[GinaOfAllTrades]

Would you, or are you going to, hire a photographer for baby's first birthday?

I am seriously thinking of doing this. Provided I can talk Jason into it. I could take pics myself like previous years I know. BUT, I am not as good at taking pics as I would like to be (I am starting to hate my camera [Canon PowerShot S5 IS]) and I really want pics of everything. Gabriel and his guests, the family together, him with his cake, etc. and I think a photog's eye would be awesome. And that way I can focus more on the party and Gabriel then of taking pics.

What do you all think? And for you photographers out there...what is a decent price for something like that (2 hours maybe)?

[Lilly Bella]

i think this one of the most important things. everyone always spends so much time and money on cake and decorations and food...when this is what i think deserves the most.

but again...i might be a tad biased. photos mean everything to me, everything!

as for how much $, it depends. you could simply just ask a friend to do it and it wouldn't cost you anything or you could spend mega bucks on a top notch photographer. i would google photographers in your area and see what catches your eye, get a price quote and go from there ♥

[nat1970]

I would ask a friend or family member to do it and better if they have a DSLR. Luckily many of my girlfriends and my mom love taking pics and all have DSLR's.

[Hollybear]

You mean for the actual party or what?

I am hiring one for the actual party, and then one for birthday portraits as well---but they aren't the same people.

For the party - Bend and Oregon Coast wedding photographer Marina Koslow. Wedding, portrait, senior, family and children's photographer in Bend, Redmond, Newport, Oregon Coast.
For the portraits - Natalie Stephenson Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, children, families, high school seniors, corporate head shots, and wedding photography. Located in Bend, Oregon... servicing all of Central Oregon and also offering destination wedding

I probably won't do this next year, and I probably could get just as good pictures on my own camera (I have a DSLR with a few lenses and an external flash) but I want to be able to focus on just the party. I don't really trust anyone else with my camera I guess?

I know I am probably in the minority but pictures just mean so so much to me. I look at pictures of Sophie as a baby and I can't help but think I wish I would have taken more, and I probably have 2,000 or more pictures of her doing nothing. Lately I have been recording her (like with the camcorder) just playing, talking....this first year went by so fast, it makes me sad to think about how fast this next one will.

[GinaOfAllTrades]

For the actual party Holly. I am tired of not getting the shots to turn out good, missing something, or not being able to enjoy our company because I am trying to get pics. Like Kristen, I love pictures.

A girl on FB. Actually she is my son TJ's aunt (she married my ex-BIL) offered to do them for me for $75. Jason is not sure he wants her to do them though and wants to ask someone else.

[nevergivingup]

I think pictures are so important also! I have thousands of Aidyen. I want to be able to enjoy the party and be a part of it all, instead of being behind the camera. So I have a friend who takes pictures who is going to do it for free.

[shockandawe]

I would totally do it if the photos are important to you, and you want something special. I had a photographer for her baptism and am sooo happy I got that.

We had someone come in and do portraits of her at 10 mos for her photo b'day invites, so that means no photographer for her party. BUT, DH and I have taken a few lessons and we're pretty good with the camera. So, our plan of attack is that DH will do photos of her opening, while my brother handles the video recorder. I'll take decor photos before anyone arrives.

Going forward the plan is to do pro portraits once per year. Not sure if I'll connect it with her birthday parties or not.

[*BabyMaMa*]

MIL has a really nice camera, but I just hope she'll capture all of the moments! Hopefully you can find someone to take pics for you. I'd hate for you to be the one doing a lot of work and not enjoying the pary.