What do you think of this photographer?

[VLadyinRed]

I'm trying to find a newborn photographer and have been less than impressed with most I've found in my area.

There aren't a lot of examples here, but what do you think of her talent?

http://mintphotographystudio.com/AM.php?/users/awp.php?ln=55668

compared to this one:

http://www.capturedbygalina.com

Thanks!

[Matthew Patrick]

Critiquing work not submitted by the photographer who created the image is often frowned upon here. You may not get many people willing to offer an opinion.

You might want to broaden your search to include photographers who don't specialize in newborns. Lots of people take up photography when they have children and some will take it one step further and starting shooting other peoples kids. Some of these people are very good at what they do and some still have some learning to do. Statistically speaking you may have better luck just looking for a photographer who you like; many people are good at shooting newborns but they don't bill themselves as "a newborn photographer".

[advaitin]

You have the equipment to do your own. The two you've shown have different styles, so it's a matter of what appeals to you.

If none impress you, then get that camera out and start clicking.

[TheHoff]

Especially if you're not happy with what you've found and it is your own... you'll have hours and hours and days and days to practice and refine your shots compared to the hour or two a pro would have. I had never shot a newborn before my own and in the first few weeks I'd probably put through a few thousand frames of him. All you need to replicate what they're doing in the links above is an off camera flash, an umbrella, and some props.

[VLadyinRed]

Thanks!

I do have the equipment to do my own, what I don't have is the knowledge of how to take pictures of a newborn. I've done a lot of research into it...and lighting (I have no natural light in my house and no speedlight), peeing babies, space heaters, and props all seem a bit complicated. I have taken (IMO) great photos for years, but always outdoors, never portraits.

The main problem though is that I can't really practice without a newborn, and the first week of my baby's life I'm going to have a ton on my mind other than trying to figure out lighting and prop positioning. My whole family and inlaws will be in town, I'll be trying to learn how to breastfeed, getting no sleep, etc. I'd really prefer to hire someone professionally who really knows the ins and outs of newborn portraits, learn a little from their session, and then when my baby is out of the newborn stage I can start practicing and taking all of the pictures myself.

[TheHoff]

Fair enough! Don't let me dissuade you from hiring a professional if you're not comfortable with it yourself. I guess I was considering it from a dad's perspective; I'm not sure my wife would've wanted to bother with it either. You'll probably pick up a lot of what you need to know by watching the pro you pick.

I know some photographers in the Tampa/St. Pete area but I'm not sure if any of them have any newborn specialties.

[advaitin]

Oh, you are the Mom? You will be too busy.

Perhaps some other member of your family is interested. Personally, I wouldn't want a whole lot of lights and equipment. Newborns are best done with natural light among their soft and fuzzy stuff--unless you do like my daughter did--wanted to be surprised, hoped for a girl, knitted up a whole bunch of girly clothes. When the baby came along, it was a boy. She dressed him in all that knitted stuff anyway and had me shoot it--I felt ashamed, knowing his older brothers will someday use those pix to embarrass him.

[VLadyinRed]

Thank you everyone! I didn't even think about not wanting to critique other photographers on the board, but that makes perfect sense. I really would love to take my own photos and learn how to do it, I'd love to hire someone that I can watch and then still have a few days to try to do some myself. This is my first baby, so while I know I'll be snapping thousands of pictures in her first months, I'm a little nervous about what that first week will be like and how overwhelmed I'll be. If I already knew what I was doing I think I could pull it off, but it might be difficult trying to learn at the same time.

If anyone would like to PM me with some recommendations in the SW Florida area I would appreciate it! :D

[TheHoff]

pm sent with a few recommendations

[suecassidy]

Don't overthink it. If you have windows somewhere in your house, you have natural light. OR, just open your front door and put up a white sheet for a background (newborns are so little, it doesn't take much...) put the baby in a basket full of soft blankets and snap away. The open doorway will produce large rectangular catch lights in the baby's eyes. Bump up your ISO if you need to, but indirect light from the open doorway or window will produce beautiful photos. You are in Florida, yes?

The one thing you DON't want to do is not take pictures just because you think a pro could do it better. You will hate yourself in the morning. They are only little for such a short time.