How to choose a family photographer : 12 questions to ask yourself
When it’s time to hire a photographer, you might start your search by asking your friends, or hopping on Google. These are good places to do research, but you might find that your friends’ photographer isn’t necessarily the best fit for your family. And while Google is convenient, you might quickly find yourself overwhelmed with options… many of which you didn’t know existed!
Here are 12 questions to ask yourself to narrow down your search, and get exactly what you want:
1. What style of photo session does this photographer offer?
Style can mean how a photographer edits their work, but also how they direct the shoot itself. Consider your natural work style and how you like interacting with others on a daily basis. A photographer who matches your energy will make the session flow smoothly, giving you photos that truly feel like you.
Does the photographer’s images look vibrant and colorful, or dark and moody? Do they edit in color, black and white, or a mix?
Are families posed more formally, with everyone facing the camera and smiling (traditional)?
Are families placed loosely together in the frame with more movement and natural giggles in a perfectly-imperfect way (lifestyle)?
Does it seem like the photographer was a fly on the wall with minimal input (documentary)?
It’s common for photographers to use a mash-up of these styles, but there will always be an overarching theme that weaves throughout their work. As a lifestyle photographer, I try to get one group shot of everyone looking, but I spend most of the session guiding my clients through activities that encourage natural connections and giggles.
2. Does this photographer specialize in what I’m looking for?
Just because a photographer makes beautiful photographs, doesn’t mean they can repeat that result in every situation. A pet photographer or corporate headshot photographer isn’t going to have the same knowledge expertise as a family photographer who works groups of people (and rambunctious toddlers) all the time.
Look for someone who spends most of their time photographing what you need: family, maternity, newborn, high school seniors, pets, cake smash, etc…
For families: are they large extended families with grandparents and cousins, or just the immediate household? What are they doing together?
For newborns: is the baby posed alone or with family? Are they styled with different outfits/props? Are they in a studio or at home?
Some photographers have one primary specialty, but offer a range of services for returning clients. For instance, a newborn photographer might offer maternity or cake smash sessions as an add-on. Many lifestyle family photographers (myself included!) will document your family’s entire journey from newborn and beyond. Longevity is definitely something to consider if you want to build a relationship with one photographer and have your family documented consistently.
3. Where does this photographer shoot?
Are they local to you? If not, do they travel? What’s the travel fee?
Do they have an indoor studio where they meet clients?
Do they let clients suggest a location, or is there a set list of places to choose from?
Are they shooting outdoors, or inside client’s homes? Lifestyle and documentary photographers will often use a mix of outdoor/in-home, based on the season & where their clients feel most comfortable.
4. Will this photographer help us feel comfortable?
What is your sanity worth? Think of how much better you’ll feel with someone who just gets your family, and will work hard to make sure stress is minimized throughout the process. Here are some ways you can find that when looking through a photographer’s website:
Do the people in the photographs LOOK comfortable and happy?
Does the photographer offer a free pre-session consultation (on the phone or in person) so you can meet them before booking?
Will the photographer help you plan the location, time, and other logistics?
Does the photographer offer outfit planning, print product design, or advice for getting your kids excited about photo day?
5. What products does this photographer offer (and do I WANT products?)
Up until ~20 years ago, printed photos were just part of the deal when you booked family photos. Now that we have everything at our fingertips on our phone, we need to be intentional about preserving our legacy. Printing your final images is one of the best investments you can make, and one of the most important things to consider when choosing a family photographer!
Do you want finished artwork like albums/frames, digital files to print on your own, or a combination of both?
Do you need help with designing a wall gallery or an album, or is that something you want to do yourself?
If you really only want digital files, what do you intend to do with them and how will you keep them safe?
6. When & where will I see my final images?
Each business will have its own sales process and different levels of service in presenting your final product to you.
Does ordering happen in-person where the photographer walks you through each image? (The initial appointment may take some time, but once you’re done, you’re done).
Will the photographer send you an online gallery to view at home?
What’s the estimated turnaround time for the final images?
As for me, I send my clients an online gallery within 4 weeks of the session where they view their images for the first time in a curated slideshow set to music. This makes for a better viewing experience and it’s something my families rave about! I also have a convenient in-gallery print store, stocked with the very best albums, frames, and prints so my clients are in total control over what they purchase.
7. How flexible is my budget… really?
Is photography something you are willing to splurge on if you absolutely LOVE the final result? Do you have a specific cap on how much you’re willing to spend?
If you’re on a budget, booking an all-inclusive photographer may end up costing less since you’re usually getting digital files to print on your own later (ideally). The downside is you may not have as many personalization options for the session itself, and you’ll be paying in full before the session has happened and before you’ve seen your final images. In these situations you have less overall control of what you’re getting.
If you’re more flexible with your budget, you may prefer a photographer who gives you the option to purchase digital files and products once you’ve had a chance to see the images from your session. You may end up spending more overall, but it’s a more intentional purchase because you’re only paying for what you want. And, you’ll get more personalized service along the way!
I offer a unique hybrid approach where payments are split into 3 installments, with the 3rd installment due upon gallery delivery. All sessions include all the digital files, but my clients can also ADD a print collection after they’ve seen their images, ensuring they get exactly what they want (and not having to make those decisions or commitments in advance).
8. What do the reviews say?
A legitimate, trustworthy business will ALWAYS have a place for clients to leave public reviews. The best place to start is Google, but photographers can also have reviews on Facebook, or Yelp. You should also check the photographer’s website, but a public review source will be the most up-to-date.
Other important things to consider:
9. Is the photographer responsive to your inquiry and follow up questions? If they’re taking weeks to get back to you, that’s a red flag.
10. Has pricing been laid out in a way that’s clear and easy to understand? Do you know what you will be paying before you sign contracts? If you’ve had the pricing conversation with your photographer and you’re still not getting the whole story, that’s a red flag.
11. Does the photographer have a fair, comprehensive contract for both of you to sign? What’s their rescheduling policy if it rains or someone gets sick? What are they promising to deliver? What if something goes wrong?
12. Finally, trust your gut. If you’re not hitting it off, find someone else you connect with more naturally. It’ll help you feel more relaxed and confident going into session day, which makes a better experience and better photos!
Hi there. Thanks for stopping by! I’m Daisy, owner of Daisy Zimmer Photography, a Columbus Ohio photographer specializing in fun photo experiences that families actually look forward to each year. I hope you loved How to choose a family photographer, and if you are interested in talking with me more about a lifestyle family session, let’s connect. Not quite ready, but wanna keep me in your back pocket? No problem! Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Daisy Zimmer is an award winning Columbus, Ohio family photographer. She offers lifestyle family, lifestyle newborn, and outdoor family photography in her relaxed, fun, and uplifting style. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is in the Top 15 Best Family Photographers for 2022 and 2023 in Columbus, Ohio on Expertise.com and is featured in the July ‘22 issue of Voyage Ohio Magazine.
Daisy serves the greater Columbus, Ohio area including: Clintonville | Worthington | Bexley | Upper Arlington | Powell | Dublin | Westerville | New Albany | Hilliard | Gahanna | Grandview Heights | Canal Winchester | Reynoldsburg
