Family Portrait Tips

Three Questions to Ask Before Selecting Your Family Portrait Photographer

Choosing the right photographer to freeze your family’s moments in time requires careful consideration. After all, these portraits will become treasured keepsakes, so it’s crucial to ensure they reflect the essence and beauty of your family. Here are three essential questions to ask before selecting your family portrait photographer:

What is Your Photography Style?

Every photographer has a unique style that sets their work apart. Some may specialize in traditional, posed portraits, while others excel in candid, lifestyle photography. Understanding the photographer’s style is crucial to ensure it aligns with your vision for the portraits. Take the time to review their portfolio to get a sense of their aesthetic and see if it resonates with your preferences. I like a mixture of both – every gallery includes posed photos of everyone smiling at the camera as well as dozens of candid images that reflect my motto – “Happy Looks Good on YOU!”

What Experience Do You Have with Family Portraits?

A skilled family portrait photographer will have techniques for engaging with children, making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera, and capturing genuine interactions between family members. Additionally, experienced photographers will have insights into location selection, wardrobe coordination, session preparation and other factors that contribute to successful family portraits. With over ten years of experience as a professional photographer and seven years as an elementary educator, you can trust that I can handle your spirited children, grumpy teen or reluctant husband 🙂

Can You Provide References or Reviews from Past Clients?

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a photographer’s work and their professionalism is by hearing from past clients. Ask the photographer for references or look for reviews/testimonials on their website or social media platforms. Reading about other families’ experiences can provide valuable insight into what it’s like to work with the photographer and the level of satisfaction with the final results. Pay attention to feedback regarding communication, reliability, flexibility, and overall satisfaction with the portrait session and finished portraits. Positive reviews from satisfied clients can give you confidence in your decision to hire a particular photographer for your family portraits. I am proud to share that I have built my business on positive reviews and word of mouth. I am so thankful for the wonderful clients that hire me year after year!