Hellobee Boards

@photojane: this!!

Another photographer popping in to weigh in.

We are opting to work with a photographer who does both posed and lifestyle but to focus on a more lifestyle look in our home. To me it's not about one type of photography being easier than the other, it is about what you prefer and what they specialize in. IMO I don't love super posed shots because many of the ones I see will not age well (remember color selection) and it does not feel very authentic because many poses have to be manipulated in post production to be safe for the baby (like their head resting on hands).

Kudos to the photographer you contacted to not try and do something that they do not specialize in. I have to do that with wedding clients from time to time. Sure it's hard to miss a job, but I'm looking for a good fit and the long term happiness of myself and my client.

Ultimately pick what you love, and make sure they have a solid portfolio not just promises that they can pull something off. I'm sorry you had a bad expirence with the past photographer, not everyone comes with talant and grace good luck!

@PrincessBaby: I think when posed infants are done really well they look timeless if that is the look you like. What I mean is barely noticeable editing, even light, even skin tone, overall very natural. I mean I would expect that you will have other photos done in future years that will replace the newborn canvases, so I would think more in the next 5-7 years than forever and ever. Your tastes and photography will both evolve.

That said, I think what is popular in photography is also very regional. I would not let the photographer using the word 'still' cloud your decision too much. For example here in the NW I don't often see bridal shoots when the bride in her wedding dress is photographed prior to the wedding so a canvas can be shown at a reception, that is very popular in the South.

As long as you love the work of the photographer and they have a solid portfolio of images that you would be proud to hang in your home you can not go too far wrong. Choosing a style you don't like as much just because it is perceived to be more popular or on trend is not a good reason to pick a photographer IMO.

We did a shoot in our home when DD2 was 9 days old, 11 months ago, and had a couple of posed-style photos with a headband, on our couch, but mostly did lifestyle pics with the family. Here are a couple of them. I'm glad we have a few posed pics, but think the more natural interaction ones are my favorites. I'd bet that your favorites will be pics of your LOs interacting, so I'd do something where you can kind of do both. (Now I have a tear in my eye looking at these and realizing how much they've changed in almost a year!)