There are a lot of things to consider when finding and hiring a photographer that is the perfect fit for your family. Below, I'm outlining my top 5 in order from most important to least:
style
I think it is only natural to first inquire with a photographer based on your personal style. Take a look at your home decor, how you dress, and the colors you are drawn to, and ask yourself: does their style of work match my personal style? If not, keep looking!
Personally, my style is light and airy, and timeless. It's what I'm drawn to and find beautiful and classic.
safety
This is especially important for those looking for a studio newborn photographer. Does their studio environment appear clean, inviting, and comfortable? What are the studio's cleaning policies?
At my studio, the health and safety of my clients are always of the utmost importance to me! Especially for mamas of newborns– I know how nerve-wracking it can be to take a brand new baby somewhere new! Because of this, my studio has a few strict policies in place to keep us all happy and healthy:
- Both my husband and I have received our COVID-19 vaccine.
- No sick policy; if someone in your family is feeling unwell, please let me know and we will reschedule.
- A minimum of 24 hours between studio clients. This allows me to thoroughly clean my studio by disinfecting all surfaces and washing and sanitizing all linens including items used from my client closet.
- Proper hygiene; I always thoroughly wash my hands before and after clients and use hand sanitizer throughout our time together.
- No shoes in the studio; everyone will be asked to remove their shoes at the door when they arrive.
experience
Experience is two-fold: there is the experience of the photographer and the experience the photographer provides. Don't be scared to ask questions especially if you aren't inquiring with a niche photographer. Google reviews are also extremely helpful. You can check out mine here!
For example, I've been handling newborns for as long as I can remember and do so on a weekly basis now. I previously worked as a nanny for a set of newborn twins before teaching high school seniors. I love kids of all ages, and I'm extremely comfortable around them which is one of two reasons I chose motherhood photography as my niche. So, you won't ever find me shooting weddings, because my specialty is mamas and their babies. I've also spent a lot of time with a camera in my hands. While teaching, I also advised the high school yearbook (obviously very photography forward!) and earned a master's degree in scholastic journalism (also very photography forward!).
As far as the experience I provide, you can learn all about it here! I am extremely passionate about serving and communicating with mamas and have built my entire experience around catering to them. The stress of portraits is real, so I created an experience that eliminates the stress by taking care of all of the details so you can spend your time where it matters most. From personalized styling with an elegant studio wardrobe for mamas and babes to the delivery and installation of your heirloom artwork, no detail is left out of creating an experience that makes you feel loved, beautiful, and honored.
location
Are you interested in timeless studio portraits or a natural outdoor vibe? Does your photographer offer both settings? What happens in the event of inclement weather? How far are you willing to travel– especially with a newborn or a car full of kids?
I love that my natural light studio is conveniently and centrally located in Brookside! Everyone in the Kansas City Metro can pretty much be here in 30 minutes or less. I also offer outdoor locations closer to each metro area, and the great thing about having a studio is we always have a backup plan should inclement weather arise!
investment
Last on my list (but certainly not least) is the investment. Essentially, there are two types of photographers all-inclusive photographers who charge a flat rate for all of the digital files they take, and photographers like me who charge a creative or session fee and sell products separately. A big question to ask is: which do you prefer– DIY or having everything done for you? The majority of all-inclusive photographers send off your digital files and you're left to do what you please whether that is post them on social media or print them at Walgreens.
When someone asks me why they should hire me over an all-inclusive photographer, my answer is simple: I offer an unmatched luxury experience and cater to the needs of each individual family. Communication is a strong suit and you'll never be left with questions or wondering what happens next in the process. It is extremely important to me that my families have tangible memories and actually DO something with their images. This is why all of my signature sessions and memberships come with a set of prints after each session. The fine art products I offer are some of the best on the market, and I will do all of the design, ordering, and delivering along the way. I will even install gallery walls!
In short, you get what you pay for so it is important to weigh your options before choosing a photographer. If my process sounds like the perfect fit for your family, I would love to chat with you! You can contact me here or directly at hello@meredithmaagphotography.com
XO! Meredith
Meredith Maag Photography is a newborn photographer in Kansas City who specializes in luxury maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood, and family sessions in the Kansas City area, including Mission, Westwood, Brookside, Waldo, Country Club Plaza, Crossroads, Westport, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Prairie Village, Leawood, Independence, Lenexa, Olathe, and The Northland.
.
I am so happy you are here and would love to tell you more about a maternity, newborn, or family photography session! My full-service photography studio is located in Brookside which sits just 5 miles south of downtown Kansas City and includes a full studio wardrobe for moms, babies, and children. From wardrobe to delivery and installation of your fine art products, I’ve thought through every detail making the entire experience enjoyable so you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
Clients invest $2,550+ on their portrait experience. Click here for additional investment details including my membership package to document baby's first year.
If you love these photos, and you are looking for a maternity photographer in Kansas City or a Kansas City newborn photographer, would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, receive detailed information, or reserve your date, please click the contact button below or email me directly at hello@meredithmaagphotography.com
View other full sessions and glimpses on my blog!
