You may be thinking that this is a weird topic for a photographer to blog about and wondering why I’m not just trying to convince you to choose me…

Well, the answer is this - I want us to be a good match so we can both be happy! 

Just like when you are looking for a new job, your potential employer has questions for you and you typically have some questions for that employer to make sure you will be happy there and to make sure it is a good fit. The same logic applies here. I want you to be happy that you chose me and I want you to love your photos. For that to happen, it is important to choose the right photographer for you! Here are some things to consider when choosing a family photographer: 

Type of photographer 

There are many different types of photographers out there and not everyone specializes in family photos. If you see a photographer who takes amazing wedding photos or engagement photos, they might be great at photographing adults but not know how to photograph children. Make sure that when you are looking at the images on their website or social media, that you see photos of children in a style that you like. 

That brings me to my second topic: 

Style

Every photographer has their own style. Some photographers take formal portraits where the whole family is posed and smiling at the camera. Some photographers (like myself) have a more natural style where the family is interacting with each other instead of always looking at the camera. Photographers also edit their images in different ways. Some photographers have sessions outdoors in nature while some use props and sets inside a studio. Make sure you see enough images from a photographer to get a feel for their style. If you don’t think you will like your family’s photos to be in that same style, look for a photographer that aligns more with what you envision for your photos. 

Next:

Personality 

This one might seem like it shouldn’t matter but if you don’t feel comfortable with your photographer, you will likely not feel relaxed during your session and your photos will not come out as natural looking. Most photographers will be happy to have a conversation with you on the phone to discuss the photo session and to get to know you. That is a great way to see if you feel comfortable and if you click. 

And lastly:

Price

Professional photos are not free and you have to make sure the photos will fit your budget. Photographer fees can vary greatly and this can be based on many factors including the number of digital images/prints included, the photographer’s experience, the equipment used, and the amount of time dedicated to each client. The list can go on and on… Some photographers lay out their prices on their websites to avoid any surprises and some photographers like to talk to their clients before revealing their prices. Make sure you find out the prices, understand them, and are comfortable with them before scheduling a session. 

And if all of this leads you to me, GREAT! 

And if not, I still want you to find a photographer that is a great match for you :)