Finding the Perfect (for you!) Family Photographer
There are MANY photographers out there.
From the hobbyists, to your best friend with a camera, to the professionals who have done it for years.
The fact that there are so many options can be overwhelming, but it’s also a good thing. It means you have the choice to choose the right person for your family specifically. Photographers have many different varying styles, as well as provide different approaches and experiences. I know it’s easy to look for price as a main factor, or just base it on images, but I have a few other questions you should ask and things you should consider before choosing a photographer for your family.
There is a good chance this may be a person who sticks around and is a part of your life for years to come if you like them and their work! I’ve known many of my clients throughout my entire career, that now spans over a decade of me doing this full time! On the other hand, choosing the person who doesn’t end up working out, can be frustrating as you’ve invested time and money, and may feel as you have to keep looking for someone new, which can be an overwhelming and daunting task. So, best to choose the right person from the beginning!
Here are some of the things you should consider before hiring a family photographer:
What is their photography style?
Do they have testimonials and reviews?
Can they accommodate special requests?
What are their prices?
How do the clients in their photos look, happy and comfortable?
Is this the type of person you would feel comfortable and connect with?
What is their process, what is included, and what is their turnaround time like?
What is their photography style?
Understanding the photographer's style is crucial in determining if it aligns with your vision. Are they drawn to candid, interactive shots, or do they prefer more posed and traditional portraits? Look through their portfolio to get a sense of their aesthetic and see if it resonates with you. And while some prefer more posed, and some prefer more candid, some also prefer darker and moodier while other’s want a lighter touch with editing. The style you see, should be the style you get! So also make sure that their portfolio is consistent overall. Do their images make sense in a gallery of photos from various sessions? Do they seem to keep the same editing style, or does it vary? That may mean it’s harder to know what you’ll get. You’re going to want to look for someone who not only has the style and look you want, but also does it again and again in varying situations and locations!
Do they have testimonials and reviews?
Reading what past clients have to say about their overall experience with a photographer can offer valuable insights into the photographer's professionalism, communication style, and the overall experience of working with them. Check their website, social media, as well as Google to see what others who have worked with them have to say! I know when I look for anything personally, reviews play a big role in deciding who I’ll hand over my money to and hire for a job. And they should! It’s important to know what the process looked like from the customer’s point of view. If they don’t seem to have many testimonials or you can’t find them, it could mean they are more inexperienced or new, or that they may not returning clients, which is always a little bit of a red flag. Most successful photographers who do this full time will have returning clients that come back year after year, so that is what you’re looking for!
Can they accommodate special requests?
If you have specific ideas or requests for your session, such as incorporating props or choosing a non-traditional location, make sure to discuss them with the photographer beforehand. Just like style, some photographers do have genres that they know they thrive and really focus in. It’s not always that a photographer wouldn’t love to work with your family or doesn’t want to be accommodating, but sometimes we know that certain things are just not our specialty and a good seasoned photographer will be honest if it’s something they know they aren’t as well versed in. So, while it doesn’t hurt to ask, make sure if you do have unique ideas, you do discuss it prior to booking!
What are their prices?
As I said above, I know it’s tempting to base decisions on this. And I understand that budgets vary. But, price should not be the only factor you consider (hence why I’m making this list!) because going with the lowest price, can often mean sacrificing important things. Lower pricing may mean that the photographer is newer or more inexperienced. And while we are start somewhere, it may mean they don’t have the proper gear or equipment or understanding of how to work it, or deal with difficult lighting scenarios. It may mean they aren’t consistent in their work, or they don’t have a streamlined process yet, back up systems in case something fails, or great communication. Some of these things come with time and learning and experience, while others sometimes are lower priced because they do this for fun or part time and not as their main full time job. It doesn’t mean price should be your only factor, of course, but some things to consider when looking at pricing, is there are typically reasons why the pricing is as low as it is. As they say…if it seems to good to be true…it often is! If you find a photographer you love who has a higher price than you were planning for, you can always ask about payment plan options if you know you truly want to work with them.
How do the clients in their photos look?
Are they comfortable and at ease? Are they relaxed and looking like they are actually enjoying themselves? Or is the posing awkward, stiff, uncomfortable, and not at all the vibe? Looking at how people look in a photographer’s photos is a great key indicator at how YOU and YOUR OWN FAMILY will look when you work with them! While all kids dance to their own beat, it’s important to know that the photographer you hire knows how to handle kids, can be quick to come up with ideas, and looks like they know how to keep people at ease!
Is this the type of person you would feel comfortable and connect with?
Generally, if you read over a photographer’s social media account a bit and they are active, watch their Instagram stories, look at their About Me page, read their style on the blog, etc. etc. and even communicate or chat with them via email or on the phone…you should get a good idea of their personality. Just as how past client’s are a good indicator of what to experience, actually interacting and engaging or getting to know the photographer’s personality is the best way to know if you’ll match up with them personality wise! While some kids and parents want someone calm, focused, soft spoken, and laid back, other kids and parents thrive on the off beat, fun, loud, and interactive and hands on person! The personality of your photographer shouldn’t be an after thought, it should definitely be a big factor when deciding who you want to work with!
What is their process, what is included, and what is their turnaround time like?
Finally, the nitty gritty details! I know we discussed price, but a few other great questions are asking about what is included in the price, how their process works from start to finish, and what their turn around time is like. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about people being upset when photos took weeks to get back. It’s good to know before you are invested, what to expect. If you head to my family or any services page, I outline what it’s like to work with me in 4 steps! But, to give you a quick look at my own process, most of my sessions have a session fee and proofing gallery online so that YOU can choose your favorite images and you only pay for the photos you want. Many photographers will select their favorites from your session, edit, and deliver those only. I have found that for myself and my clients, they enjoy getting to be the one making that decision. Turnaround times vary for photographers, and can go up to even a few months before you get your images back. I get your proofs out within 1 week, and then your final images back within 2-3 weeks so that you can start printing and sharing them! Since I’ve been doing this for over a decade, I honestly have a pretty seamless system at this point and automations set up with reminders, questionnaires, and emails sent easily to you and booking that is done online quickly. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a photographer about their process and any details if you are unsure or it’s not clear what to expect before you work with them.
Ready to book your family session?!
If my style of work looks like what you’re looking for and you’re in the Northeast Ohio area, please feel free to head to the Contact page and fill out the form! You’ll get instant access to my booking calendar and full investment details.