Your Child's Portrait - Selecting the Right Photographer

Bad experiences tend to make us avoid similar situations ever again. Like going to the dentist when he doesn't use enough Novocane while fixing a cavity. Ouch! Many of us are tempted to avoid the dentist for life after that.

Unfortunately, some of us have had a similar nightmare trying to have our child's (or doubly worse children's) portrait taken at a photography studio. There is the cajoling, followed by whining, crying, headaches, tears, and crankiness all around. Ouch, ouch!

Don't let that bad experience stop you from ever having another child's portrait taken again. The truth is there are ways to make the child portrait experience a dream come true rather than a nightmare. The first and most important key is the photographer.

Just because someone has a camera and a place to take photographs doesn't mean they are qualified to photograph people, must less children. In actuality, it takes a rare breed with excellent credentials to take quality images and a special personality to put children at ease. And as we all know when the little ones are at ease, they photograph the best and everyone has an enjoyable time in the process.

There are three easy steps to determine if the photographer you're considering is the right professional for you and your child or children.

1. Ask about and verify the photographer's credentials. Find out about their photography education. Did they learn their technique in school or on the job? Are they certified? If so, what level and do they regularly renew their certification? Why are all these questions important? Because you want a photographer whose technique has been finely honed, as well as reviewed and approved by leaders in the industry like the Professional Photographers of America. This will ensure you end up with a quality portrait.
2. Check their references. Ask the photographer to provide you the names of other families who have used his or her services. Also, check in with parents you know or online groups like Charlotte Mommies to see if anyone has worked with the photographer before. Ask what their experience was like? Did the photographer interact well with their children? Did he or she get impatient or did they connect with your child? And, of course, were they pleased with the end result - their child's portrait.
3. Talk with the photographer. Either by phone or in person, take some time to talk with the photographer to get a sense of their personality. Then trust your instincts. Did you get a good feeling? Did his personality click with yours. Was he or she friendly, willing to answer your questions, interested in the occasion or reason for the portrait? It's a little bit like interviewing pediatricians before the birth of your child. You want someone whom you are comfortable with and whom you are certain your child will be too.

Once you've selected the right photographer, the next step is picking the perfect setting. Check the Charlotte Image blog on Monday, July 26th for more help as we discuss the best locations for your child's portrait.

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Your Child's Portrait - Nightmare or Dream Come True