How does one go about finding the BEST baby photographer? That’s a question that many a pregnant momma has asked herself and the answer isn’t quite as easy as you’d think, due to the plethora of baby photographers in the DMV area.
There are a lot of things to consider but here are some things to look for when trying to decide if you’ve found the best baby photographer for your family – and trust me…there is a photographer out there for everyone, so set your mind at ease and jump into this with me.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Pricing
Pricing is a usually (but not always!) the first consideration. Most of us don’t have an unlimited budget so of course we’re going to be looking for someone that we can afford. But there’s definitely a pricing spectrum that needs to be considered and remember that photography is typically considered a luxury item: it’s a want, not a need.
The least expensive photographer is not necessarily the best baby photographer with the most experience or the one who delivers the most pleasing result. Low-priced photographers typically have little to no experience, they may not be legal businesses that pay taxes and if they don’t respect themselves enough to charge a living wage, are they really someone to trust with your tiny newborn?
On the other hand, the most expensive photographer, while potentially able to deliver a really pleasing result, may include other things that you aren’t necessarily looking for, like designer gowns or large-scale wall art that you may not have space for in your home.
At LVP, we offer pricing to fit most budgets and we hope that we can be the best baby photographer for you. Payment plans are absolutely available (just ask!) so that you can get the photos you’ve dreamed of without worrying about how you’re going to pay for it.
What type of photos are you looking for?
Are you looking for a highly decorated theme? Or are you looking for a soft, simple, classic look with not a lot of distractions so that your baby is the center of attention?
The best baby photographer for you is the one who will deliver the result you’re looking for. Maybe you have an image in your mind of your nakey baby in front of a wall of windows covered by sheer white curtains. Ok, if you know that this is a deal-breaker, you’re probably going to eliminate the photographers who don’t have a studio space or whose studios don’t match your vision of clean, white, and bright.
The LVP studio fits the above description and so much more. There’s a boho bed set-up, there’s a faux wood flooring set-up, there’s a white vinyl floor with white curtains on three sides and the aforementioned “wall of windows” (created out of LED lighting and sheer curtains) so your nakey baby photo dreams are just waiting to come true.
What location appeals? A studio? An outdoor location? Your home?
The best baby photographer for you is one who can accommodate the location of your dreams. Some baby photographers only shoot in a studio session with studio lighting and wouldn’t dream of going into a client’s home where the only light is natural and the unfamiliar space would need to be navigated.
Other photographers don’t have a studio and only have the client home or an outdoor location as options.
I shoot at all three of the above and, this winter, have branched out to using other indoor locations (The Annapolis Studio and Rawlings Conservatory here and here) to get us through the cold winter months. The point being, I can basically shoot anywhere and adapt to most any circumstances to get the results you want.
Consider the Portfolio
Do you want super posed photos? Would you rather mostly candids/lifestyle. Do you want a lot of emotion and connection shown in your images? The best baby photographer for you is one who can deliver what you’re looking for and the best way to determine that is to look at his or her portfolio.
There are many ways to do this, thankfully.
Check out their Instagram. Look at how their grid is organized. Also notice the colors and style of editing. Is what they’re showing pleasing to your eye? Can you see yourself being represented by their work? Check out their stories. How do they sell themselves? Do you get a sense of their personality? Is this someone you’d trust around your kids or want to invite in your home?
Stalk their website. Look at the posing and level of emotion showcased. Check out the blog. Is their work consistent, not only within each session but from client to client? Do you trust that what you’re seeing in one gallery is going to be what you see in your own gallery? Can you imagine this photographer’s work on your walls? Do you want to see this type of image throughout your home day in and day out?
Check Google Reviews
Sure, you’ll see great client experiences showcased on the website but those are curated and chosen purposefully to present the photographer in the best light. You’re going to get a more well-rounded, less-biased perspective if you look at Google or Yelp reviews.
People are free to be honest and go into detail about their experience with the photographer you’re considering. You can get an idea of how the session goes, what the interactions are like, good and bad parts of the overall experience, and use other people’s words to make your decision about who will be the best baby photographer for your family.
Pick Me, Pick Me!!
Ok, I couldn’t end without giving you a little bit of my personality. If you like someone who is real and down-to-earth, someone who’s going to carry your bag and hold an umbrella over your head when you arrive at the studio in the rain, someone who understands what you’re going through during these baby years, not only from a human perspective but also from a nursing perspective, someone with a sense of humor and self-deprecating personality, pick me to be the best baby photographer for you ❤️
Liz Viernes Photography is based near Elkridge, Maryland, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.
Come follow along on Facebook and Instagram, and the Blog!
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