4 Things to Think About When Choosing a Family Photographer

When it comes to having your family photos taken, you need to find a family photographer you’re comfortable with and who can take quality, professional photos of you and your family. Consider these concerns when you start looking for the perfect family photographer to capture your next family photo.

 

Know what type of photos you want.

Before you start searching for family photographers in your area, think about what you want out of your session. Are you looking for candid photos capturing your family’s laughter or more posed photos? Do you want your photos taken in a professional studio or at a favorite park or on the beach? Knowing what you’re looking for can help you narrow down your list of possible photographers. And once you do choose someone, don’t hesitate to talk to them about exactly what you want.

I can honestly say that in my experience, the clients that I usually work with really love the more natural and candid type of shots.  Often I comment on it as a “fauxtojournalistic” approach to photography.  I place my clients in the best light and general position and then I work around them and whats going on.  Makes things super easy with no stress or awkwardness!

 

 

 

Talk to friends who have images you love.

You can spend all day googling family photographers in your area, but one of the best ways to find the perfect family photographer is through recommendations. If you have a friend whose family photos you’ve always admired, ask who took the shots. Plus, many photographers offer bonuses or discounts for referrals.

My BEST advice for anyone looking for a family photographer is to PLEASE avoid trying to find a photographer on the Facebook “yard sale”, Facebook “word of mouth” or Facebook “swip swap” pages.  I’ve seen MANY people get scammed out of their money and some of those “photographers” never show up for the session.  Honestly, I have done numerous sessions on the beach and been approached by families who’s Swip Swap Photographer never showed up and they ask if I can help them out.  Of course I say yes every time but please be sure to do some homework before choosing a family photographer!

 

 

Find the best fit.

Most likely, you have a vision in mind for your family photos. You want a family photographer who can help you achieve that vision. When looking through their portfolio, make sure you like the style of the photos—the composition, the editing, and the poses. If their work is consistent, you can expect your photos to look similar in style to the ones in their portfolio.

From my experience and point of view…consistency in work has very little to do with edits but has EVERYTHING to do with producing consistently good quality images. Not every situation is lit the same way.  Not every family is super “touchy feely”.  And that’s perfectly ok!  Sessions like that keeps people like me on their toes and keeps my brain moving!  It gives me a chance to be creative and maybe throw in some extra light somewhere or try new compositions.  Every family is not the same. So why treat them all the same?  Right?  LOL

 

 

Be clear on what you’re getting.

Before you sign a contract for your session, know what your photo package includes. Be sure to ask your photographer these questions:

•     How many photos will I receive from the session?
•     What’s included in the cost?
•     Will I receive digital files of the photos?

 

Take your time to find the right family photographer to take your family photos. After all, you want to capture memories that you can cherish for years to come. 

 

You can check out what I offer in my sessions HERE! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!  I’m more than happy to help anyway I can!