An upside of today’s economy is that we are becoming highly-educated consumers. Lately, I’ve found myself spending more time comparing and researching goods and services. When it comes to making purchasing decisions about priceless and lasting investments, it’s important to do your homework.  The birth of a child, her first steps, his high school graduation – these are milestones that don’t wait for a stimulus package but deserve more preservation than a point and shoot camera can provide. With your family growing and changing at break neck speed, it is important to you to capture these memories today. So now, more than ever, parents are wondering what type of investment they should expect from their photography session and portraits.

Hiring a professional photographer that specializes in children’s photography is the first important step in ensuring that your investment is realized.

Photographers are passionate about their subject matter and professional children’s photographers are no exception. While some folks with cameras are great at taking pictures of stunning architecture or breathtaking sunsets, professional children’s photographers are uniquely skilled in capturing the relationship a child has with the world around them.  I’ve chosen to specialize in children’s portraiture because I love the beautiful and soulful nature of children. And I know that whether my young client is shy or high-energy, I have been entrusted to capture their fantastic essence and transform it into a cherished memory.

Know your photographer’s style.

Years ago I made the mistake of going to one of those “one size fits all” photography stores that cycle people in and out in 30 painful minutes.  I was hoping to get a portrait of my son to send to grandmother. It was near Easter. Long story short, I walked out of there with a single photo of my little boy leaning up against a giant plastic carrot. Really. And I’m fairly sure the folks before and after me did too. We got what we paid for…

My professional preference is to use natural light to capture life’s everyday moments with an authentic style. I’m a jeans and t-shirts kind of gal. Other professional children’s photographers may photograph exclusively in black and white, or include the use studio lights, antique furniture or beautiful costumes.  Make sure you spend some time looking through the galleries on your photographer’s web site to ensure that their style achieves your desired look.

Understand the session fee.

When clients book a session with my studio, I let them know that the session fee does not simply cover my time behind the camera during the shoot.  They are investing not only in my skill and experience, but also many hours of preparation and post-production work. Because my clients are essentially commissioning me to create one-of-a-kind art for their home, I’m going to be sure that I have a real sense of who they are and what they are looking to get out of this experience well before I ever pick up the camera. One value in my session fee is the initial consultation I have with all of my clients, and you should look for that when choosing your photographer.  First topic – Tell me about your child.  Does your child need a little extra time to warm up or do they love the spotlight?  Do they love to run and jump, or like to discuss the time periods and classifications of all dinosaur species?  Are there any special needs or concerns? We also discuss the desired end product. Were you intending to update individual or family portraits in your family room or nursery, to design an album commemorating your child’s first year, or to hang a canvas?

Session Day – be yourself & bring happiness to the shoot.

You’ve invested money and time in a professional, so make sure you do everything you can to set your session up for success.  I have found that the single most important thing a parent can do to help guarantee a fantastic session is to relax – sit back, observe, and let the session happen.  Children are wise beyond their years, and bribes send the message that whatever they have to do before the ‘big reward’ is going to be agonizing torture.  And if a child thinks the session will be torture – I guarantee it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy!  Think of the session as a play date – which is the reward.  You’ve hired a professional children’s photographer, and I haven’t met one yet that doesn’t love children and have a large bagful of smiles and patience.  We work with all sorts of personalities everyday, so no need to tell your little one to smile or how to perform during the shoot. We have it under control … just know that we haven’t lost our minds if you see us saying silly phrases, eating leaves, or encouraging the children to jump on the bed.  It’s all part of protecting your investment. Merely sit back, relax and enjoy.

What really happens behind the curtain.

The images have been taken and you may now be anxious to see the results. Your professional children’s photographer really has a good sense for who you are at this point and they’ll spend geniune time going through the images, choosing the very best ones, and taking care to touch up each memory individually. Rest assured, this is no small effort. At the hand of your photographer, this is when a high quality image takes the next step and becomes your personal art.  In a few weeks they’ll present you with enough images to choose from, but not too many to overwhelm you.

Ordering and making financial decisions.

Whether in person or through an online gallery, when the date comes for the ordering meeting, the best thing you can do to facilitate great decisions for your investment is invest in a babysitter.  You will have lots of choices to consider (because you are going to LOVE the shots that are presented to you) and your experienced professional children’s photographer will easily guide you through the process. In my studio I offer everything from traditional prints to wall gallery collections, albums to wrapped canvas, and use high end vendors to create one-of-a-kind custom art that can’t be replicated in a one-hour photo environment. Little ones underfoot during the meeting take the focus off of your investment.  But this process will not be torture either – since you spent time in the initial consultation discussing your in-home placement vision for these products, the ordering meeting will be a breeze.

So while commissioning a professional children’s photographer is a bit more of a financial investment than hiring a friend to take pictures, the real investment matters most beyond the wallet. A professional children’s photographer will ensure that these captured moments and milestones not only represent your life, but become your most cherished art.