Investing in your memories. How much does it really cost?
Making the decision to have an important event in your life documented is as important now as it ever was. Although now, there are more options than ever and the process can become more than confusing. As we all know, it is so important to do our homework when it comes to making decisions about priceless and lasting investments, and finding exactly what you want in a photographer is no different. With life moving at a super fast pace, it is important to capture those important life’s milestones now so you can remember them always. But with all of the options out there (between the hundreds of photographers and package options and cost), how do you choose? And how do you know what type of investment to expect from your photography session?
This is a topic that is dear to my heart as, like many of my clients, my husband and I work hard for our money. We do not live in a fancy home (although we might consider our two bedroom townhouse slightly fancy), nor do we drive fancy cars (we happen to own and love our KIA’s), and at the same time we (meaning me) really want great quality photos of our family as it grows and changes (which seems to happen way to fast sometimes).
So how do you choose and know you are getting good value?? I’ve answered a few questions below that I frequently encounter to help you in your journey. This list is by no means complete and obviously, everyone’s preferences and opinions are unique, but I always find the more information you have, the better off you are.
As much as I love to chat, sometimes others just write out what I want to say so much more eloquently. I’ve used excerpts from the National Association of Professional Child Photographers website (I’m an accredited member now- yay) to help me along.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL CHILD PHOTOGRAPHERS WEBSITE
Hiring a professional photographer that specializes in photographing newborns or children is the first important step.
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 architecture or landscapes, children’s photographers are uniquely skilled in capturing your newborn safely and artistically, or the relationship your child has with you and the world around them.
Know your photographer’s style.
Some professional children’s photographers may use natural light and have a more relaxed and candid style, while others shoot using studio lights, props and/or costumes. Make sure you spend time looking the photographer’s web site to ensure that their style achieves your desired look.
Understanding the session fee.
Session fees do not simply cover the time behind the camera during the shoot. You are investing not only in the skill and experience of your chosen photographer, but also many hours of preparation and post-production work. As you are essentially commissioning a photographer to create one-of-a-kind art for your home, your photographer will have a real sense of who you are and what you are looking to get out of this experience well before they ever pick up the camera so that you can be sure you will get images you love.
What happens after the session?
The images have been taken and you may now be anxious to see the results. Your photographer really has a good sense for who you are at this point and they’ll spend genuine time going through the images, choosing the very best ones for your collection. They then work diligently to touch up each image individually so that it looks its absolute best. 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.
Ordering and making financial decisions.
When booking you may choose to invest in all of the high resolution files up front along withy our session fee and other families choose to wait until they view the results on their private online gallery. No matter what package you choose from your photographer, take the time to consider what you really want from the session. Do you want the high resolution files so you can easily send the images to family and friends? Or are you looking for a few, high quality wall portraits to display in your home? Your chosen photographer will surely answer any questions you may have and help you in the process to ensure you are not only happy with the resulting images but the products you receive as well.
So while commissioning a professional 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 some of your most cherished memories.
