Tips for Hiring a Baby Shower and Maternity Photographer
If you scroll through the photos in your phone, how many are YOU in, Mama? And out of those, can you see your entire face? Or are they mostly off-the-cuff selfies with your kids that always seem to end up with part of your head cut off?
If you’re like us, when it comes to nice photos of ourselves, it’s slim pickings. But that’s okay! As parents, we’re too busy running around snapping pictures of our adorable children to worry about getting photo ready and posing alongside them. Besides, have you tried to get your kids to pose for a photo? That’s hard enough! The problem is, when you look back at the important phases and events in your life and start scrolling through all those fun photos, don’t you want to see yourself next to the people you love, enjoying that time with them?
We think so! So we’ve brought in an expert to help us come up with a photography gameplan.
We’ve asked Keri Calabrese, Fine Art East Coast Photographer based in NJ, for her tips and advice on how to go about hiring a photographer for life’s big moments for moms (re: baby showers, maternity shoots, and family shoots). Here’s what she has to say!
From Keri:
As a mom and photographer, I definitely recommend hiring a photographer to capture life’s big and small moments. Everyone hires a photographer for their wedding but less people prioritize professional photography for baby showers and family photos. In this day and age when everyone has a camera in their pocket, it is all too easy to add one more thing to your already full plate and attempt to take the pictures yourself. Unfortunately, then, you don’t get to be in the photos and you don’t get to enjoy the party.
Or I will also see moms hire a photographer for newborn, first birthday or cake smash photos but then not want to be in them, either because they don’t like how they look, or it’s too much work to get both themselves and the baby ready. I am here to tell you to make it a priority to be in photos with your kids.
Here are my best tips on how to choose the right photographer to capture your family’s memories.
Research
If you don’t know who to hire, start by asking your wedding photographer for recommendations. He or she may also photograph families & events and if they don’t they can probably recommend someone who does. Also ask around in mom groups on facebook. I also get tons of inquiries through google and pinterest so be sure to do a quick search there as well. Also instagram hashtags and location tags.
Budget
Get clear on a budget. You don’t necessarily need a large budget to get beautiful photos, but you do need to know what you are willing to spend. Pro Tip- If you reach out to a photographer who is out of your budget, make sure to ask for recommendations that are in your budget. I always try to provide recommendations if I am out of budget or unavailable.
Portfolio
Ask to see gallery images. When you do find a photographer who is available and within your budget, ask to see galleries for whatever type of photos you are hiring them to take- baby shower, maternity, family, etc.
Combine
Ask to combine photo sessions. If someone hires me to photograph their baby shower, I always offer to come 30 minutes before the shower begins for a mini maternity photo shoot at their venue. We typically take a few photos of the mom alone as well as with her husband if he’s there. That way you don’t have to hire two separate photographers or two different sessions.
Location
Ask for location recommendations. For family photos and/or maternity sessions, choosing the right location with great lighting is so important. A good photographer will be able to help you with this.
Styling
Same for outfit recommendations. Good photographers know what photographs well and can help you style your whole family so that you love the photos.
Hair & Make up
If your budget allows, don’t be afraid to spring for professional hair and make up. It photographs really well. Ask your photographer for recommendations if you don’t know anyone.
Keri Calabrese
Fine Art East Coast Photographer based in NJ
ALL ABOUT KERI
Final Thoughts !
So what do you think? Will you be hiring a photographer to help you capture this special time in your life? It is an investment, but one that we believe is entirely worth it. Get yourself in those photos, Mama! As an added tip, we suggest enlisting the help of your partner or a family member to help wrangle the kids so that you can take that few minutes alone to feel pampered as you get ready. You’ll want to feel relaxed and confident as you smile big for the camera! Here are some items from our pregnancy and postpartum shop at Nurtured 9 that can help you prepare for your shoot.
