So you’re pregnant…now what? If you are anything like me, the list of things to do was a mile long. You know that you want to do newborn pictures of your baby, but again, the options for that are so many. It really can be overwhelming as to where to look and why. You can go to JCPenny’s or some place at the mall or you can hire someone to do them. Let me tell you I tried all of the above. I went to JCPenny’s and Babies R Us and a place at the mall, whose name I forgot, but none of them produced the type of images I knew that I wanted but just wasn’t sure how to get them. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my images of my babies and will cherish them always but I wish I had done a bit more research and hired a professional newborn photographer. Here’s why…
Experience
Custom photographers usually have a niche that they specialize in. I know that I do. When you find a photographer that is passionate about what they do it really shows. Newborn photography is my niche along with maternity and young children, although I do older children and families. Many of the newborn photographers I know devote countless hours to training and getting experience. This is your child and should be handled by someone who knows what they are doing.
Over the last few years I have photographed 40 newborns and I am only working part time. I have a couple of colleagues, who work full time, that have photographed over 300 newborns in a year! So when you hire a custom photographer you know that you are hiring someone who knows how to handle a newborn. And if you are not sure, then ask the photographer how many newborns they have photographed and how much experience they have.
Safety in the Studio
This is a subject that is SO important. Especially when working with newborns. Newborns are so delicate and fragile those first few weeks. Not just in regards to their immune system but physically as well. Many custom newborn photographers spend a lot of time learning newborn physiology so they are properly informed and know how to handle, work with and pose your baby. There are so many poses out there that are composites or require special posing. Having a knowledgeable and experienced photographer for these types of sessions is crucial. When searching for a custom photographer please ensure they know how to handle your baby safely.
Product Quality
The quality of your final product is something that should matter when you are searching for a photographer. Most photographers work with a professional print lab and have their computers calibrated to that specific lab. This means what the photographer sees on their computer will be exactly what the print lab produces. So as your photographer is going through editing each image they can ensure that the prints will come out exactly as they create them. Also, most non-custom photographer places do not offer things like beautiful gallery wrapped canvases, custom designed heirloom albums etc. not to mention amazing print quality when you get prints and products through your photographer’s professional lab. Since you are paying for a custom photographer you really want to make sure that you have quality prints and wall art to display for years to come.
Customized Session and Client Experience
This is my favorite part of being a custom photographer. Prior to each session is a client consultation which is either done by phone, email, client questionnaires etc. Each photographer is different but most, including myself, have some sort of way to get to you before your session. What colors do you like or not like? Do you have a theme in mind or a special item you want photographed? What types of product are you interested in? Etc. Building a unique session for each of my clients is just another thing that set apart a custom photographer.
Honestly, I feel like I could go on about this but these are the main things that spring to mind when thinking about a custom photographer vs. a non-custom photographer. What are some things that are important to you when looking for a custom photographer? I’d love to hear.
It’s never too early to book your newborn session. Contact me now to secure your date.
www.stephanierubyorphotography.com
Leave a reply