The time has come. You made the decision to book a photographer and get family photos done. You head to Google and type in, “Family Photographer near me”. Soon you are flooded with options, feel overwhelmed, and after looking at 3 different websites you decide, maybe it’s not that important after all. I’ll be honest, the Family Photography market is full of creative, talented and wonderful human beings all trying to do the same thing…capture you and your family! So I completely understand if choosing one can feel daunting. Here are some tips when searching for the one:
Aesthetic
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s pretty damn important. Us photographers have different styles of not only shooting, but in the way we edit our photos too. So when you’re viewing a photographers gallery, understand that what you see is what you’re going to get! If a photographers gallery is full of warm, dark tones but you want bright and airy, you might not be a match. If you want structured poses, more traditional style family photos, but the gallery you’re viewing is candid, raw, and natural, then again you might not be a match. At the end of the day if you absolutely LOVE the look of their work, chances are you will love your gallery too.
Energy
Ok I’ll admit, this is a little woo woo, but energy plays a huuuuuuge role in how your session is going to go. Connection with your photographer is so important because in order to get those relaxed, effortless and authentic shots, you need to feel comfortable. Showing up for family photos and having your photographer say, “ok just relax! Let’s do this!” well that’s easier said than done. If the photographer in question isn’t willing to get to know you beforehand, you might be risking stiff and unnatural photos in the end.
Pricing
Ooof. This is a hard one. As they say art is objective. However when it comes to a photographers pricing, know that these packages are chosen and calculated very carefully and with a lot of mindfulness. Blood, sweat and tears go into the editing process post shoot and you better believe we want to give you nothing but the best of us. That being said, choose a package you can feel good about. Every budget is different and luckily there are many options out there. You should always be entering a shoot feeling excited, not stressed about the dollar value.
Turnaround
Are you hoping to get your photos back in 1 to 2 weeks? Maybe you’re okay with waiting 5 week? Or maybe you want something immediate like 48 hours? Whatever your expectations are, make sure they match with your photographer. There’s a reason why some things take longer than others, but your photographer should always communicate with you an estimated time of turnaround. For me, I try to get my clients galleries out within 1-2 weeks. Some have been shorter, some have been longer! But I always make a point of communicating that after our shoot is done. A rushed photographer will make for sloppy photos, so if a photographer needs more time, give it to them. We care SO MUCH about giving you the absolute best. There’s a reason why you chose us. Trust us and we will deliver photos worthy of your patience. I promise!!