This image may be one of my most favorite images ever taken. There is no amazing location, No punchy color…but the love on this Fathers face and the sweetness of the little boy as he looks to be whispering to daddy, made me stop dead in my tracks…

Recently I was searching through my website stats. This shows me “how” people are coming to my site, weather that be what search words they are using on Google or if someone is directly linking me from another location. So in that search I came across a “mommy board” where someone had posted the question” Looking for a children’s photographer in NJ”.

I think it is a very good question and I would love to share my thoughts here :

” As a professional photographer, if I were to look for someone to photograph my family there are a few things I would look for. I also am on a approval board which reviews up and coming photographers  and am always reviewing others work.

One of the first things you want to look at is price. I would not look for the “cheapest” photographer in town,like the old saying goes…you get what you pay for. In this day of digital photography it is all to easy for any person to purchase a DSLR camera, pop the thing on auto ,throw some images out on the Internet and call themselves a pro.

Some things to look for- Are their images consistent? Technically correct, IE, lots of blown out whites (called hot spots), is the White balance correct? ( I can’t stand seeing a site filled with yellow,red and green cast images”). How about exposure, is everything too dark or too light? Composition? Another thing to watch for is seeing the same subject to many times on one site, a legitimate working photographer’s site will be filled with many diverse subjects, not just a few family friends and their own children. Are they affiliated with a professional organization? Are they licensed by the state..and lastly..are they insured? Holding people to these standards will insure you will be getting someone who is taking themselves and YOU seriously and treating you professionally.

Ok, now that you have weeded through hundreds of photography sites and have found the handful that meet the above criteria you need to look at style.

This is one of the most important factors in finding a photographer that is right for your family. No two families are the same and neither are any two photographers. Are you looking for someone who will travel to you or are you ok traveling to them? Do you prefer natural settings or backdrops? Neither one is better then the other, both are art forms and you have to find out which one suits your taste. Are you traditional (IE- everyone sitting in a traditional pose, looking at camera) or are you more “lifestyle”.

Lets say you decide you like someone like me. :O) On location, natural settings, non-posed. Well, that will narrow you down to at least 4 of my very good photographer friends here in NJ who specialize strictly in children’s photography. Next thing to look at is that photographers personal style… I would describe one of my close friends and competitors style as “airy and modern” , another as “fresh and shiny” and my own as “editorial, whimsical, real and moody” ..ok..so I’m not the best at describing things, but you get the idea. Find someone who’s images speak to you, images you will want to look at for the next 20 years. Read their Bio and blog and get a feel for their personality. After all you will be making a large investment of time and money with this person and you have to make sure they are a good fit for your family. And by all means, ask for referrals if we are booked. Believe it or not,were a pretty tight knit group and we love seeing each others takes on our clients that we grow to love.”

I hope this post has helped a few parents in finding a photographer that is right for them and their child.

And whats a photography post without a few images …

That after the birth of my own Daughter 6 years ago..I..umm..well became a girls clothing aficionado. Ok..who am I kidding, my Daughter’s closet makes Imelda Marcos look like a amateur…it’s a sickness really I’m sure, but I’m ok with that. ;o)

Anyway, when I saw THIS today…it was love at first site. I think I may have actually heard harps. No really.

Part of the problem with being a kids photographer and being a Mom is that anytime I start shopping on-line everything becomes a portrait…..and really, I do need new pictures of my own children for my Christmas cards this year..and can’t you just see her gorgeous blond hair, this dress..a field..a green sette couch maybe??

Now..off to hunt for shoes….a sette..and outfits for my boys..

:O)