But getting photos taken in studio can be expensive. Think of the cost they have to invest in the gears, studio rental, accessories, utilities, salary of the staffs etc. You're paying the professionals so that they do the hard work for you. So everything comes with the price.
If, you're willing to do some works here, I'd suggest you to do it yourself, and these are whys you should do it.
1. Cost
Of course, we will talk money. We're discussing this point with one condition--that is, you have a relatively reasonably good camera in the first place.
From there onwards, all you need is to invest in costumes. There are a lot of available costumes nowadays, all you have to do is shopping. Effortlessly through your computer.
Cheaper options, taobao.com.
Advantages: Cheap, closer to home (China to Malaysia or Singapore)
Disadvantages: Little choices. Mostly are for rental instead of sale. But it doesn't mean you should give up trying. There are still a lot of hidden gems.
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| 2 costumes 2 rugs from taobao, cost RM70 (including shipping) |
More expensive options, amazon.com.
Advantages: A lot more choices, A LOT
Disadvantages: More expensive. And no international shipment. You'll have to rely on VPost (Singapore only) to get this. Extra cost on shipment.
You won't need a lot of costume for your baby. First of all, costumes only last for a short while, few months if not few weeks. Secondly, babies are usually lack of patience. You won't have a chance to change him more than two costumes at a session to take beautiful pictures. Thirdly, after a while you prefer daily casual shots because that is a real record of baby's growth and progress.
Buy those you really like, or those really mean something to you. For example, The Man plays baseball so I bought a baseball costume for baby. (I'm still looking for Star Wars costume!)
Advantages of having the costumes on your own? You can keep for your second child maybe? You could also rent it out if you really have a lot. You could also sell them. Most importantly, you assure yourself the costumes are clean. No sharing with others and wash before use.
2. Baby with mood
Parents, let's face it! Babies have their moods. They're wonderful on their ups, and terrible on their downs.
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| Crying is part of the parcel |
Photo sessions with studio or photographer mean you will have to make appointments. Say for example, on average, your baby seems to be happier in the morning. You made an appointment with the photographer for morning session. Dang! When the day comes, baby is cranky and all and you can't change the slots because this famous photographer is fully booked. So, you went anyway...
Fill in the blanks on your own imagination, I could only picture the worst.
At home, you can do it anytime when you feel the timing is right.
3. Convenience and hygiene
See all the nude pictures of baby on the web and really want to do one? Think again!
Babies poo and pee a lot. A lot! And they don't tell you before they do. Pee and poo can come anytime during the session and you'll need a change. And you'll start to wonder how clean was the costumes and rugs that were used on your baby. How many babies pee there before yours? How well the studio clean them?
If that happens at home, you are rest assured they're in good hands (Well, your own hands).
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| Baby pee on the bed after this tortoise session |
4. Room for error
The photo session wasn't working this morning? No problem, try another time because you're the photographer.
The set up wasn't great on screen? No problem, do more homework tonight and try next week when you get the props right. Because you have the props.
The weather sucks? Well, wait another day.
You have all your time to do it right. And practice makes perfect. After a while, you'll master the skills to set up, change, pose, make baby smile and laugh, keep baby occupied, take pictures all on your own.
5. Fun
If you like photography, this is something fun to experiment :)
