Let's talk about the best photographer in your area? What sets them apart? What makes you choose them capture your new baby?
Most people that I talk to will tell me that they love my work, love the sweet baby poses and variety of sets and props I have available. This is very important when choosing a photographer. Newborn props and outfits are expensive. You do not need to go searching the globe or ETSY to find the perfect outfit. I tell all of my clients that all I need you to do is shower and show up.... and the shower is optional. I do love getting mom and dad into the photos so the shower helps... I do offer wardrobe for mom as well as siblings and dads when needed. My dad and sibling wardrobe is limited I do have it available just in case. I really don't want you to stress about your session. I own THOUSANDS of dollars in props.
The next things people talk about is going to be price. Price seems to vary greatly in the photography industry. It all depends on someones income, investment and overhead. I tend to think I am pretty cheap... or middle of the road. My overhead includes many subscriptions, photoshop, website, business insurance, taxes, equipment upgrades, education and of course new props. All these things are not needed to understand that this is also an art. I have devoted a whole lot of time, education and talent to get to where I am with my art. Newborn photography in particular is soooo much harder than people can imagine. Babies don't just sleep and pose themselves all cute... and they poop a lot. Yada, yada, this is my business, my sole source of income and I treat it as such.
"My friend is going to take some photos for free." Please don't. We all started somewhere. Absolutely! I did that. I asked friends to use their babies for free and I am so glad they trusted me. I had 2 children when I started. I knew baby things but I still was awkward the first 50 babies or so. And if you trust your friend, let them practice safely with your little one. But these moments can not be recreated. So book with a professional if you have the means. This is not the place to go free. I am not that high horse "you get what you pay for" person... But.....
You get what you pay for. Even if you choose to go to someone cheaper. Remember that this is something that will last you forever.... Hopefully you are printing these photos and hanging them on your wall or in your office and looking at them often. Sometimes I look at photos of my own baby and I can't believe that is them as tiny humans. They change so quickly. Do yourself a favor. Do some research. Find what style fits you. Find a photographer that can deliver that. Make it work, put it on a credit card, save during pregnancy, register for cash towards it at your baby shower. I assure you beautiful photos are way better than a diaper genie that you will literally use for 2 weeks and throw away.
Shelly specializes in maternity, newborn, milestone, cake smash and family photography. She offers both studio and on location photography to the Colorado Springs area, including Fort Carson, Broadmoor, Briargate, Broadmoor Bluffs, Peterson Air Force Base, USAFA, Air Force Academy, Fountain, Manitou, Cascade, Woodland Park, Monument, Pikes Peak.