Unforgettable Memories make the most beautiful art
Choosing a photographer
Choosing a photographer can be confusing!
There are some fundamental differences in the way photographers operate, that I want to help you to be aware of. People often compare my collection prices to other photographers, so I hope this will provide some insight as to why prices can differ so hugely from photographer to photographer.
1. Natural Light vs Studio Lighting
While some photographers rely solely on natural light, often resembling the lighting conditions you'd find at home, my preference leans toward using professional studio lighting. This choice allows me to have precise control over the lighting, resulting in the most polished and professional outcomes. Furthermore, studio lighting ensures that my camera operates at its best settings, leading to clean and sharp final images. Not only is it the most flattering way to illuminate subjects, but it also creates exquisite interplay of shadows and highlights, akin to the iconic Rembrandt lighting technique.
2. Editing
Now, let's talk about the editing process. Some photographers opt for 'batch editing,' where all the images are edited simultaneously with a single click using a preset they acquired online. It's a quick way to deliver images to clients. On the other hand, photographers like myself take great care in meticulously hand-editing each image, ensuring perfection before you even lay eyes on it. Since this method of editing is time-intensive, it is factored into the pricing to ensure the highest quality.
3. Styling
Another approach to newborn and family photography is the 'lifestyle' style, where the baby remains unposed. These sessions can occur either in your own home or in a 'natural light' studio setting. It's essential to note that there's nothing inherently wrong with the 'lifestyle' approach; when executed skillfully, it can yield stunning results. However, the choice between styles ultimately hinges on the aesthetic you desire. In my practice, I specialize in studio photography and employ a method that involves carefully posing newborns on a specially designed beanbag crafted for newborn photography. These techniques have been honed through extensive study and practice, ensuring the most exquisite and flattering positions. Lifestyle photographers typically rely on natural light, either in a studio or at home, which can present challenges in achieving optimal lighting conditions, resulting in less crisp or clean final images
4. Props
While it's entirely up to you, I have a fondness for incorporating props in newborn photography sessions. I have an array of charming wooden bowls, miniature beds, and adorable buckets adorned with soft, natural fillers. These props provide an opportunity to create a diverse and visually captivating gallery of images, adding an element of delicacy and sophistication to the final results.
Summary
To sum it up, there's no definitive 'right' or 'wrong' style in photography; what truly matters is that you resonate with the photographer's work. However, when it comes to newborn photography, it's crucial to inquire about the specialized training your potential photographer has undergone. I cannot stress this enough. Personally, I've dedicated myself to numerous hands-on, one-on-one courses, with a strong focus on safely posing newborns and understanding their anatomy. Additionally, I consistently engage in online training under the guidance of one of the most renowned international newborn and family photographers. These ongoing workshops equip me with new skills and knowledge to provide the best possible experience.
Important
Lastly, and most importantly, it is crucial to keep in mind that newborn photography operates in an unregulated industry, lacking any official 'newborn photography' certification by law in any country. Incorrectly posing a fragile newborn without comprehensive, hands-on training can pose risks. That's why it's of utmost importance to always ask photographers about their training background, ensuring they have had hands on training and importantly, to verify their responses.
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