You want to book a portrait photographer for your family but you’re struggling to choose from the huge choice of family photographers in your area. Sound familiar?
So what makes a good family photographer and what should you consider when choosing one? Here are a few things to look for...
1. Pick a photographer whose style you love!
Only you know what type of photography you’d like to see displayed in your home. Do some research online, look at different photographers’ portfolios and try to pinpoint what sort of style appeals to you. Photographers’ styles are unique to them and come in all shapes and sizes. How does their photography make you feel? Photography is as much to do with the people in front of the lens as the person behind it.
Photo credit: Paula Deegan Photography
2. Choose a photographer who specialises in ‘family photography’
This may sound obvious but if you’re hiring a photographer to take family portraits, it's best to choose someone who does exactly that. Some people believe that a photographer can photograph anything. This may be true to some extent but when you’re paying for a professional job, you need to know they are competent in the specific area they’re being hired for.
It's also important to choose a professional who's an expert in the specific type of family photographer you're after. An outdoor / location family portrait will have a slightly different skillset to a studio family photographer and vice versa. Check out their portfolio for examples of relevant work.
Photo credit: Paula Deegan Photography
3. Choose someone who’s a good fit for your family
When a photographer makes you and your family feel relaxed, you’ll enjoy the shoot and this will be shine through in your photos. Happy expressions are the result of a good time so it’s important you have a good experience. If you have young children, choose someone who’s experienced with photographing children and who’ll make it fun for them! If you have elderly relatives in your shoot, make sure your photographer is considerate to how mobile they are when choosing a location.
Photo credit: Paula Deegan Photography
4. Be clear about your end goal
What you're going to do with your images is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when you're planning for a photo session, but it's all too often the aspect that's overlooked… all that time and money invested deserve a better return than photos gathering dust on a hard drive somewhere.
You'll never get the same feeling looking at your photos on a screen as you will seeing them on your wall or flipping through the pages of an album.
If you're not sure, ask your photographer what they recommend. Your photographer should be able to offer ideas and help you to visualise how products will look in your home, so making a decision doesn't become stressful.
5. Consider price but don’t let that be the over-riding factor
Of course price is a big factor, we all have budgets to work to. However, don’t pick a photographer based solely on price. Remember the reason you’re booking a family photographer in the first place is to capture the true essence of your family and to allow you to savour those precious moments for years to come.
Consider these elements too:
- How much experience do they have? (Check how long they’ve been in business and whether they have a professional qualification)
- Do they communicate well? Do they tell you what to expect and help you prepare for your session?
- Do they provide a contract? Are they flexible if someone gets sick?
- Do they use professional equipment such as Canon, Nikon or Sony?
- Do they offer a good range of products to suit different budgets?
- Do they edit the photos? Obviously the raw ingredients have to be captured in the photo to begin with, but skilled editing can add a real 'wow' factor!
Photo credit: Paula Deegan Photography
6. Go with your gut feeling
Get in touch with the photographer and ask lots of questions! Where do they shoot? How far in advance should you book? Are they flexible? How far will they travel? Are they experienced with children? When are their busy times of year?
Once you’ve done your research go with your gut feeling! Good luck with finding the perfect photographer for your family.
Photo credit: Paula Deegan Photography
Looking for a family photographer who offers all of the above and more?
Paula Deegan creates beautiful, emotive portraits for warm-hearted families in Surrey & South West London. Her focus is on making the whole photography experience as fun and stress-free as possible and create art that brings joy to your home every day!
Paula is a Photography Institute graduate & founded Paula Deegan Photography in 2014. Paula creates beautiful, expressive portraits for warm hearted families & professionals across Epsom, Surrey & London.