Family photographers are a dime-a-dozen these days; trying to find the right one for your family can be overwhelming! Here are some key questions to consider when you start looking, that will help make sure you get the most out of your family session.
Is there a particular look & feel or style you’re looking for?
Every photographer has their own style and approach to photography - and there are some big trends in family photography right now that some photographers build a business around and others don’t (e.g. boho dresses and very warm-toned editing - very popular right now but not my thing!) Whether you’re looking at photographers keeping up with the latest trends or not, we all have our own styles and approaches to photography. Do you see yourself in our photos? Does our style match yours? If it does, fantastic - we’re a good fit! If not, look for someone who better matches your style.
Take a look at the photographer’s published images, on their website or social media. What do you like about their images? What don’t you like?
Depending on your creative background, you may or may not see a huge difference in different photographers’ styles; if you don’t, that’s ok, but it’s important to look at their portfolio anyway. How do their images make you feel? How are the families posed (or not) in the images and is this what you’re looking for? My family work is available on my families page, blog, and Instagram.
Do you need wardrobe support?
Some photographers offer a client closet, some offer a styling service, and some will give feedback/direction on outfits but mostly leave it to you (that’s me!). There’s no right or wrong here, it’s all about what you need and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
Do you connect easily with them? Are they warm and friendly?
Capturing real, authentic connection between you and your loved ones starts with how you relate to your photographer. If they can put you at ease, you’ll be more relaxed in your session and able to get those beautiful, storytelling images you’re looking for!
What’s your budget?
Family photography is an investment, whether you’re doing a quick mini session or a full family session. Think about what you’re looking for and how much you’d like to spend, and then start doing your research.
(Sidenote: another trend in family photography is to wait to share pricing until after a client reaches out & schedules a call. There are certainly pros to this for the photographer, but I prefer to be up front so you know what you’re getting into, whether you’re on a budget or not. Check out my family session packages and pricing here.)
Those are my top criteria when looking for my own family photographers; what about you?