Your little family is everything.
I know this because I feel the same way about mine.
And while we may not think that choosing a family photographer is a big life decision, it's certainly something really important to be considered.
We want to feel love, accepted and cared for by the people in our little circles. And it's important that the same feelings translate with the photographer we choose.
In Huntsville Alabama where we relocated this past year, there are H U N D R E D S of photographers! I see so many "looking for a family photographer" posts, followed by anywhere from 20-100 responses.
When someone reaches out to me 9 times out of 10 their first question is...
"How much do you charge?"
Now hear me out, being financially responsible and having a budget for the things in your life is so important. However, I think that often we ask that question because we simply don't know what else to ask. We don't know that what we are really searching for is someone that adds value to our little tribe and that cares as much as we do that our memories are preserved.
So I've compiled a list of questions for you to ask the next time you set out to find a family photographer. Questions that may get you closer to what you are really looking for.
Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?
Do you specialize in a specific type of photography?
Just like we don't go to the dentist to get our eyes checked, there are specialities in the world of photography. Each photographer is going to have their own style and areas that they are most comfortable in. And for the most part, they are going to stay true to those areas. At the most basic level you have the difference in posed style photography vs. lifestyle. Both are arts in their own respects, but they are very different. If you enjoy very traditional poses for your family, having a lot of "smile and look at the camera" images, then a lifestyle photographer is probably not for you. The reverse is true as well.
This goes even deeper when talking about newborns. There are posed, traditional newborn photographers that have put in a lot of very specified training to be able to handle babies in that way. If that's what you're wanting you need to hire someone that has been trained in that way. Wrapping babies and placing them in specific poses is not something any amateur photographer can do.
Search their websites and don't be afraid to tell your prospective photographer exactly what you're wanting so they can let you know if they're a good fit, or if they can refer you to someone who would be.
Where can I find you online?
A professional photographer should have a well maintained website, social media platforms, etc to showcase their portfolio and give you a well rounded look at what style you can expect from them. It will also give you a chance to read reviews and hear how other's experiences were when working with them.
How will I obtain the images from our session?
Your photographer should have a reliable system for delivering images to you after the session. Does he/she deliver all images in digital format? Do they have a session fee that only covers the session and images are purchased separately? What is their typical turn around time? Clear communication is so important!
What is their pricing structure and what should you expect to invest in your experience?
Money is hard to talk about – everyone wants a good deal. That's why I'm at yard sales early on a Saturday morning and I shop at good will.
It can be so tempting to just go with the lowest-priced option… but this is one area where you often get what you pay for.
I won't give you the whole narrative and mathematical equations that go into setting my prices where they are, except to say it takes a tremendous amount of time and money to run a legal and profitable business. For professional photographers, this is not a hobby. I usually spend upwards of 40+ hours per week, including emails, editing, marketing, etc and that doesn't include my time actually in the field. And that there are a lot more expenses that you’d think (insurance, taxes, backup gear… FYI most low priced photographers do not allocate money on these vital-to-business things.) I have spent lots of time, thought, research and prayer over my prices and carefully considered what my overhead is and what type of experience I want to give my clients. I want my clients to have my absolute best experience with me from start to finish-that includes a personalized consultation, access to my client closet, styling services, a session designed around your family, guidance on how to display your images with and heirloom quality products and great communication throughout.
I am in this for the long haul.
I want to be in business when your sweet toddler needs senior pictures, and I can only do that if I am priced appropriately.
"But you said you love yard sales and a good deal?"
And I do. I shop in those ways so that as a family we can invest in the things that really matter to us. I don't bargain shop on my photographers, my home repairs or educational experiences for my kiddos. We love to take trips, so we find places to stay where we can pack our own food and cook at the house. And so on.
Only you can decide what brings value to your family. What things are worth investing in.
I can certainly appreciate a deal – but if you are considering an extremely low-priced photographer, you may want to consider why they are priced that way. Do they lack experience? Do they have top quality images? Are they using professional camera and editing equipment? Does the photographer have backup gear in case something breaks? Is the photographer insured in case something happens to you or your family? Is the photographer operating legally? Just remember your family is only in this season for a short while and babies don't keep. Look for someone who will invest as much time and talent as you are money.
Would you hang out on a Saturday?
Personality and connection matter as much on the front end as they do in your images.
You are going to be super vulnerable during your session. You're showing up with your family saying "this is us, the good, the bad and the ugly." You want to really show connection and the intimacy that makes up your family in your session.
To do that, you need to be comfortable with the person capturing all that.
Does he or she seem like someone you could hang out and have coffee with on a Saturday? Someone you could be real with and trust?
Trust your gut.
Not all personalities mesh, and that's ok!!
A quick phone call or consult should help you both to know if this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
A Few other Topics to Consider:
* Clothing Tips and a Client Closet
* Location Ideas
* Time of day they prefer to shoot
* Accommodations for Special Needs clients
Huntsville Family Photographer, Madison Family Photographer, Northern Alabama, Family Lifestyle Photographer, Family photography Northern Alabama, Huntsville Newborn Photographer, Nashville TN, Huntsville Alabama, Rocket city,
6 Comments
May 25, 2021, 10:50:23 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - I can't wait to see some of those!! I'm glad this was helpful!
May 25, 2021, 10:47:35 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Absolutely! Such an important investment.
May 25, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Thank you! I certainly hope that it is helpful!
May 11, 2021, 2:37:15 PM
Christie - I reach out to a photographer every summer to photograph our family while we are on vacation (a different location each year) and these are wonderful tips for questions!!
May 11, 2021, 12:33:00 PM
Nina - Yes too all these questions! Especially the one about how much to expect to invest. Your photo session is more than just a cash transaction, it's an experience!!
May 11, 2021, 8:42:11 AM
stacey brenner - I love this post, especially because it educates those who maybe looking for a photographer and have no idea what it entails to run a business and how much work we put in to make sure their portraits are perfect. Great post!