How to choose the right baby photographer - for you!

How DO you choose the right baby photographer?

So you’re thinking of booking your beautiful little one in for a photography session. Perhaps you dream of having a gorgeous big canvas on the wall or you just fancy having some nice photos to post on Instagram. But where do you start?

Type in ‘baby photographer’ to Google and you soon realise that there are loads to pick from. With so many photographers out there, how do you begin to choose?

I believe that when it comes to choosing a baby photographer you have to find a person who is the perfect fit for you. Someone who will work well with you.

There is no ‘one size fits all’

Your choice of photographer will determine what pictures you end up with. Presumably you are looking to invest in these photos so that you can preserve a memory, or capture something important to you. This is a choice that you are going to live with for a long time so it’s worth making it with care.

So what are the things you need to consider? I’ve made you a list of things you could look at when deciding. Some points may have a lot of sway, and others won’t matter a bit for you. It’s good to know that every photographer works differently, charges differently, and delivers differently.

My 7 suggested considerations when choosing a baby photographer:

Personality
Do you like the vibe you get from the person behind the lens on their website/social media? Having photos taken is a really personal experience. You are trusting someone to interact with your baby and you in a very familiar way. So choose someone you feel you’d be able to connect with. Get in touch and see if you think you’re the right fit. It’s important to go with your gut on this one to avoid disappointment.
Customer service
Customer service is very important. You want someone who is courteous, professional and who looks after their clients. There are ‘cowboys’ in every industry and if you go with one of them you’ll pay dearly in the long run.
Read their reviews on Facebook and Google, or get a feel for them from their social media. Is it someone you’re likely to get on with? Who has similar values?
Top tip: Make sure that the photographer you plan to work with supplies a contract. This will cover your butt and theirs, and will spell out exactly what you can expect, how things work and where you stand at each point with them.
Styling
A photographers’ portfolio will tell you about their style. Is there anything you notice about what their clients seem to wear to their photoshoots? Do they resonate with your personal aesthetic? It may not be important to you but it’s an amazing added benefit if you can find a photographer who has invested in outfits that photograph well for clients to borrow in their photo sessions, or can at least give you suggestions on what you could buy/wear. It shows that they really care.
In terms of props and set ups, do you like what they do? It’s important you pick a photographer who’s style you really love and admire.
Shooting/editing style
Every photographer has their own shooting and editing style. The colours they tend to use, their particular way of harnessing light and style of editing images. You have to love the style you see in their portfolio.
Top tip: Remember that these photos are a long term investment. What’s trendy now will look tacky in a year or two, and downright dated in a few more.
Price
Notice how this is not one of the top things I consider important. Because I know that in 5 or 10 years time, whatever you paid for your photos will be completely irrelevant.
However, I’m sure the first thing you asked yourself was ‘how much will it cost’? As you pore over different photographers’ price lists you will soon see that there is a vast range of prices, and everyone offers something different.
What you’re looking for is VALUE for your money. This is an investment - not like clothes shopping. You will always be able to find cheaper, or more expensive. There is no regulation in the photography industry of how much it should cost but like in all things, beware anything too good to be true. You get what you pay for.
If you’re attracted to someone on the higher end, do they offer payment plans? That is sometimes a good way to get what you want but can’t afford all in one go.
Pricing is usually based on the photographer’s level of experience, skills, costs that go into the sessions (quality of props, outfits etc), and availability (value of their time). Photography is an expensive business to run with lots of unseen costs, and hours spent before and after every session, so if someone is not charging very much you may want to question why.
Make sure you get a full price list and can clearly see how much their services and products cost before you book.
Location
Where are they based? Do they have an equipped studio or are they mobile? Maybe not a big thing to consider but it might make a difference for you. Do you want to visit a studio, or would you prefer the photographer to meet you on location or in your home for the session? Where are they located in relation to you? Remember it’s a baby photoshoot - how is your baby with long car journeys or just after they’ve woken up?
Just check before you book that they’re not too far away for you.
What’s on offer?
Following on from pricing and value…
It’s good to think about what you really want, ultimately (big canvas of your baby? Photos to share on your socials? Prints in an album? Small frames around your house?)
Are you looking for a full photography service that takes care of prints and products for you, or are you after the digitals so that you can do some DIY printing? Make sure they offer what it is you want.
Note about digitals - of course, purchasing the digitals gives you freedom to get prints yourself, canvases, post on social media etc. but ask yourself what quality are you getting from Photobox? What will they look like in 15 years time when your digital version is gone?
Top tip: Buying wall art products from the photographer is going to be a lot more expensive than doing it yourself, but the quality is nothing like what you’ll be able to get from a general supplier. Pro labs use highly sophisticated printing techniques, superior ink and paper specialising in the best archival quality that will last decades. Trust me, Photobox is not the same. If you choose a photographer whose products are priced cheaply, then you can be certain they are not ordering from pro labs and you might as well order them yourself from Bonusprint.

I hope this has helped a little bit in your search for a baby photographer. If all else fails, you can ask friends who have had their babies photographed for recommendations. But have your own judgement and go with your gut. Good luck!

To book or enquire about a baby photoshoot in Cornwall with me, get in touch - I’d love to hear from you!

I have been a baby photographer in Cornwall for 7 years, as well as being a mum to 2. I absolutely adore small people and spending time with them, capturing their beautiful little personalities is like heaven for me!