I'm really glad
Choosing a family photographer can feel super overwhelming. Gone are the days where we all shuffle off to the mall to have our family portrait snapped in a studio by the only shop in town. Today, there can literally be hundreds of photographers in an area to choose from.
Guys, I have been there. Yep, as a photographer, I have felt super overwhelmed when choosing my OWN family and portrait photographer! I can confidently say that as a client and a professional photographer, the choices I make on who will photograph my own family are based on 6 key factors. These same factors can help you choose a family and portrait photographer who is the right fit for you!
1. Too Legit to Quit: What the heck do I mean by this? This means I’m looking for a professional who is truly a professional. They pay taxes, are a registered and licensed business, they have a contract for me to sign, a retainer to reserve my date, they answer emails and questions I have…this assures me that the professional I hire, will honor the services rendered (they won’t promise me a session date and bail last minute).
2. A True Professional: Remember back in high school and college when our teachers and professors talked about the importance of carrying ourselves in a “professional” manner? This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a blazer and carrying a beeper, y’all. I want a professional that I know has my best interest and the best interest of their business at heart. I seek out folks who are positive, who do not complain on social media about their clients, who share authentically about their careers and keep it real…but have boundaries. I also look for professionals who lift up and support other business owners in the area and avoid tearing down other entrepreneurs to get ahead.
3. Pricing +Investment: As an entrepreneur, photographer, and a client, I really want the professional I hire to keep their doors open. Over the years I have seen talented photographers close down because they are not charging enough for their services. Heck, I have struggled in raising my pricing because I was afraid to lose potential business! However, I have learned to stay in business, prevent burn out, and serve my clients, I have to make a living wage and adjust my prices to reflect those needs.
When choosing your own family photographer, recognize that their pricing isn’t only for their time taking your photos. Their pricing is for your session time, editing, communication, hosting your images in an online gallery, taxes, administrative work associated with your session, etc. The list goes on and on…and on. It may be an investment, or something you have to save for, but remember, you are hiring them for more than simply hitting a shutter button.
Going back to being too legit to quit, having a contract in place is incredibly important because it should outline all of the things you are receiving with your session and for what price. For example, my clients receive an online, password protected gallery delivered within 14 business days of the session date. They are able to download all of their images at the high or original resolution (depending on the type of session) and a print release is included. I offer a flat fee that encompasses all of these things, and deliver the session fully edited.
Other photographers have different policies, and that is why it is important to get it down in writing what your investment includes.
4. Genuine Connection: A professional doesn’t have to be stuffy. I firmly believe that when you are working with a photographer, there should be genuine connection between the photographer and the client(s). When choosing someone to capture your most precious memories, it is important to find someone you vibe well with, someone you feel comfortable with. Your best friend may have hired a photographer that works super well with her family, but that doesn’t mean their photographer is the right photographer for you!
To get a feel for your future photographer, take a peek at their about me section on their website, send an email through their contact form introducing yourself and the service your seeking, start to get to know them before you make the choice if you are a good fit.
5. Stellar Experience: Picture this. It is 100 degrees out, humid, your hair is flat, and everyone in your family is cranky. One kiddo has snot running down their nose and you are ready to cry before you even get out of the car.
I have been there as a client, folks. I have been the person who rolls in hot, feeling like a hot mess, and has the not so happy to be there spouse in 100+ degree Mississippi weather. I absolutely know how stressful this can be.
Seek the professional that stashes extra bottles of water in their car, tissue for wiping sweat off your face and snot from your kids nose, tells you how fierce you look (and means it), and is patient and understanding. I’m serious. Be as passionate about finding a pro who will give you an incredible experience as I am about giving one.
As a photographer, I give 110% to my clients. Find someone who will treat you with the best possible experience during the worst possible situation when everything seems to go wrong. That is the pro you want to hire. Spoiler: you are not as big of a mess as you think. I promise you, sweet friend. You are doing just fine, your kids are doing just fine, and you are a rockstar at this family portrait thing.
6: Style + Look: Before you hire a photographer, look at their portfolio on their website and social media. It is super important to get a good feel for the style of photographer you would like to hire! Do you prefer candid moments? Studio portraits? Documentary? If you like moments captured that are emotional and jerk a few tears, and you want that kind of style for your own session, know that you are searching for a photographer that will most likely help draw out your own raw feelings. Are you comfortable showing those emotions (this is why it’s important to find someone you vibe with)? Look at different portfolios and find photos that speak to you. What is it about those photos draw you in? For example, you might really love photos of the entire family interacting instead of just smiling at the camera. If you like a blend of both, look for a photographer who showcases both traditional and candid moments.
Take a look at their editing style. Each photographer shoots a little different to create a certain “look” for their photos. Do you like a timeless edit? Look for true to life colors in their photos. Are you a lover of black and white photos? Find someone who showcases black and white photos on their site. Again, see what kind of look draws you in. If you’re confused about what look suits your family, take a peek around your house. Do you decorate in light, airy, colors? A lot of white and neutral? A photographer that has a “light and airy” editing style that fits your decor style might be a good fit for you.
If you have found a professional who checked all of those boxes, but you’re unsure if they offer a certain service or style of session, simply ask via email, contact form, or their preferred method of communication.
Planning any photo session takes A TON of work. I truly respect that! There are outfits to coordinate, schedules to rearrange, kids and animals to wrangle, hair appointments to make, and time and money spent to make it happen. Finding a quality professional who will recognize and honor that is well worth it!
