Really??? Do you need a list? Well, Here is Why and when there is times in your life you need to hire a "professional photographer".  

Oh, this is fixing to get REAL... Think about it... would you hire a Hairstylist to clip your dogs toenails or would you take the dog to your groomer/vet? Would you call your friends sister to clean your teeth or where would you go, maybe the dentist? It is ok to have someone to learn, but there are several times in life that you can't get back. Those fresh moments of a newborn poses, (the safety of your newborn) and that once in a life time moment of a wedding. Yes, we all make mistakes and things happen but most professionals have insurance incase of a camera jam, or they have a back up camera... 

Truly, we as professionals photographers are just like other professionals. We pay for education, taxes, license and this list could keep going for days. But most of all we not only have talent but we have a Vision, skills, software, equipment, and experience. We are able to give guidance on what to wear, how to stand, or even when the best time of the day to take the photographs that you desire. Did you know that there is a good time and a bad time? Just depends on the style you are looking for.

Having "the eye" isn't something that you can just figure out. Anyone can read a book and figure out how to angle a light or what the right setting on the camera is. Training the eye and having the experience speaks louder than words, and a picture normally speaks thousands. 

Anyhow, Here are my top '5' reasons... 

1. Quality - Yes, you may have your own DSLR or a pretty good phone, but you’ll not be able to beat the quality you’ll receive from a professional photographer to have amazing portraits hanging on your wall at home. A newborn photographer will create crisp, clear, focussed images that include details of your baby’s eyelashes, lips, hairline, fingers, toes etc. The photographer’s use of light, backdrops, photography equipment and editing skills will always surpass a mobile phone picture or someone just learning or even a hobbiest. Do you really want to just have "digital images" without having amazing wall art that loved ones or clients or customers to see in your home and offices? I know social media is the place to be but in the real world, holding that images or looking at it daily is a feeling I don't have words to explain. 

2. Artistry - Each newborn photographer weather its me or someone else, will have their own style of work ( Look at their website to see their style of work). You must always choose a photographer based on the style you are most drawn to. By hiring a professional you’re not just paying someone to “take a picture”. You’re paying for the photographer’s artistic abilities. Your photographer will be able to create works of art that will look stunning on the walls in your home. Here at Photography By Brandy Stuart, I will discuss with clients what colors and tones they like. We’ll also talk about what colors they have in their home so that the images will complement their home décor. I ask questions about their hobbies and things that they may want to include to make this special for them. I have tons of props, headbands, wraps, outfits, backdrops, blankets and more props. I love for you to send me ideas that you have in mind. So that we together can create amazing portraits.  

3. Safety -  Ooooooo this one is so important to me.  We’ve all seen the #nailedit Facebook posts of babies plonked in a bucket or face planted on a rug. They’re taken with the intention of trying to create an image they’ve seen a professional take. And these are humorous, there is actually a safety to newborn photography that many people don’t first consider. Photographers SHOULD have had training if they are calling themselves a newborn photographer – do ask this before booking. The poses you see on my website are carefully positioned and I transition babies safely in to each pose. That’s because I’ve had plenty of training and know the signs to look for to ensure that the babies are comfortable. When you’re looking at newborn photographer’s websites, the babies should look comfortable. If I don't feel that the baby is safe or settled enough to do a post I ask for mom, dad or whomever there to just come and put their hand on baby just to make sure they are safe. Or my favorite trick of them all, PHOTOSHOP let's just photoshop it. I want them happy and safe. 

By the way, if you haven’t seen some #nailed it photoshoot fails, here are some classic examples: Bored Panda Baby Photoshoot Fails.

4. Family/Sibling images - Here’s the thing, if you hire a professional, YOU get to be in some of the images with your baby. Not just a quick snap of you feeding them and looking exhausted. Instead, you get images of your family to freeze a moment in time when your baby was small enough to fit snuggly in your arms, that you’ll look back on with fondness for years to come. Plus, I can promise you a professional photographer will make you look your best with great lighting and posing, so don't stress. I hear it all the time, I just had a baby I don't want my belly in it. I promise you We have ton's of ways to make you look amazing. 

5. NO REGRETS! - You always regret the tings you don’t do, rarely the things you do. I’m certain that my clients have never looked at their newborn’s gallery and regretted their visit to my studio. However, I have had clients comment on how they wish they had found me earlier to photograph their little one as a newborn or older siblings. Trust me when I say you won’t regret it! This is one of those moments you just can't get back. Don't regret not being able to capture those moments. 

So if you’re expecting a baby this year and have been thinking about booking a maternity, newborn, or even a milestone package lets get in touch and feel free to ask me questions about what to expect at a newborn session or any session. It’s a lovely experience and you’ll have images of you baby and family that you will treasure forever. That is my job but it is also my passion. I am by for NOT perfect and each pose may not be, but I honesty just try and be better then I was yesterday. You can drop me a message at Brandy@photosbybstuart.com or give me a call 601-832-4225 – looking forward to hearing from you.  ~ Brandy