Today I was watching my news feed on Facebook and saw a post where one of my photog friends had commented on an image of a newborn baby hanging from a tree in a crochet pouch. When I clicked on the image I was saddened. The baby was cleary unhappy and it almost looked as though the poor thing was choking. I then proceeded to read some of the comments underneath the picture. I was just as horrified by their comments as I was the picture. I then went to this photographer's FB page and was appauled by all the negativity being sent her way by other photographers.
I totally know how those other photographers feel. We take our craft very seriously and when we see something unsafe (especially concerning those tiny newborns) we can sometimes let our passion and "mother hen" instinct get the best of us. We feel the need to defend our craft and defend the subject. But I have to say, I felt for the photographer too. I can't imagine how she must be feeling at this moment reading all the hate posts on her wall from other photographers, maybe people she viewed as her peers?
As a photographer for many years, I have always had a deep respect for other photographers, whether they are much more advanced than me in their abilities or are just starting out. Because no matter what we each are passionate about what we do and we all had to start somewhere. I am by no means the best of the best, but I feel like each year I continue to grow as a photographer and that is all I can ask for. But I have a deep respect for each and every photographer out there, because this is a hard business to be in. It might look easy on the surface, but it is far from that. Its a job, just like any job, that requires hard work, long hours, and constant training and studying to advance.
That being said, it is not okay in my opinion to BASH another photographer. The best way to handle that situation if you feel so passionate about what they are doing (or not doing for that matter) is to contact them privately. I am disappointed that so many photographers thought it would be appropriate to write such negative things on her FB page where potential clients can see. She might need some guidance, I agree, but she does not need to be made to look bad in front of her clients.
With all that being said... Newborn photography is a passion of mine. I love working with those sweet little cuddly babies that are so new and so precious. But safety has always been my #1 concern. I have studied and trained and continue to train to learn how to do what I do to the best of my ability. That is why I stress that price should not be an option when choosing the right photographer for your newborn session. I see so many photographers with little to no experiance advertising that they "specialize" in newborn photography, but the proof is in the amount of newborns they have actually photographed. Everyone has to start somewhere and I totally understand that, but remember these are your precious babies. Do you really want them to be someones "guinea pig?" If you choose to use someone with little experiance, that is okay by all means, but be sure that you feel confident in the photographer you have chosen. I am not posting this to convince anyone that I am better than the rest, but rather to educate that choosing your newborn photographer is just as important as any other choice you make for your new baby.
I love all my clients and am so greatful and humbled by the opportunity to not only photograph your precious newborns, but also that you give me the wonderful gift of being able to watch them grow as they come back for each of their milestone sessions! I swear I have the best clients anyone could ask for, and I'm not just saying that, I really mean it. You are the best!
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