We know we want to book a session. We want to have those memories of our kids, ESPECIALLY when they’re little. There are so many reasons we can have not to pull the trigger and hire a photographer. Here are four reasons that may be holding you back, and why it shouldn’t!
REason #1:
You're Not Feeling so Great in Your Skin Right Now.
We’ve all been there. Maybe you just had a baby, or two. You’re tired, hormonal, have no time for self care. Maybe You’re in the thick of motherhood, or transitioning into menopause and still getting used to how your body has changed or is changing. I get it, it’s a tough spot to be. Your clothes don’t fit the same way, you don’t like what you see in the mirror and you just don’t have time to pull it together.
Having kids is a huge transition in life and it’s hard sometimes to see the beauty in it. While there are many practical solutions to this reason for not booking a session (see below), there are a few mindset tricks that can help you get you over the hump too. Have these thoughts in mind:
- Your kids are only little once and you should be a part of their memories from this time.
- Your kids want to remember YOU, and they truly DO NOT care about any extra rolls, or matted hair. This really is for them to remember you and not you to forget how you look.
- You’re more beautiful than you give yourself credit for!
If you’re booking a professional photographer you can always have an honest conversation about how you feel. I know that I always have some posing and editing tricks up my sleeve that will create a beautiful polished look that smoothes skin and minimizes the areas that make you self conscious.
Reason #2
You're Overwhelmed with Styling
It’s not easy trying to dress yourself when your new body is getting in the way, let alone coordinate it to the rest of the family! I have even made a blog on how to do this which you can check out here. Many photographers (including myself) offer help with styling, either by phone or in person. I have even started a modest client closet with a few key pieces and accessories for clients to use if they want even more help. As overwhelming as it might be to coordinate your family it is in your photographers best interest to have you feeling and looking your best. When you’re most confident you will be the most comfortable, and you will have a gallery filled with photos that feel natural and relaxed. When choosing a photographer be sure to ask them if they offer help with wardrobe, or if they have access to a client closet. More often then not your photographer would be thrilled to help you! Be sure to take them up on the offer if they do!
reason #3
it costs so much!
This is a sticky discussion, but I’m going to try and tackle it from both ends. I certainly am not going to tell you where to spend your money, but I can provide clarity on the value of choosing the quality of services that is meaningful to you. By default photography produces many artists that have different levels of quality, education, talent, and professionalism.
It can be confusing because you CAN find less expensive photographers if you poke around. Chances are that the cheaper you get, the less experienced you get. As in everything, you get what you pay for. You’re paying for the talent, time, experience, and years of education. In addition, there are hidden expenses that a full time photographer has that the average Joe just might not be aware of. Here are a few:
- Monthly subscriptions to editing software such as Photoshop/Lightroom
- Monthly paid plans to gallery hosting sites
- Camera gear/upkeep
- Computer purchase/repair
- External hard drives for backup
- SD cards and backups
- Continued education and workshops
- Purchasing blankets, headbands, wraps, accessories etc
- Promotional printing
All of these factors (and more) are built into the cost of a session. The more of a hobbyist you are the less of these things that might be necessary.
Photography by default is also a luxury item. When you hire a photographer you are hiring someone to have a personal and intimate individual experience with your family. If you’re happy hiring a photographer that is just starting out be aware that there are a few concerns that you might run into. If these things don’t bother you then by all means go ahead. Here are some things to consider:
- Your gallery might have inconsistent/wonky editing. The early stages can be a time for experimentation and learning editing programing. It takes a bit of time to develop a style and consistency that you will get with a more established photographer.
- You might not know what images you will be getting. Newer photographers are navigating a lot more than just clicking a button! It takes some time to understand proper lighting, flattering posing and great composition all while managing little people they’ve just met. It takes some experience and practice to get the hang of it.
You might be getting pictures and not artwork. Let me explain, pictures are documentation of your family and artwork uses lines, color, lighting, composition, balance, editing etc to create polished artwork of your family. There are a number of part time and new photographers that do this as a side gig because they love taking photos. Some of them aspire to be artists and others just like documenting. If you’re happy with just documentation this certainly is a great option.
I would compare it to purchasing an expensive dress with great that you’ll wear a million times verses an inexpensive one that has poor quality and will be worn once and stuffed in the back of your closet.
