We all want beautiful magazine worthy images gracing the walls of our homes and filling albums on our coffee tables but let’s face it family picture day can be stressful! While there are so many factors that go into a successful family photo shoot the number one factor is the person behind the camera, the photographer. These days there are so many photographers to choose from in every town so picking the right one for your family can definitely feel like a daunting task. As a photographer in Houston Texas for 12 years and a mom who gets family pictures of her family every year these are my top 5 tips for choosing the right photographer for your family.
1. Phone A Friend
Take a look at the images up in your friends, neighbors or playgroup peeps homes! Ask around and get a referral! Listen to and learn from your friends’ experiences because if they have a photographer they love and trust then it’s a definitely a place to start and send an inquiry! But don’t stop there and just assume that your friends referral will be the perfect fit for you own family as every family has different needs, wants and budgets.
2. I’ll take the Special-ty
So that was a stretch, ha but you need to be aware that while there are a ton of photographers to choose form each photographer typically has a specialty or two. For example, I specialize in family and child photography, therefore my session workflow and system is best suited for immediate family sessions or children. There are also photographers who provide very styled set up’s with props and others that are more documentary based or ones that just focus on newborn or wedding photography. You can usually tell what a photographer specializes in by browsing their website or blog to see what they shoot and share the most of. Be sure the photographer you hire has plenty of images in the style of photography you are hoping to get.
3. The Price is Right
These are your families’ priceless moments we are talking about capturing so the cost shouldn’t be a main concern but realistically it is, because sticker shock or paying more than you are comfortable paying can ruin even the best of experiences. Having done this as my “job” for 12 years and seeing some of my clients lose everything but their albums in hurricanes I place a high value on good photography. Consider the price point that is in your comfort zone first. The, understand that while this industry can cater to a variety of different budgets, there are also a variety of different types of photographers. Know that most photographers take their job and their art seriously and invest hundreds of hours learning and perfecting their craft as well as thousands of dollars on equipment, small business lawyers and accountants.
If a photographer is very inexpensive ask yourself why? Are they investing in professional equipment that resulting in higher quality images? Do they pay taxes and have proper licensing? Do they have a high overhead cost?
When Pricing photographers also be sure you are clear on what is included in their cost and what you walk away with. I take into account what my clients say they want (the digital files) and what my clients need but may not know they need (a tangible product) and make sure everyone walks away with both! If you don’t understand what is included for the price you are asked to pay, ask questions until you do.
4. Hand Holding
I focus on providing an experience for my clients from start to finish. To do this, I am there for the clothing selection down to the socks and up to the hair bows! I walk them through the process of selecting the location and type of session that is the best choice for their family and take charge at the actual session by playing games that illicit authentic emotions and moments. Then at the end I help them create art for their home from our session. Be sure the photographer you choose takes to the time to guide you along through the process. I have done this every day for over 12 years I know what looks best on camera and best on walls and I make sure to share that expertise with my clients so they are not alone.
One important part of my process with a client is a “getting to know you questionnaire” that I sent to them upon booking. This questionnaire allows me to prepare for our session and have a good idea of what each family member is like before I’ve even met him or her as well as gives me the opportunity to best understand the expectations of the person booking the session. Selecting a photographer with an open line of communication during business hours can certainly make for a smooth shoot day and ensure that you do more with your images than leave them on the black hole of your hard drive.
5. Listen to your heart
ultimately the number reason to hire a photographer is because their work makes you “feel” something and so you are comfortable trusting that tell your family’s story! Most photographers just put a handful of their best work on their sites or social media so don’t be afraid to ask to see a whole gallery. Thing to consider when looking at a gallery: do you like the style of editing? Do the images tell a story of that family’s love? Are the images consistent and technically correct?
Photographers come in all different styles, prices and skills but in the end you are hiring them therefore you should feel confident in their ability to capture your family’s moments and provide you with the best possible experience. But remember most photographers are work from home mom’s, there isn’t usually a team of people behind them tying up loose ends or taking care of the minor details, most of us turned our passion into a hobby and then into a livelihood. We are leaving our family to shoot your images and spend many sleepless nights editing your gallery so we obviously care about your family and hope that you walk away with happy tears when you see your final gallery!
I have captured a couple becoming a family of three, watched newborns grow up to become beautiful tweens, and celebrated milestones like first steps and lost teeth with my clients over the years… these people have become my friends! A good photographer will never take for granted the trust you have placed in them to capture your kaleidoscope of love, so be kind, be patient and listen to your heart.
See my work
If you are looking for a Family photographer of your own, grab a drink and feel free to browse the many families I have served over the years, right here on or hop on over to my instagram page and see what I’m up to right this minute. If you think we might be a good fit send me your number 🙂 and lets start planning the most EPIC FAMILY SESSION you have ever had!
