How to Choose the Perfect Detroit Baby Photographer

1. Decide What You Want

There are lots of photographers out there! Before looking for a photographer it is important to have an idea of what you want to help you narrow down your options.

Things to ask yourself:

• Do you want your photos taken indoors or outside?

• Do you want a natural setting or big city feel to your photos?

• Do you like light, bright and airy or dark and dramatic?

• Do you like posed or unposed portraits?

• Are you looking for something trendy or something timeless that you can pass on to your children?

• What do you want to do with the images? (Hang one over the fireplace/couch, create a wall gallery for a hallway or dining room, make gift prints for other family members, or design an album…)

2. Take a Look at a Photographer’s Portfolio

Now that you know what you want, it is time start looking at portfolios. First you want to find someone whose photos you LOVE! When you are looking at a portfolio, make sure you see family photos.You want to work with a specialist as this help ensures you get the best results. Also, when you see images you love take note of them.

3. Choose a Photographer Who Offers Free Consultations

I honestly feel this is one of the most important steps in making sure you find the right photographer.When you meet someone in person, you will be able to get a better fell of their personality and how your baby may react to them.

This is also an opportunity to discuss and plan your potential session.You can discuss ideas about location, clothing and themes. This is the perfect time to pull out your notes on images you liked from their portfolio. The photographer should ask you about your baby's personality, what they like and what makes them laugh. These little things will help your photographer connect with your baby during your shoot. Believe me that connection is so important and shows in the final photos. Bottom line, you want a photographer who shows an interest in your baby!

You also want to see samples of their work in person.You may not realize that each computer is calibrated differently, meaning images in person may not look like the images you see online! Sometimes a photo with red or yellow tinting, looks great on your monitor, but when printed looks more brown and dingy. Brightness can also be vary from monitor to print, after all photo paper is not lit from behind. Differences in brightness can mean you end up with photos that look underexposed or the shadowed areas of the photo without details. By seeing photos in person you will be able to more confidently decide if you like the finished product.

Ask to see an entire gallery from one session. Every photographer picks only their best images to show prospective clients. Many photographers regardless of their skill, can get a few good shots from every session.By viewing an entire session, you can get a better feel for the photographer’s style and ability to successfully deliver images that will make you happy. A photographer may not have physical prints of an entire session to show, but they should be able to provide you one from their blog or allow you access to view a previous customer’s online gallery.

Ask if any of their portfolio photos were taken at a workshop.I am not saying workshops are bad, they are not. However, if you find that the majority of their portfolio images or the images you love were done in workshops and not with actual clients, I would be hesitant in their ability to deliver these results for you.

I realize not everyone knows how to critique photos.Here are just a few technical things to look for when viewing samples.