I’m Overwhelmed! How Do I Choose a Photographer in Waco, Texas?

Reality. If Waco, Texas has one photographer, it has eleventy-billion. (Okay, that number may be from a former student in my Pre-K classroom, instead of an exact mathematical truth, but it totally feels legit.)

Thus, it seems a little overwhelming. How do you start narrowing your search, when you are trying to find the right photographer for you?

Niche: While there are some all-around photographers out there, most of us in the photography industry find our specific niche, and stick with it. If you call me requesting a photographer for your wedding, I will be referring you to some of our amazing Wedding photographers in the area. Read: I don’t touch weddings with a 10-foot-pole.

You deserve a photographer who has invested their time, training, and personal passion, in the specific area of photography you need. It’s discerning, when searching for someone to photograph your expected baby, to locate a photographer in that specific field. Newborn Photographers should specialize in handling newborns, be familiar with industry safety practices, and provide the props to make your newborn photo-vision come to life. Here’s a great source for vetting your Newborn Photographer.

©Leila Photography 2019

Style: Style is so subjective. I passed a store the other day with red pleather pants and a leopard print frilly top, boldly filling the display window. I figured out in less than a heartbeat, that I was NOT their ideal client. But, their door was swinging open and people were going in. As uniquely as we are created, it stands to reason that our style choices would be as varied and diverse as we are.

Photography is no different. In the past few years, I’ve seen the rise of a trendy, more earthy, lifestyle look. I love all types of styles of photography, and follow many photographers with this particular style. Additionally, there are photographers who do elaborate prop set-ups, or creative digital backgrounds. There is a style that will call to you. Find it. Skip on by the ones you may not necessarily dislike, but that don’t speak to you personally, or fit with what you envision displayed in your home. The great thing about variety is that it gives you options as a consumer.

Our authentic style at Leila Photography, centers on simple, clean, timeless, portraiture, leaning into traditional, but inspired by connection and interaction. Find a photographer who matches your style, so that you are elated with the end product.

© Leila Photography 2019

Budget: We all live within a different budget and spending mindset. I will be honest, I was a Payless shoe girl, until I met my husband. He first taught me about un-clenching my penny-pinching fists, for quality and longevity. My twenty-year old self would have laughed, if you’d whispered in her ear what what she would be willing to spend on a pair of shoes in the future. But, my *Ahem-* year-old feet are grateful for an investment in brands that combine comfort and style in long-lasting quality.

Everyone lives within a different budget, and different spending priorities. For one person, a Kate Spade purse is a must, for another a Starbucks coffee seems like wasted money.

With the sheer number of photographers in an area, it’s pretty easy to find different choices that span budgeting options. Entry-level photographers, may offer in-expensive services, as they build their portfolios, and some seasoned photographers, have built brands based on personalized service, legacy preservation, and high-end products. Find a service that will fit your spending priorities, and make your personal investment feel worth-while.

© Leila Photography 2019

There may be eleventy-billion photographers in the Greater Waco area, but it’s easy to start narrowing the options when you take a look at your personal budget and investment beliefs, the style that appeals to you, and the specific niche you’re seeking. Using this funnel, will help you land on options that will be a great fit for you.

If you are looking for a Newborn, Maternity, or Childhood studio photographer, with a clean, timeless style, we’d love to sit down with you and see if our services are a perfect fit for you. We offer obligation free in-person consultations, where you can comfortably ask all of your questions, and preview our services. Call us at 254-723-5591, to schedule your in-person visit, or stalk us on Instagram for a while, to see if our niche and style speak to you.

Waco Newborn Photographer: A Few of my Favorite Things, Part 3

♪♫♪ Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things ♫♪♫

I may have secretly wanted to sing, dance and make clothing out of truly horrible curtains, as I re-watched The Sound of Music multiple times in my youth. Unfortunately, my singing is mediocre at best, my dancing horrific, and my sewing ability makes my dancing look good.

While I was no Julie Andrews, the Rodger and Hammerstein's Favorite Things song, will play on repeat in my brain. So, when it came time to tell you about a few favorite products you can choose for your images, it was naturally where my head went. And, kind of like it playing on repeat in my mind, I could go on practically endlessly, since I love every one of the products I carry for you. However, since I've mentioned a way to wear your art, and a way to preserve and display multiple images, I'm wrapping up my series with a wall piece, my Fine Art Torn Edge Framed Prints.

Fine Art Torn Edge Print, Framed 7x7

I love giving you the option of something both unique and more luxurious than a traditional framed print. Printed on Fine Art Watercolor Paper with hand torn edges, it has a rich texture and eye-catching detail, and comes ready to display on your walls.

Arrives ready to display

It can be ordered in 7x7, 10x10 or 10x14 with a selection of frame options to fit your personal style. This double matted, floating-print artwork, looks amazing as a stand alone piece, or as a grouping for your gallery wall.

The texture of the print is something you definitely have to see firsthand to fully appreciate. When you visit the studio for your consultation, you'll be able to get your eyes on this artwork, and peruse the frame styles, to start envisioning it in your own home.

While I covered a few of my favorite things in these last few blog posts, I most definitely haven't covered all of them. Our Albums, Canvases and Wood Block options all fill your home with your family story, perfect conversation starters, and most importantly, something that makes you smile every time it catches your eye.

I can't wait to help you find the perfect solution for you to display your own session images.

If you are considering Leila Photography for your Maternity, Newborn or Childhood session, I'd love for you to follow me on my Instagram Page, where you can see our current work and studio-happenings. (Who doesn't need a few sweet babies showing up in their IG feed?)

