Tips for Choosing the Right Family Photographer

Photographing your memories is so important. It’s a way of looking back at times that have passed and remembering how things used to be. The other day, I was looking at my old iPhone photos and came across a picture of my oldest sleeping on my lap and I remembered the exact moment I took it. It made me think of how we used to nap in our recliner together almost every afternoon when it was just him and me. It took me back to that time when motherhood was so brand new. Photography is a way of documenting our lives and if you are looking make the investment into getting family photos done, it’s important to choose the right photographer for your family. Here are some tips for choosing a photographer that is a good fit for you!

5 Things to consider when searching for the perfect family photographer:

1) Type of Photography: Every photographer is different and so is their art and approach to photography. There are so many styles out there. So consider what you want your images to look like. Do you like more traditional posed images with everyone looking at the camera smiling? Do you love photographs that capture connections and real moments? Do you want your photographs taken in a studio or outdoors? There is no right or wrong answer, but consider what your personal style is and what you love. Then, when searching for a family photographer, check out their portfolio and make sure their style meshes with yours.

2) Photographer’s Editing Style: There are so many different editing styles out there - you may have heard of some - light and airy, moody, matte, vintage, etc. - you don’t need to know specifically what these mean, but make sure that you love the look and feel of the images when you are checking out a photographer’s portfolio because that is the style that your final images will be in. If their photographs speak to you and make you feel something, chances are they are a good fit!

3) Photography Genre: This may sound a bit obvious, but make sure the photographer is one that specializes in families. There are many different kinds of photographers that specialize in different genres - wedding, newborn, commercial, family, etc. - you’ll want one that has experience working with families and children and can ensure the session runs as smoothly as possible.

4) End Product: What do you want to end up with after your session? Do you want digitals? Prints? Some of both? Digitals are wonderful, but having physical prints to display in your home is also so great and meaningful. If you only get digitals, are there options to print through the photographer or will you have to print on your own? Printing through your photographer via a professional print lab will ensure that your artwork is high quality and the colors will be accurate. Or maybe you’d prefer digitals only because you have family spread far and wide and you want to be able to share your photos with them. Make sure you know what you will be receiving for your final product and that it is what you will use and love the most.

5) Connection to the Photographer: I don’t mean you have to know the photographer personally, but try to figure out if you feel some sort of connection to them when you check out their work. Does their social media or website make you feel like you know them a little bit? If so, do you think you’d be a “match?” I feel like this sounds a bit like dating, but being comfortable with your photographer will go a long way into having a successful session. Getting your photos done is inherently a bit stressful and awkward. I am a photographer and I am awkward as heck on the other side of the lens. Feeling like you “click” with your photographer will make your session that much easier.

I hope these tips help in the search for the best family photographer near you! Every family is different and there is no one size fits all photographer - just the one that works best for you!

I am a photographer based in the Southtowns of the Buffalo NY area. I specialize in family, maternity, and newborn photography. If you are interested in a session with me, please CONTACT ME today!

View family photography session information HERE.