You want to find the perfect newborn photographer. After a quick post on facebook or a google search you think you have found the perfect one....wait, hold up! be sure to review the following questions with your potential photographer:
Do you pay taxes? The answer should be yes. Why should you care? Because this attribute alone is a sign that they are professional and take their business seriously. If they are not paying taxes, what else are they skipping out on? If the IRS comes to shut down a photography business, there is a huge chance you won't be getting your photos because truly what is their motivation? Trust me, you don't want to be left in the dust. DoTo answer this question, yes, I am proud to say I pay taxes just as each as you do through your job. Why shouldn't I be contributing to our society just as you?
Do you have a contract? The actual contract contains is the agreement between you the client and the photographer. This benefits you mainly because you want it in writing that you are getting pictures in exchange for your hard earned money you have given to a person you most likely don't know. My answer: Yes, I do have a contract.
How much do you charge? (Are they too cheap? Ask yourself why. Do they lack insurance? Do they abide by the law? Do they pay their taxes just like you do? Did you know that about a third of what we charge goes to taxes? Another third goes to expenses/supplies! What props do they offer? What does their package truly offer? Read between the lines My answer is yes to all the above.)) My answer: Please find my pricing here.
Do you provide the props, outfits, wraps? Not all photographers provide baby wardrobes. My answer: Yes and I have so many! You'll see.
Do you ask parents to fill out a survey so that I know I'll be getting color/prop choices? So many newborn photographers make the choices based on their own desires and needs. My answer: Yes, my goal is to make my clients happy, so I of course want to know your favorites! Sometimes I might throw out a suggestion based on skin tone, but please feel free to shut me down.
Do you offer a guide so that I can be prepared to know what to expect? My answer: I absolutely provide one upon booking.
What safety training have you had? Safety training is so important! Posing can be very dangerous if not done correctly. Photographers also need to be trained on warning signs from baby. My answer: 10 years of being a RN, Dozens of trainings, workshops, etc.
How many years of experience have you had? In the very least you want to make sure a photographer has had some form of training before they get their hands on your most precious bundle. My answer: I have had three years of newborn photography under my belt as well as 10 years of being a RN. I also am a mom of four sweet babies.
Do you have back up equipment in the event of failure? Not everyone does, and it pains my heart for both client and photographer when I hear stories about this. My answer:I do everything I can to reduce the chances of equipment failure, which includes having backup equipment to everything I own.
Do you have a bathroom? Yes, I do and you are more than welcome to use it.
Can I watch you? Of course! You are more than welcome to. I may even encourage you to help spot baby!
