What Should You Look for in a Children's Photographer?

Finding a photographer sounds like it should be an easy task right? Shouldn't we just be able to call and ask, "How much are your 8x10s?" Well, if price is your only concern, then maybe. But most people care about much more than price. Loving parents want to ensure that the photographs created show the unique personalities found in their child and that the portrait shows WHO they are rather than what they looked like on a certain day. This just isn't something that can easily be accomplished by "assembly line" retail studios. Independent photographic artists are the way to go to ensure that you and your child receive this high level of artistic quality. But more than that, there are things that you should look for when you are searching for the perfect photographer to work with your child. Armed with this knowledge, your perfect photographer may be just a few phone calls away.

#1 - Always try to work with a photographer that offers a guarantee.

This isn't often found in any product or service this day in age. Many businesses are scared of this benefit. But a photographer who has the confidence in their abilities and customer service should not be scared of a guarantee. If you are not happy with the images created for you, make sure that the photographer will offer a re-shoot free of charge. If the finished prints have any problems like fading, color casts or other printing issues you will want to be sure they offer a guarantee on their finished portraits prior to ordering. Fine photography is an investment and you should absolutely love your finished product or you shouldn't have to pay for it.

#2 - Choose a photographer that takes the time to do it right.

Nothing is worse for a parent or a child, than to feel rushed. You should never be shuttled out the door quickly so that they can get to their next appointment already waiting out in the lobby. Many of the retail studios out there are trying to cram as many sessions in a day as possible to meet a quota. Nobody suffers from this except you. Only work with photographers who allow at least one hour for appointments. Fine quality portraiture takes time, focus and patience. If your photography studio lacks these qualities, then you may not receive the result you are expecting.

#3 - Work with photographers that specialize in children.

Portrait photographers love to work with people. It is why they do what they do. But when you find a photographer that absolutely loves to work with children on a daily basis, then you have made a friend for life. You can see this attribute in photographers right away from the moment you visit their website until the delivery of your portrait. Children photographers should make the session fun for children, play games, interact with them on a personal level and become your child's friend. If your child doesn't feel comfortable with your photographer or if they aren't having fun, it will definitely be reflected in their images.

#4 - Find a photographer that works on location as well as in studio.

A studio can sometimes be a strange setting for a child. Lights going off, strange large shiny reflectors, shelves of props, large piles of muslin backgrounds are all things that can either make your child nervous or at the very least make them curious enough to want to play rather than have their portraits made. While studio photography is obviously a wonderful setting for portraits, it is also very important to have the option for your photographer to work with your child on location. Children tend to do much better on location because they are outdoors having fun or comfortable and relaxed in their home. They are in their element! This will yield more natural expressions and of course some of those wonderful laughing from the heart images as well.