It’s common for people to put a lot of time and effort into finding the perfect photographer for their wedding, but people don’t always seem to put the same effort or time into selecting their family portrait photographer. However, these photographs of your loved ones will serve as priceless memories for your children and future generations. So it’s important to find a photographer who has the skill and expertise needed to get you the best results. This article will give you a list of questions that will help you find the perfect photographer who is the best fit for your family.
Take the time to ask any prospective family photographers these five questions, and don’t be afraid to express any concerns or make any specific requests you may have. You should feel at ease and excited for your session after your consultation with the photographer.
How long have you been working in this field?
Experience with family portrait photography is so important when hiring a photographer. Affordability is important, but should be lower on your list of priorities. If you want professional-quality photos for your holiday card, wall art, or albums, you won’t get the results you want with a photographer who is brand new to the field. Find out how long they’ve been in business and look at some of their previous work to see if their photos are consistent and whether their style will work for your family. Any professional photographer should be happy to provide you with a portfolio to showcase their work. You need a photographer who is skilled, has top-notch gear, and can adapt to any setting and any lighting scenario, especially when children are part of the session.
Do you have a specialized photographic genre?
When looking for a photographer, it’s important to choose someone whose aesthetic aligns with your own. Some photographers are studio-based, while others specialize in outdoor, natural light photography. Not all photographers are competent in photographing in all lighting scenarios. It’s so important to find the right photographer, with the skills and technical knowledge to photograph your portraits in the setting that you want. Don’t be shy about requesting samples of their work in the location or lighting that you’re looking for.
Do you have many repeat clients?
The best photographers frequently work with the same families over the course of numerous life events, such as an engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn, and beyond. Repeat customers are a testament to a photographer’s quality, consistency, and the pleasure they bring to their clientele. You want a photographer that has clients that are eager to work with them over and over. Clients like to have repeat positive experiences, so it’s highly likely that they’re returning because their experiences have been favorable ones. I’m grateful to work as one of Philadelphia’s top family photographers, because I have the pleasure of seeing clients return over and over as their families grow and change.
Where can I find your policy about appointment changes?
In today’s world, anything may happen, including you not making it to the family photoshoot. Make sure you completely understand the photographer’s cancellation policy and whether or not you may reschedule your portrait session in the event of an emergency. Often, photographers will allow a client to reschedule for free if they communicate their need to reschedule promptly. As a photographer, nothing is worse than having a client cancel 30 minutes before the session. Typically, the photographer will be unable to book a new appointment for that time slot, so this can be quite challenging and throw off their whole schedule. As with anything, a little courtesy goes a long way. As long as you are both clear on the policies that their studio has in place, you’ll eliminate any misunderstanding or confusion in the event that plans need to be changed for any reason.
Could you tell me whether you have any background working with families like mine?
Depending on the unique makeup of your family, you may have certain fears. Perhaps your child has special needs or requirements, or you find yourself in a circumstance that calls for unconventional posing. Finding a photographer who will be understanding and caring and work with you and your family to capture amazing portraits, can be an easy process if you are honest with your needs and communicate clearly with your photographer.
I remember photographing a session once where the child had a significant special need, but the parents hadn’t disclosed this ahead of time. I was certainly thrilled to work with this little boy, and well equipped to handle his needs. However, having advance notice would have allowed me to prepare more and give them even better service. Don’t be afraid to be honest with your photographer, not only about unique needs, but also any specific ideas or requests you have. Open communication goes a long way to ensuring a great outcome for everyone.
If you want to preserve the bond between you and your loved ones forever, be sure to choose a photographer who has the skill, expertise, equipment, and temperament to offer your family an outstanding experience. If you are in the Philadelphia area, be sure to send me a message using the contact form on this site! I’d love to work with you and create images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
