How To Choose Your Photographer

So I've talked you into hiring a professional.  I know you'll be so happy with your decision. But how do you choose a photographer? Am I the photographer for you?

Like any artist, each photographer has a different specialty, so the first step in finding a photographer is narrowing your search by specialty. You don't want to choose someone who specializes in family photography for your wedding or vice versa. If you are looking for in-studio, posed newborn images, you should look for a photographer who specializes in newborns. As a side note, I'm often asked why newborn photography is more expensive than family photography. Newborn images require a different level of training and safety, and they also typically involve more editing and skin perfecting when processing. While my family sessions rarely run over an hour, most newborn sessions can run three hours or longer. I cannot overstate the importance of ensuring that your newborn photographer is educated and insured before you hand them your most prized possession. But since you're here, let's assume you're looking for a family and child photographer.

The next step in finding a family photographer is determining what kind of a session you envision. Some photographers prefer to work in studios where others only take outdoor portraits and some do both. Take some time and make sure you look at the photographer's portfolio on websites and social media. While I do have a small in-home studio I use occasionally, I specialize in outdoor portraiture. Another major piece to consider is how posed you would like your photos to be. Perhaps you want a photographer who will line your family up nicely, make sure everyone is looking perfectly into the camera and deliver just that perfect picture. Maybe you would prefer a more casual session that focuses more on just your family spending time together. While I always promise to deliver that holiday-card-ready photo, my favorite images are the in-between moments, those that show genuine connection and capture your families spirit. Photographers also take vastly different approaches to editing, with some only making minimal changes and others pushing the boundaries of Photoshop so be sure to take that into account as well.

A final factor you should be considering when choosing a photographer is what kind of pricing and packages do they offer. Once you have decided on a budget for your photos, make sure you educate yourself on what each photographer offers or how their sessions are packaged. Some photographers begin with a sitting or session fee and sell all of their prints and digital products after the session in packages or a la carte and some will offer a specific number of prints or downloads with your package. I have chosen an all-inclusive model for photos (family films are currently available as an add on). This is something that I have devoted a great deal of thought to over the years and can't imagine doing differently. I want to tell the story of your family and I simply cannot do that in 10 photos. I also know that when forced to choose, it's often the most perfectly imperfect photos that get left behind and I know those are the ones that will bring the biggest smiles when discovered years from now.

So am I the right fit for you? When I deliver a session, my goal is to present you with a time capsule that captures your life as it is right in this moment. When we are together, I will photograph your family in every combination. I want each child to have a special moment with each parent - and for each parent to hold on to that moment with your child! I also love catching authentic interactions between siblings as well as individual photos of each child (I make it a goal to photograph as many of their faces as possible!) As a former preschool teacher and current elementary substitute, I truly enjoy the magic that is childhood and I pace my sessions to maximize capturing a little bit of that magic. I want my clients to trust me to bring out the best in their families and allowing children to be children and find joy in the session will result in photos you will treasure. If that sounds like the family photography experience you're looking for then please reach out!