The weather is finally warming up and that means the parks will soon start filling up with families dressed up to get their family photos taken. If the warmer weather has inspired you to update your own family photo, you may be wondering the best way to go about finding a photographer. As a family photographer, I know how important this decision is. Here are my top 6 tips for what to look for when doing your own research.
1. Style
What family photography style best suits your family’s personality? You are probably thinking, “There are photography styles?” Actually, yes, there are many styles. The two most popular family photography styles are posed and lifestyle.
The posed style is just what it sounds like, the photographer carefully places the family into specific poses and everyone in the family looks at the camera and smiles. This style is a bit more formal but very classic and beautiful. It’s what most people think of when they imagine a family photo.
The second family photography style is called lifestyle. Lifestyle photographers take a little bit different approach. Similar to the posed style, the photographer will direct the family about how to sit or stand but the family is not typically expected to just look at the camera and smile. They may take a shot or two like that but then the photographer will usually encourage the family to interact with each other. This style feels more natural and organic but can result in photos where people aren’t looking at the camera.
2. Location
Another important consideration is where you want the photographs to be taken. Do you want to take your family photo inside a studio or outside? Some photographers have the ability to take photos in either place, but many only work in one or the other. For example, I do not own a studio, so our photos will typically take place outside.
3. Portfolio
I realize this may sound obvious, but have you reviewed the photographer’s work? Do they have a website where you can look at examples of their work. Do they have a blog? What about Facebook and Instagram? Make sure you love what you see on all of these platforms. Because photographers use the best of the best for their websites and social media platforms (can you blame us?), you could even ask to see an entire gallery from one family to make sure you are comfortable with what you will be getting.
4. Personality
Don’t underestimate the importance of personality. You are taking time out of your busy life and money out of your pocket for family photos. Is this person someone you feel comfortable around? Do they look like someone you kiddos could relate to/have fun with? Can they roll with it when little Johnny is throwing the biggest tantrum of his 3 years on this planet (because you know it will happen on the one day you have scheduled family photos)? My advice is to take a few minutes to chat on the phone. You can’t read people well by only communicating via email. Read the “About Me” section of their website. Do they seem like someone you could be friends with? Check out their social media – is it all business or can you get a feel of who they are?
5. Referrals
This one is self explanatory. Ask your friends for who they recommend, but make sure you are doing all of the other things on this list to make sure they are someone YOU want to work with.
6. Pricing
I realize price is very important to most people; I just want to caution you against making it the only thing you consider. Good photography, just like anything else, isn’t cheap. Also, make sure you know what you are getting for the money – digitals? Digitals and prints? Are there packages? What’s included in them? No one likes talking about money but making sure you know what you are getting and what you are not getting is vital.
As you can see there is a lot to consider when you are searching for a family photographer. The good thing is that once you have done your research and found a good fit for your family, you can continue to use the same photographer year after year.
Kerie is the owner of KGriggs Photography where she specializes in photographing families and kiddos. When she is not behind the lens of her camera, she is either chasing around her three kiddos (ages 12, 10, and 7) or binge watching Netflix with her husband of 15+ years. Kerie and her family are originally from Austin, TX and have lived in Glendale for a little over 7 years. She loves photography, TexMex food, college football, traveling, Tieks ballet flats, and her Erin Condren Life Planner.
