Five Things To Consider When Hiring A Photographer
High-quality, professional photographs are an investment, so it’s well worth it to spend a little time researching who’s available in your area to find the right one. This is especially true when you want artistic images to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, like when you’re expecting a baby or just after your precious newborn arrives.
Tips For Choosing The Right Photographer For You
Here are some of the things worth considering when hiring a photographer. Taking the time to vet perspectives is worth every minute because it can make the difference between photos you like but wish were different and those that take you back to a precious photo session and images that make you tear up every single time.
Choose a niche photographer whenever possible
Most photographers start taking pictures of just about anyone and anything they can - family portraits, weddings, newborns, pets, headshots, etc. However, it doesn’t take long for us to realize we are drawn to - and excel in - a specific niche. Once we’ve aligned with our niche, it no longer makes sense to dilute our business with other photographs because our best work is generated by working with the subjects we love the most.
In my case, that niche is maternity and newborn sessions. Of course, over the years, I’ve also curated branches of my “niche tree” to include milestone photographs for my clients because we already have a tangible connection and history. But, my website portfolio is not diluted with images from various genres. What you see is exemplary of “where” I do my best work (with mamas and babies), and that is what you should want from any photographer you hire - their best work!
Make sure safety is a top priority for maternity and newborn photographers
If you’re looking for a maternity and newborn photographer, you want to ensure they take a safety-first approach to their work. Photo sessions for women in their last trimester must be compassionately focused on their comfort and well-being, ensuring they and their babies are always cared for.
Similarly, newborn photos require a highly skilled photographer who understands newborn anatomy and how to ensure the baby's head, neck, and airway are protected at all times. The final poses you see on a website or in magazines are rarely a one-click experience. Instead, they are a combination of edited shots so the baby is always supported, but the final image is as ethereal and magical as they are.
In addition to ensuring a newborn is always in a safe and supported position, your photographer should also accommodate the mother and baby’s holistic comfort. A newborn photo session is intentionally scheduled in the first week or two of the baby’s life to capture that fleeting teeny-tiny physique. However, that’s a significant period of adjustment for everyone. Your photographer should accommodate that with:
A welcoming, inviting, and comfortable studio space.
Places for feeding, changing, and snuggling with the baby as needed.
Plenty of healthy, tasty snacks.
Space for others (grandparents, siblings, favorite aunties/uncles, etc.) to comfortably wait in the wings until they’re needed.
A soothing or fun playlist.
And, for major life event photos like these, it’s worth investing in someone with a professional stylist on hand so you receive the ultimate pampering you deserve while feeling confident you’ve never looked better.
The proper credentials and ongoing education & training
When you’re truly passionate about what you do, you can’t help but continue learning and growing. The best photographers in the Bay Area are confident in what they do but humble and curious enough to attend conferences, training, and continuing education that allow them to perpetually hone their craft.
Also, perusing their list of “credentials” provides insight into their area of expertise - that niche mentioned earlier in the post. For example, some of my credentials include:
Master of Photography degree.
Master Craftsman degree.
Certified Professional Photographer.
Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI) Accreditation.
Current membership with Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Current infant and child CPR and First Aid Certification.
I am also very proud of the many awards my photos have received from these and other organizations.
So, if you were looking for a corporate photographer and came across my website, you might like everything you read about my background and love my photos. However, you’ll also sense I’m not the photographer for you because all signs point to “maternity and newborn photographer!”
You fall in love with their portfolio (and testimonials)
Photographers are artists, and we all have unique signature styles. Our portfolios are the best place to get a completely objective perspective on our work. If you love what you see, that photographer should be on your interview list.
It’s also worth reading their reviews on Google and other popular sites to gain insight into what others say about them. I recommend filtering the reviews through the “recent” lens so you’re not relying on reviews from a few years back. Ask prospective photographers for recent references if you have particular questions or concerns. Our previous clients are the ideal resource for learning what it was like to work with us.
Speak to us in person to see if it “feels right”
Finally, if you want photos that capture your essence, you must feel comfortable and easy with the photographer behind the lens. If you start paying careful attention to photographer portfolios, you may notice that some have absolutely beautiful overall images, but their subjects look a bit posed or have a more “standard photo face” that makes it difficult to catch a glimpse of who the subject is or what they’re feeling. This could mean it wasn’t the best client/photographer fit, or the subject(s) didn’t have enough time to get comfortable in their skin.
Both the client and photographer should be willing to say, “This doesn’t feel like the best fit” or “This feels fluid; let’s get to work!” so that clients can have the photo session and images they desire. Take the time to “interview” at least three niche-relevant photographers who catch your eye. If you do, I assure you you’ll find the one that feels just right - and you’ll be grateful you put in the time.
Looking For A Bay Area Maternity & Newborn Photographer? Meet Me At Lemonshoots!
Are you pregnant and want to capture the magic of your final term and the fresh, fleeting essence of your newborn experience? My name is Marcela Limon, and I’m the owner of Lemonshoots. You are more than welcome to check my website and learn more about me and how I work with mothers, newborns, and the ones they love most.
If you would like to take the next step, reach out to me to schedule a consultation. We’ll know if it’s a good fit, and if so, we’ll create one-of-a-kind photos your family will revere for generations to come.