This week marked the beginning of fall: leaves changing colors, pumpkin everything, cooler temperatures (except not here in Texas where we will be in the 90's until Thanksgiving), and of course family photos. It seems to be the time where people scramble to get that one good photo for their Christmas cards. Today I thought I would share some tips on what to look for when searching for your family photographer.
1. Does your style match their style? Be sure to take a good look at the photographer's Facebook, website and Instagram. Is that the style you are looking for? I know that sounds silly, but there are so many different types of genres in photography and you want to find a good match. If you want posed family portraits, then I wouldn't suggest hiring a lifestyle photographer. If you want candid, documentary type photos, then you probably won't be happy with super stylized photos with props and over the top set ups. Don't assume the photographer can do any style you want- look for the proof of their style in their photos. Also, a little insider tip, many photographers will only show the photos of the style they want to do and likely that is the style they can do really well. So if you see candid photos all over their website, be a little cautious if they tell you they can do, for example, a very posed newborn shoot for you. They very well could, but you probably want to see some examples before signing any contracts!
2. Do you have high Pinterest expectations? Use Pinterest wisely! You may find lots of wonderful inspiration for photos, but please do not expect the exact recreation for your photos. Rather, use Pinterest to understand what you are looking for in a photographer. When you start to fill up your boards with photos, look for a recurring theme in your pins. What is common across your favorite photos? Perhaps you will realize you love the look of natural lifestyle photos instead of posed portraits. Or maybe you will see a theme of stylized photos with coordinating outfits for the family. Do you find yourself gravitating towards very bright and sunny photos or darker more jeweled tones or even moody black & whites? Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search when looking for your family photographer.
3.Are their photos in focus? Sounds like a given, right? However I have seen some people's photos in which the quality was a tad questionable. Some things to keep in mind when looking at a prospective photographer's sample galleries:
-Are the photos in focus? Or are more than just a couple slightly blurry and not quite sharp? Obviously there are times when photos are purposely out of focus (the backgrounds for example), but there is a distinct part of the photo that is in focus.
-Are the people's skin a normal looking color? Not too grey, not too orange, certainly not a weird shade of blue?
-Are the overall colors of the photos looking normal?
-Does the lighting look ok? You typically don't want the faces to be super bright or super dark.
-Do the photos have a pleasing composition? Even if you don't know much about composition, do you like the look of their photos? Do they chop off parts of people's bodies by accident (ie hands, tops of heads, etc)?
4. Does your budget match their prices? It almost goes without saying to make sure you are comfortable with your photographer's prices. Be sure to make sure you are fully aware of what the overall costs are, what is covered in your session fee, and what the costs are for add-ons. Some photographers charge a session fee and then you later pay for the printed photos or digital files. Some photographers have an all-inclusive price. Just make sure you know what you are getting for your money! Also remember the whole 'you get what you pay for' adage. If you find someone that offers $50 photo sessions, you might really check out their most recent photos to make sure the quality is up to your standards.
5. Where are the photos being taken? This goes along with finding a good style for your family. Do you want to take your family photos in a studio with studio lighting? Do you want to take photos in natural lighting outdoors or in your own home? You will need to decide that before choosing a photographer, or at least discussing options with your photographer. Locations could drastically change your photo session, especially if using a studio. Some studios may be very small and may not be a good fit for a family with several children.
I hope these tips have been helpful! If you look through my photos and think my photography style is a good match for your family, I would love to be your family's photographer! Contact me HERE for more information.
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