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lets talk local photographers/*misscastle*
This is probably more of a bump post but thought I'd get more view over here. Plus hoping misscastle weighs in since I know you mentioned in past posts that you work with local photographers.
I want to get family portraits done in March for DD's 1st birthday. Worried I should have this booked by now! Curious, do you usually meet with photographer before booking? I know this is case with wedding photographers but not sure about family portraits....
There seems to be so many photographers out there! It seemed like back in 08' when I was planning my wedding and spent too much time checking photographer's blogs there were just a few--or I guess there was just a few that were really popular on the knot board!
I can see myself getting sucked in front of the computer for hours checking out portfolios. 
I'm hoping if I share my vision someone might be able to chime in on who might be a good fit. I want to do pics inside our new home-empty so it kind of feels like a studio shoot except it's our home and our couch.
And trip down memory lane--does anyone else miss the blog updates from the local photographers?? Maybe they moved over to FB but the usual suspects like Jen Lowe and Mandi White don't seem to update and I miss it-not that I have the time like I used to browse. But I have imprinted in my mind some of the baltimore knottie wedding pics that I absolutely LOVED.
Re: lets talk local photographers/*misscastle*
Without trying to pimp myself, here my general view. For wedding photos it makes sense to sit down with photographers and talk over all the details. With family photos I don't think this is necessary.
Maybe give your self the goal to look at 10 photographers online portfolios. Pick your number 1, 2 and 3 favorite based on the pics and then contact them. Ask your questions via email and phone and see how the response is. You will probably have a good gut feeling by then based on the pics and email responses.
If you don't set yourself a limit, you will be sitting on the computer forever, looking at websites!
I'm here!! For family photos, I don't think it's necessary to meet with photographers in advance.
The good news for you is that it's not wedding season, so even though you might have waited a bit longer for you than you wanted to, most photographers should be pretty available.
I'm not exactly sure what city you're in (and it doesn't really matter, because most photogs will travel with 20 to 30 miles without an extra charge), but when I was at the magazine and was looking for new photographers' work to scout out, I would just google "Annapolis wedding photographer" or "Baltimore wedding photographer." Most good photographers update their blogs frequently; however, you're right that some have moved to Facebook. It's easier than a blog.
If you want specific photographer recommendations, I'm happy to give. Just let me know.
~ Kelsey Jean ~
Cooking with Crouton: A Food Blog
I agree with Jenni and misscastle.
Just an FYI, Jen Lowe does family pictures and she comes to your home. I haven't used her but several other Nesties have.
She can't pimp herself out but I can! Jenni did our TTD, b-pics, and even product photos for DH. I would definitely recommend her
Jen and Mandi are also very popular. I agree that plenty of photographers may have availability since it's not peak wedding season. I don't think meeting with them ahead of time is necessary, as long as you've seen their portfolios and had all of your questions answered. Be careful if you ask about this on TB. I've seen a lot of "photographers" recommended that are not good. Just because you have a fancy camera doesn't mean you should be charging people for photos!!!