Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Family Photographer
Booking a custom family photography session can feel like a big commitment. It’s an investment of your time, money, and energy. And while it’s absolutely worthwhile to capture your family’s memories, I know that it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to this process and have never hired a professional photographer.
Just like you, I’m a busy parent. When I take on a project, I want the process to be easy and straightforward. With that in mind, here is my step-by-step guide to hiring a family photographer.
Step One: Define what photography style you like.
Do you prefer posed portraits in a traditional studio setting? Do you want an outdoor session in one of San Diego’s scenic landscapes? Are you drawn to an at-home session that takes place at your own house? Knowing what style you prefer will help you find a photographer that specializes in the type of session that you want.
Step Two: Vet your photographer’s portfolio.
Spend some quality time browsing their portfolio, beyond the showstoppers on their homepage. Look at all of their galleries to see the types of images they deliver. That will help you understand their full creative vision, and what type of work they will produce for you. Ultimately, this will help you determine if you see yourself and your family reflected in their work. It’s absolutely OK to ask a photographer to see a sample of a full gallery. Any worthwhile photographer will be happy to share one with you.
A few things to consider when reviewing portfolios:
Is their photography style consistent? Are some images bright and colorful, while others are light and airy or dark and moody? Do skin tones look natural and true to life across different lighting situations? Does their editing style mesh with the aesthetic that you prefer?
Do their photos evoke emotion? Across their portfolio, are they capturing photos full of personality? Can you feel a family’s emotional connection in their work? Do their sessions feel fun, full of warmth and joy?
Do they have a variety of images? A good photographer will have a variety of images across a full family gallery. While you do want consistency in creative style, you’ll always want a variety of images in your gallery (different poses, backdrops, emotions and feelings), so that all of your photographs don’t look exactly the same.
How long have they been in business? While all photographers need to start somewhere, a photographer who has been in business for several years will have built a very consistent portfolio. They’ll be able to deliver a cohesive, professional gallery for every family they photograph. They will also be able to handle any challenges that come up during a session (cranky kid, tough lighting conditions, etc.).
Step Three: Get to know them.
Head to their ‘About Me’ page, as well as their social media profiles, to get an idea of what they are like as a person. Are they laid back? Funny? Sarcastic? Professional? If you genuinely connect with your photographer, your session will be a fantastic experience.
If you like their personality online, there’s a good chance you’ll get along in real life too. Most photographers will be happy to have an initial conversation with you before booking, so that you can see if you get along. Ask about their experience working with families similar to yours, their session packages, and what’s included.
I always do a pre-session consultation with my families so that we can get to know each other a little bit before the session. It feels good to start a session having already built a small connection. And I’m lucky that so many of my photography clients have become friends over the years!
Step Four: Read Reviews
Start with Google, but check social media as well. Obviously you want to see how they are rated, but reviews will also give you good insight into what the experience of shooting with them is like. Hopefully their families have shared exactly what they like about working with them. Are they great at wrangling energetic kids? Did they get smiles out of moody teenagers? Do they communicate well? Is their booking and billing process easy and straightforward?
Step Five: Get it in writing.
A true professional photographer will run a legal business, openly communicate prices and packages, and provide a contract that clearly states their policies. It is a huge red flag if a photographer does NOT openly state their prices, detail what is in the package you’re purchasing, or work with a contract that protects both parties. If you run into a situation where your photographer is not forthcoming with information… buyer beware.
Step Six: Follow your photographer’s advice.
Once you’ve hired your photographer, make sure you listen to their recommendations. You’ve done all the work to find a photographer who is a good fit for your family. Now it’s time to trust them. Your photographer is the expert on all things lighting, location, and what to wear. Their goal is to give you and your family the best experience and the best photographs possible, so please listen to their professional advice.
I hope that this guide makes it feel easier and less overwhelming to choose a family photographer. Following these tips will help ensure that not only do you love your family’s images, but that you love your experience with your photographer. Hopefully, you'll find a photographer that you can develop a friendship with, and return to year-after-year for beautiful photographs. (By the way, photographers love to watch their returning families grow through the years!)
If you’re looking for a family photographer in San Diego, I’m your girl! But don’t take it from me! Follow my steps and do your homework, of course. Here’s where you can learn about me:
Portfolio
About Me
Instagram
Google Reviews
Session Details
Professional Advice: