Finding a Perfect Fit Photographer, Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

If you’re like me, you do lots of research before making a big purchase. Family and newborn photo sessions are not cheap, so how can you pick a photographer that you feel comfortable with, that is up to your standards, and that will deliver a beautiful finished product. I have worked with eight different family photographer in the last ten years, so here are some things I do when vetting a family photographer…

First, you may be wondering why I’ve had so many different photographers. Well, that’s where I start. Find a photographer whose style you absolutely LOVE. Personally, I like to have a variety of styles for our family portraits, so I have picked different photographers for different reasons. Some photographers specialize in outdoor golden hour, some in natural light studios, some for newborn portraits, and some for vacations pictures.

So TIP #1, research photographers in your area and find a few that you connect with when it comes to their images and style. How? Instagram is a huge help. Explore a few hashtags. (#lasvegasnewbornphotographer, #phoenixfresh48photographer, #fortworthlifestylephotographer) If you find what you’re looking for, then look at their website. Google is also a great help, but don’t just scroll through the first two pages, keep scrolling and researching, making a list of potential photographers.

TIP #2, Look into their portfolio and see if you can picture your family in their images. Read the photographer’s ‘About Me’ page. Is this someone you could see yourself being friends with? Honestly, Family, Newborn, and Fresh 48 sessions an be pretty personal and intimate. You definitely want a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Check out their instagram and see if they’ve posted any videos or stories that show more of their personality. Schedule a phone call and talk one on one. This is really helpful for both the photographer and client.

TIP #3 Figure out your budget. When you inquire with a photographer about investments, ask specifically what you get and if there are different packages. Nothing is worse than getting a gallery back and then having to pay way more than you thought for extra images.

TIP #4 Do what I do, ask your friends!!! Do you love your neighbor’s family pictures? Did you gawk at your friend’s birth announcement? Get those referrals and see how their experience was.

TIP #4 Lastly, think about what kind of experience you want. Do you want the whole shabang?? Hair, makeup, a client closet to pick dresses from? Do you need wardrobe help? Do you need help designing a gallery wall? Don’t be afraid to ask what extra services your photographer offers.

I hope these tips help! Nothing is worse than investing in pictures that you never display in your home. And nothing is better than looking at images each day that make you smile!

Baby Registry 101 - Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

First of all, don’t register for clothes. Trust me. When I was pregnant with my first, my husband and I skipped on over to Babies ‘r’ Us, full of excitement, not knowing a thing (man, I don’t even think that store exists anymore ). I saw every cute onesie, tutu, and baby dress and licked away with the registry laser. After baby came, she had a closet full of more outfits than she could wear. So take it from me, newborns are inherently pretty simple. Here is what’s important.

Crib sheets. When decorating my kiddos’ nurseries, I always started with a few crib sheets that I could use. I pulled colors and themes from those and carried that into the rest of my nursery design. And trust me, you’ll need multiple sheets, even in just one day. I bought and registered for crib sheets from Target, Liz and Roo, and Pottery Barn Kids. (if you use the Lilly Pulitzer crib sheets from Pottery Barn Kids, please please please call me to photograph your baby 😉)

Diapers and Wipes. I know, there’s nothing fun or exciting about diapers and wipes, but you’ll just need a million of them.

Tummy Time Mat. This mat will take up a main presence in your home, so make it cute! I’m sure you’ve read, babies are drawn to bright colors and shapes in black and white. Research suggests these elements are great for brain development, so start there! Check out THIS one from Sassy Stages, or from or THIS mat from Loverly.

Baby Jumper. This are big and noisy and a freakin’ life saver. They’ll let your baby jump, walk, and run all over your house. This is a great item to get used. I got mine from a neighbor’s garage sale for like $40. I took some Clorox wipes to it, and voilà! I used it for three of my own babies before handing off to another mom. In fact, 10 years later, it’s still available! Click HERE.

Bottles. Nothing super fun about these either, but they’re kinda expensive once you get all the sizes, and loose a few.

Bassinet. I had a very boring pack’n’play for my babies they slept in when I brought them home. I was ugly and akward in my bedroom. Now. bassinets are made so beautifully and have so much technology as well to help you little one sleep, which means you sleep too! The Bilia Bassinet from Design Dua is simple and beautiful. It is easy to move from one room to another, even outside on a nice day. I had a client use the TruBliss Eve Smart Bassinet, and I was blown away. Not only does it look stylish, but it will glide, play music, and change lighting. 🤯

I hope these are some helpful items when it comes to the very overwhelming world of baby products. A note from me, less is more. Babies are pretty simple, then need food, love, and lots of diapers. The rest is extra.

If you are interested in a newborn session, and want to know the difference between an In-Home and a Fresh 48 session, read here. Hint hint…photography session gift cards are a great idea to add to your registry 😉.