Waco Newborn Photographer: A Few of My Favorite Things, Part 2

♪ ♫ Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,

Brown paper packages tied up with strings...

These are a few of my favorite things. ♫ ♪ ♫

Last week I began my Favorite Things series with my jewelry line, to give you a little peek into the products that I love offering you...and the why behind choosing those products for you.

This week, I thought it would be fun to share another favorite product, with an un-boxing video.

When I was researching portfolio boxes to offer you guys, there were so many on the market. But, when I came upon the Premium Wooden Portfolio box, I was smitten. The richness of this crafted wooden box, museum quality mats, and a designated spot for a client's USB drive, was like a trifecta of perfection. The heirloom-worthy piece not only gives you the versatility of 20 ready-to-frame matted prints, long-term storage, and all-in-one convenience, it's an attractive addition to your sideboard or coffee-table.

But then it got even better! A new window option allows you to have a hero image on display at all times,even when the box is empty or half-filled. Everything that was amazing about this portfolio box, is now paired with the benefits of a high quality frame. It's an amazing collection for absolutely anyone, but if your wall real-estate is limited, this is like your dream come true.

If I was smitten before, you guys, I am downright in love with the Premium Wooden Window Portfolio Box for your session images. You have to see it for yourselves! But, until you can make it into the studio to get your hands on it, this unboxing video is a fun way to share it with you.

So, check out another one of my very favorite things: A beautiful, versatile print and digital collection for you to enjoy for years and years to come.

Waco Newborn Photographer: A few of my Favorite Things, Part 1

Mmkay, so if you have Julie Andrews singing in your head right now, you're welcome. If not, c'mon, it's a classic people (or...yikes, maybe I'm just old.)

And while, "Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings,".... wouldn't necessarily make it into my personal top 20, I definitely have a few favorite things that I select as products to offer you. Because, when I select a product to offer to my clients, I truly L-O-V-E, love it.

Quality is naturally a big influence on my product selections, but I also love versatility. Your families grow and change, so having a product that serves you over time is not only a better investment, but a way to ensure you are still delighting in your session images for years to come.

Floating Locket with additional Bezels

I may not be a huge jewelry girl, but when I'm "put together" I hardly leave the house without a necklace and earrings. Wearing my own family in the Floating Locket, has provided a conversation piece as well as just the joy of wearing those I truly hold closest to my heart....well, close to my heart.

The ability to have multiple bezels from one session, to enjoy different images on different days, or adding new bezels at future sessions, gives you a unique, piece of jewelry that is as versatile as it is meaningful.

Snap Tassel Necklace

My more recently added Snap Jewelry line has the same versatility of the floating locket, with even broader possibilities, since it encompasses a whole line of products. Interchangeable snaps add versatility and longevity to your enjoyment, with multiple pieces adding even more variety. In addition to the Tassel Necklace, the Adjustable Ring, Silver Chain Bracelet, and Corded Leather Necklace make it easy to find something that is in line with your personal style.

"Raindrops on roses," are definitely poetic and pretty great, but I'm over here convinced that once you wear your own jewelry (and let's face it, get some subtle bragging in on that gorgeous baby of yours), you'll be singing about this jewelry being one of your favorite things, too. Or, at least humming along. ;)

Want to see it in person and pick your favorite piece? Come in for a personal consultation visit, and see if Leila Photography is the right fit for your Maternity, Newborn or Childhood session.

Give us a call

254-723-5591

Waco Newborn Photography: When should you schedule your Newborn Session?

If you weren't already aware of just how quickly the hands on the clock spin 'round...just wait until baby arrives. Feeding schedules, sleep deprivation, family visits, and hours cuddling your new infant...all of the sudden six weeks has passed and left you a little dazed.

Since we try to get newborns in during those first two weeks of life, to get the curly, womb-like poses, that fill Pinterest pages and photographer's galleries, it's important to schedule your newborn session BEFORE baby arrives.

When should you contact us?

I encourage expectant moms to get on my calendar at the beginning of their 3rd trimester. This gives us time to get to know each other at a Consultation Visit, as well as prepare for the best session possible.

How do we schedule Newborn Sessions?

We use a place-holder for your Newborn Session, based on your due-date. Since only 4% of babies actually arrive on their due date, we know that your place-holder date is tentative.  But, by already having you on our calendar, your slot is secure and the month won't be overbooked. We'll have the flexibility to accommodate you, whenever baby does make their appearance.

How do we get our firm Session Date?

Contact us as soon as possible after baby's arrival, so that we can get your firm session date on the calendar.   By having a place-holder in our system, we can quickly and easily adjust your session date.

What if we miss the 2 week window?

If I was preaching a sermon on Newborn Photography, one of my outline points would be that the 2-week-window isn't Biblical!  It is an industry standard for good reason, but we won't turn you away if circumstances dictate a different schedule.

Outside the “2-week-window” Still Sweet!

Newborns change quickly, and the two week window helps us really capture that awe-inspiring "newness" of your tiny baby, BUT we can still get beautiful photos of your baby after the 2 week window.  It's just important to acknowledge that our expectations do change drastically with infants who have been earth-side longer, and some poses may no longer appropriate.

While we can sometimes schedule last minute Newborn Sessions within the two-week window, it is much more difficult. We hate when we can't serve you for your Newborn Session experience. So, get your newborn session on our calendars early in your 3rd trimester, and don't let that time slide away.

If you are late in your 2nd trimester, or starting your third trimester, call us today to set up a Consultation Visit 254-723-5591, or fill out your interest form here.