10 Things You Must Know when Choosing the Perfect Family Photographer
Most families, especially those with small children, update their family photos on a yearly basis. The first few years pass quickly. Because so much happens from year to year, it's critical to keep track of the major milestones.
Choosing the finest family photographer might be difficult with so many skilled photographers available. Photographers differ in terms of style, method, editing, and other factors. You want to invest in one that will provide you with the best images in your taste for your family and that you can count on year after year.
1. Photographer Type: Portrait Photographer vs. Lifestyle Photographer
Lifestyle photographers are becoming increasingly popular, but if you're not familiar with the field, you might be wondering, "What is a lifestyle photographer?"
Lifestyle photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing spontaneous relationships and experiences. It emphasises on capturing the emotion of the family's ties rather than producing the perfect image with everyone looking right at the camera with the perfect grin. It's ideal for wigglers of all ages.
2. Photographer's Style
Photographers are artists, and their work usually has a distinct style or feel about it. There are numerous "styles" of photography, ranging from light and airy to dark and moody to timeless and beyond.
These generalizations and designations are likely to be meaningless to you, but I do recommend that you look at the photographer's portfolio. Their work will have a distinct look and feel. Choose a photographer who has a style that you like.
3. Studio vs. Natural Setting
The majority of family lifestyle photographers operate in a natural setting. This might mean shooting in a park or even a family's house. Working in a natural setting adds more diversity to your session by incorporating weather, lighting, and landscape. Natural or familiar settings are especially great with young children as they tend feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Some photographers have their own studio or work out of one. Working in a controlled atmosphere, away from the elements, will result in a gallery of photographs that is generally very consistent. This can be a preferred option for families with babies or young children, especially during the cold months.
4. Photographic Styles
Photographers frequently specialise in a particular kind of photography. There are photographers who specialise in family photography, newborn photography, wedding photography, maternity photography, engagement photography, and so on.
Choosing a family photographer will ensure that they are experienced working with youngsters and controlling the family dynamic for the most natural and genuine photographs.
5. Connection
The more at ease you are with your photographer, the more at ease you will be with them behind the camera on photo day. There is something to be said about that connection. For myself personally, my heart becomes invested in my families and I look forward to watching the children and relationships grow.
6. Experience with Children
When selecting a family photographer, it's essential to consider their experience working with children. Photographing families, especially those with young kids, can be challenging. A photographer who has experience and knows how to interact with children will be able to capture their genuine expressions and create a comfortable and enjoyable environment during the session.
7. Flexibility and Patience
Family photography sessions can be unpredictable, especially when working with children. Look for a photographer who is flexible and patient, understanding that kids may have their own agenda during the shoot. A photographer who can adapt to unexpected situations and make the most of them will ensure a successful and stress-free session.
8. Safety and Professionalism
When choosing a family photographer, prioritize safety and professionalism. Ensure that the photographer follows proper safety protocols, especially when working with newborns or young children. They should also have liability insurance to protect both parties in case of any accidents or damages during the session. Professionalism is also key in terms of punctuality, communication, and overall conduct throughout the entire process.
9. Print and Product Options
Consider the photographer's offerings beyond the digital images. Some families prefer to have physical prints or albums to display and cherish their memories. Inquire about the photographer's print and product options, such as canvases, framed prints, or photo books. Having a variety of options allows you to choose the ones that best suit your preferences and will preserve your family's memories for years to come.
10. Personal Connection and Trust
Building a personal connection and trust with your family photographer is crucial. Look for a photographer who genuinely cares about capturing your family's story and understands the importance of these moments. They should take the time to listen to your ideas, answer your questions, and provide guidance when needed. Feeling comfortable and confident in their abilities will contribute to a successful and enjoyable photography experience.
Remember, choosing the perfect family photographer is about more than just capturing beautiful images. It's about finding someone who understands your family dynamics, makes everyone feel at ease, and can preserve your unique story through their artistry. By considering these additional points, you can make an informed decision and find a photographer who will create lasting memories for your family.
HOW TO PICK A FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Read the Reviews
Google and Facebook are excellent resources for finding a photographer. A fantastic photographer will be well-liked and receive rave reviews. Take a look at the reviews to see if there are any patterns. Is it true that they are good with children? Is their customer service and professionalism up to par? Choose a photographer who is well-known for the services you require.
Responsiveness
You should be able to tell how responsive they are from the first inquiry. Photos are an investment, and you should feel properly taken care of from the moment you contact us until the gallery is delivered and beyond.
Consistency
You want to be confident that the images in a photographer's portfolio will be able to be reproduced for your own family. Examine their portfolio to see how consistent they are with their work. You should see a pattern in the way they photograph, edit, and display their photos.
What Does the Package Contain?
Pricing and package arrangements are subject to change. Some photographers charge a session fee and sell the prints separately, while others charge complete rights and a digital copy of the entire portfolio. Aside from pricing, the total package must be considered to assess the value you will obtain.
WHERE TO FIND GREAT FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS
Referrals
Requesting referrals from friends and family is a good place to start. You will not only be able to witness their art, but you will also be able to obtain a firsthand account of the event.
Google and Bing Search
Google, like everything else in life, has it all. Remember that there are a lot of photographers out there, and depending on their SEO, they could not show up on the first few pages.
Local Listings
Some larger cities have rating lists that offer a "Best of the Best" few lists that rank well on Google, and these can be a good place to start. These are frequently non-biased reviews that will provide you with a large number of photographers to consider.
Life moves too quickly. We can't stop time, but we can capture the moments that fill our hearts and tell our stories through photos. I am a Winnipeg photographer who specializes in family photography and pet photography, who assists families in documenting their stories and capturing some of life's most memorable moments. My family photography style tends to be more natural, with minimal editing, as I love capturing the true essence of a person/family and believe our uniqueness comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and beauty.
If you are interested in booking or know more about my family photography, please don't hesitate to contact me. Also check out my family photography gallery.