So you want to get family photos done.....so now what? You do a google search and are overwhelmed with options. Choosing a photographer can be easy if you know what you are looking for. Your family is forever changing, and your kids are little for only a short period of time....I know this because I have two children of my own. I became a photographer because I loved capturing them growing up, and I know they will love looking back when they are older. Your photographer will give you memories like this, that will be captured in a photograph and forever these moments will last. So you want to make sure you make the right choice. Your photographer does a lot more than just show up and snap pictures, each photographer has their own shooting style, editing style and their own way of telling your family's story. Do your homework, visit websites, make sure to check their 'About me' and testimonial pages. Can you feel a connection with them? What draws you to their work? Do you feel something when you look at their work? The ultimate goal is to look back at your newborn or family pictures and remember how their head smelled, remember how tightly they hugged you, feel just how much you are loved...you want your pictures to be a time machine and take you right back to that moment in time. Does this photographer do that for you?
Here are 5 tips for choosing a photographer
1) Photography Style - There are so many different styles of photography, you need to narrow down what style you are looking for and love. You need to choose one that best suits your personality and family. Do you like moody and edgy? A fly on the wall documentary style, light and airy and romantic feel. There is no point in booking a photographer for their lifestyle candid style, when what you want is the traditional posed type. Asking a photographer to shoot in a different style will not make you or your photographer happy, so once you have decided which ones you are drawn to, narrow down your search to photographers that shoot in that style.
2) Personality/Chemistry - Ok, so now you have it narrowed down to 2 or 3 photographers. You want to make sure you are going to mesh and get along!! Look at their social media like Instagram and Facebook, this will give you a pretty good idea of the photographers personality. Do you feel connected? Do they speak your language? are you picking up what they put down....I think you get the drift. You want to make sure the person you will be working closely with and around your children is patient and kind. Family sessions with young kids can sometimes be challenging, and I sometimes feel like I ran a mile after one! Toddlers are always on the go and don't stop for anything or anyone, so you want to know your photographer is understanding, calm and doesn't mind the chase in order to capture your sweet family moments. Never underestimate the bond with your photographer.....if you feel it, your kids will feel it.
3) Budget - Now this can be a biggie, everyone has a different amount that they allot to professional photos. There is a lot to consider when thinking about your budget. You want to hire someone that has invested in themselves and is a great photographer that is confident in shooting families. I have to say, photography is an expensive business and the camera gear we have isn't cheap, neither is back up cameras, lenses & editing software, as well as education. So that is why their is such a vast difference in the amount photographers charge depending on their experience, what is included in your shoot. You should know what is all included with the amount you are investing and know what you would like to get from your photographer. If you want products like prints or canvases, ask you photographer about it. All in all, if you find a photographer that captures and tells stories like you do, and you have all the feels for their work then it may be worth spending a little more than you anticipated.
4) Look for a specialty - Most photographers that have been around for a while will specialize in a certain genre. If you are looking for a newborn photographer there will be some photographers that specialize in this genre of photography. If they specialize in something, that usually means they have put a ton of resources and effort into being the best newborn photographer (or other genre) they can be. You will not be disappointed for hiring a photographer that knows their stuff.
5) Quality - The quality of images will tell you a lot about the photographer. When viewing portfolios, are they consistent with their editing, do they pay attention to the small details. A high quality professional photographer will care about all of these details. Even with no knowledge of photography yourself, you can tell the difference between a highly skilled photographer and one who is just starting out! Take all of these considerations when you re looking for a photographer. Whether it is me or another photographer, I just want to make sure you are making the best choice for you and your family.
If you have any questions or if there is something I can further help you with, please get in touch!
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