don't ask a photographer to replicate another photographer's style or even a particular setup.  That's like asking Picasso to paint like Vermeer!  Choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision for your baby's, child's, family's portraits.

8. For the first year cake smash:  be aware of any food sensitivities or allergies your child may have.  Either bring the cake yourself or make your photographer aware.  Also, make sure the cake has a very tender texture and no fondant icing.  Little fingers/ hands simply are not strong enough to dig into dense cakes or fondant.  Your child will become frustrated and/or lose interest quickly. 

9. Does your photographer offer packages that follow your baby during the first year?  This may or may not be very important, but bundling a newborn session with a 3 month, 6 month, 9 month and cake smash session can save you money in the long run rather than deciding at each of these milestone ages to capture images.  It's also a great way to build an album of your baby's first year.  Kids, especially young children, LOVE to look at these images of themselves with you and it's a great way to build self-esteem.

10. That's it!  I hope these tips help you navigate your search to hire the perfect photographer to capture the most important first moments of your family's journey!