1. Style
Does the photographer’s portfolio match the type of photos you would like? Is their work consistent? Is the photographer in a portfolio-building stage where they are still practicing and honing their craft or are they well established?
Photography is art and artists grow and change over a period of time. You can check out my blog or Facebook page to see my latest and most up-to-date work; as well as checking out the archives for my last 100 or more sessions. If you like what you see – the composition, the colors, the emotion – then you can rest assured you’d love your images too.
2. Price
As the saying goes you get what you pay for. Photography is a luxury item and usually carries a high-priced tag.
Does the photographer offer payment plan so that you can have the photos you want at a schedule that’s convenient for you? Is their session price low but the print price out of your reach?
At Heartlove Photography Studios, there are no hidden fees. My client guide explains session pricing and then you choose the prints and products that fit your needs. There is no minimum order and I will personally guide you through the ordering process to be sure every question has been answered.
3. Studio policies
Will they only give you a CD and not offer you heirloom quality products? Do they offer professional prints and the finished product? Do they only proof online or can you meet with your photographer for an in-person consultation to do custom art design?
In a tech-savvy world, digital files have their place – but high quality prints and products are just as important. In my opinion, having images live in a piece of plastic keeps you from truly enjoying them. My first priority is shooting art pieces that live on your walls and desktops and coffee tables – that you will enjoy every day. We will meet in person to create wall and album designs that fit your personality and interior design so when you leave my studio, you have beautiful artwork to enjoy every day …in addition to complimentary web-ready digital files to instantly share on social media with your friends and family 😉
4. Safety
Do they know that safe ways handle newborn babies or does it seem like they’re just using a baby as a prop? Does the photographer have children of their own?
Posing a newborn baby is a great responsibility – their little bodies are still adjusting to life outside the womb. A photographer should not get caught up in competition to do the “latest and greatest” pose, but strive for contemporary images using safe poses.
After working with dozens of newborn babies (including my own precious little ones), I don’t have to guess if a baby is able to achieve certain poses. Some babies are comfortable in any position, others cannot bend and mould into the same shapes. Having the know-how to decide how to pose a newborn baby is of utmost importance. At Heartlove Photography Studios, we do pick out props and backdrops before a session – but never plan poses. Those are individual to each baby and are decided while working with that specific little person.
Besides physical safety, your child’s comfort is also my concern. I am careful to watch for early cues of discomfort – maybe it’s almost time for a feed or a wet diaper or just the need to be held. My goal is to catch those needs as they arise before the baby has to cry. If a baby cries in my studio, it is while their parents and I are doing everything we can to comfort them – not while I’m trying to take their photo.
5. Cleanliness
When you’re handling a naked newborn you can be sure that anything the baby touches well be covered in messes of all sorts. How does the photographer take care of their props? Which items are disposable and which can be washed? How are they being washed? Do they use a detergent that is safe for newborn skin?
Before I let anything touch a baby, I ask myself if I would use the same with my own infant. Every surface a baby touches has been sanitized with mild cleaning solutions. All of the soft surfaces – blankets, backdrops, wraps, etc – are washed in Country Save detergent. It is free of dyes, perfumes, enzymes, softeners – it’s the most gentle detergent I could find and I trust it even on my own baby’s cloth diapers. Anything I pull out or bring on location is washed between sessions, even if I don’t directly use it.
6. Respect for the Postpartum Mother
Is the photographer only available to do studio sessions or do they also work out of the client’s home? Whether you had natural vaginal childbirth or C-section, the days following birth are difficult on your body. Does the photographer work around a new mom’s needs?
I’ll never forget my youngest daughter’s newborn session – 3 photographers came to visit only 3 days after she was born. While I had an easy labor and delivery, I ignored my body’s need to rest. I am thankful for those images of Madeline as an itty bitty baby, but all I remember was felling awful and crying hysterically.
When you come to my studio with a few-days-old baby, I recognize you are only a few-days-away from the equivalent of running a marathon (or two!) Your job is to find a comfortable spot in a rocking chair or the sofa and to put your feet up. I’d be thrilled if you took a nap. When it’s time for a sip of milk or the baby needs comfort that only can come from mama, I’ll be sure to wake you. Of course, if you’d prefer I can bring my studio right to your home instead.
On the top of my list for needs of a post partum mother, is protecting the breastfeeding relationship. Babies go through growth spurts in those early days and are teaching your body to make just the right amount of milk – I want to be sure I am not interrupting that. As a breastfeeding mom, I also know the difficulties that can arise in those first days and I have lots of experience counseling and coaching new moms to help them find success breastfeeding their babies.
7. Scheduling
How flexible are the dates and times for your newborn session? What if your baby has an extended hospital stay? Does the photographer schedule more than one session per day? Are their time constraints or pose limits?
Heartlove Photography Studios rarely schedule more than one session per day. There is no time limit, no pose limit – it’s a matter of getting the shots that you desire without keeping you there all day but without hurrying either. Your session is penciled in for your due date and I only take 2 due dates per week – that means after your baby arrives we can nail down a date and time and I’m sure to be able to work around your schedule.
I use a mix of natural light and studio lighting to be sure that no matter what time of day, I can accommodate you.
8. Client Experience
Does your photographer care about the experience you have?
I hope from the first time we speak until the time I deliver your order you have a positive experience. I hope to make new friends.
In my studio, I have pacifiers, diapers, wipes and extra clothes so there is no worry that you might have forgotten something. Nearly everything you see in my portfolio includes props that I own – you are welcome to bring anything you want to include in photographs, but you don’t need to bring a single thing.
You’ll have my cell phone number and know that I am available to answer questions and help in anyway I can to make sure your session results in the exact images you have envisioned for your walls and for your children’s children to enjoy for years to come.
9. Giving Back
Does your photographer work in the community and share their talent with those who need it?
In my heart I truly believe that photographic art makes a difference in people’s lives. There are moments in life that when recorded, have no price tag. I don’t say this to brag about my good deeds – if you know there is a need in the world and you have the means to fill it, there is no excuse not to help.
Check out the causes tab for more information about how we give back to deserving families.
10…..
I know I said 10 tips… but I ran out at 9 😉 If you are considering hiring Heartlove Photography for your maternity, birth or newborn photography needs – please contact me now and I’d love to have you over coffee and have a chat about what you have in mind.
