If you’re planning to invest in family photography it’s worth your time and effort to choose the right one so that you get exactly what you’re hoping to get.
Putting together outfits, coordinating schedules, and setting aside a budget for family photography are all things you will need to do to prepare for your session. To make your worth your while and better than you expected, take some time to choose the right photographer.
It’s a good idea to spend some time getting to know who will be taking your pictures and their style before you invest. You can do that by meeting in person, talking on the telephone, and to some extent, reading the content of their website. Here are four things you should consider before choosing your family photographer:
1. Your desired end result.
I think most photographers are either chosen based on their style or price, but even more important than those things is to know what you want from your session. If your photographer is digital only, and you want a wall collection or an album, you may be disappointed that you will be doing the majority of the work printing and assembling an album after your session.
I offer free design consultation services with every session I book and in person ordering sessions where I help my clients make choices. I want your end result to be beautiful wall collections and/or and album you’ll enjoy for years. So take some time to figure out what you want from your session and find out what the photographer offers before you consider hiring her.
2. Availability and turn around time.
It seems like when a woman decides she is ready to get those family pictures done (because let’s face it, most of the time it’s the wife/mom who books the session), she is ready right now. So how far in advance will you have to book your session? It will depend on the availability of your photographer. Check with your ideal photographer to see what her waiting list is.
Another consideration is the turn around time. Waiting a month or more to see your images may not bother you, but I prefer to show my clients their images as soon as possible. In one week I will be ready to schedule an ordering session, and after you place your order your prints will be back and beautifying your walls within 2-3 weeks!
3. Personality and references
Your photographer will be working with your family at a minimum of 4 weeks from initial telephone call to final pick up of images (and hopefully longer because I love making friends with my clients). So, you should choose someone you like, someone who gets along with your children, and someone who understands you.
You can determine some of that from their website, the way they write and present themselves on social media, but it’s also helpful to meet in person. An in person consultation can help you determine if she is the right fit for your family.
If that’s not an option, talk to other people who have worked with her. Ask for references (she should be happy to give them) and talk to her past clients to find out exactly what you want to know.
4. Style and price range.
Finally, what drew you to the photographer in the first place, her style, is a helpful way to choose your family photographer. You will know it when you see it. Some photographers are modern, some are traditional, some do everything in an artsy black and white. Even if you aren’t sure of your own personal style, you can often make a decision just by browsing her website.
Do her images make you feel: joyful, nostalgic, comfortable? Do you prefer natural setting, with relaxed family posing and some candid shots sprinkled in? Consider your own personal decorating style as you look through her images. It will help you make your final decision.
The price range is the last consideration because if you want something, you will find a way to make it happen. If beautiful portraits of your family on the wall are important to you, you will set aside the budget for that. And, if you’ve found the right photographer who offers you an incredible experience, wonderful service, and personal attention then you better get started right away!
I hope these suggestions help you when it’s time to choose your next family photographer. Sign up for my newsletter below to get more information about choosing a photographer, what to do the day of your session, and be notified of special events. Or contact me today to start designing your perfect family session (mail@melissastover.com).
Leave a Reply