4 things to consider before choosing your family photographer

With so many photographers out there, finding the right one for you and your family can be really overwhelming. Will she connect with my kids? Will she help me prepare for my session? Is her work worth the investment? There’s just a lot to think about. 

So to help you in your search, I’ve put together what I think are some of the top things to consider when looking for the right photographer, including personality and client experience. 

Their work  

This one seems obvious, but I’m always surprised at how many inquires I get from people who haven’t looked through my website or portfolio. And not because I think my website is super-duper amazing, but because I’m afraid my style might not be what they’re looking for.

It’s so important to be familiar with a photographer’s portfolio (and know what you like about it) before reaching out to them. I encourage you to spend some time browsing their website, blog and Instagram. This way, you’ll both be on the same page. 

Something else to consider, too: Does their work complement your personal style? This is important since you’ll likely be displaying your photos around your home.  

Personality 

Trust me, you want to click with your photographer. When their personality doesn’t complement yours, you risk a really awkward session — and an awkward session will result in photos you don’t love. 

So once you’ve narrowed your search to a couple of people, I encourage you to meet them for coffee and see which one is truly a good fit. If you can’t meet in person, take a good look at their brand. A well thought-out brand will reflect important aspects about a photographer’s character and what they value.  

Client experience 

For me, this is the most important thing to consider. Great photographers put a lot of effort into creating a positive and memorable experience — an experience that starts the minute you inquire, not when your session starts. They’ll respond quickly to your messages, ease concerns and make you feel welcome. They’ll work hard even after your session to earn your loyalty.

Basically, a great photographer will make you feel like you’re their only client.  

Investment  

I’ll be blunt about this one: Years from now, you won’t remember how much you paid for your photos. Money spent is money forgotten. When you choose the right photographer — one who’s experienced enough to capture your family’s personality and keep you feeling confident during the session — you’ll only think about how awesome it is that you have beautiful, story-telling photographs that will be treasured for decades.  

And when you see a price that shocks you, hear this: Great photographers invest so much into their business, equipment, products, and education to be able to call themselves a true professional and legitimate business owner. They’ve worked hard to get where they are, and their prices (and the experience you’ll receive from them) should reflect that. 

Laura Richards is a full-service family and newborn photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. When she’s not shooting, editing or blogging, she’s chasing after her toddler in her pajamas. Find more of her work at www.laurarichardsphotography.com.