7 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Family Photographer
You are scrolling through FB (or Insta) and come across these beautiful images that your friend has posted from a recent family shoot with a professional photographer - they all look SO amazing! So happy and they look like they are having so much fun! You have been thinking about getting family photos done for a while now and the easiest thing to do is to hire the same photographer. Right?
Maybe not. Your families aren’t identical - each family has a unique vibe and yours is different from hers. You are two different individuals with different preferences. You need a photographer who will connect with your family…your unique vibe. It might be best to look around and see what options are out there first.
But you say looking around is so exhausting!
I totally hear you. There are SO many amazing photographers out there. Each has a slightly different offering. How do you differentiate and find the one who is the perfect fit for your family?
That is what this article is about. I’ve put together a list of questions to help you think through things that are important for you. There are no right or wrong answers. Just what things you prioritise over others. But at the end of the process, I hope you will be closer to deciding which photographer will be the perfect choice for your family.
1. Do you like the style the photographer shoots in?
Each family photographer has their own style. One might take casual, candid images while another might take good posed images. Some might take only black and white images… others might excel at pops of colour in their imagery. Explore the photographer’s portfolio on their website and see if you like their style. See if you can picture your own photos in their style.
2. Where do you have the photo shoot?
There are N number of options available when it comes to the location. Gone are the days when it was just studio shoots when you wanted to take family pictures. You can choose any location you want really now. You can choose an outdoor location which your family frequents or you can choose your own home and have an intimate in-home session. Speak to the photographers on your shortlist and see whether they provide their service at your chosen location. If you are short of ideas, your photographer should also be able to suggest some locations local to you.
Confused about whether you want your images indoor or outdoors? I have written an article just to help you think through that one. Find it here.
3. When & where will we see the images?
After the photoshoot, it is important that you know how will your images be shared with you. Will they be shared electronically or will the photographer show you the images in person. In case it is in person, you should know whether you are expected to go somewhere for the viewing or if the photographer will come to you. As I said before, there’s no right or wrong answer. Its just important to know so that you can see what works best given your family’s situation. If you have little children, you will just need to think about baby care arrangements in case you are expected to go somewhere. Just something to keep in mind.
4. Do you offer printed products?
Some photographers offer only digital products while some others are full service providers (like yours truly :)). From the photo session to printing products from professional labs with amazing quality - they do it all for you - hassle-free.
We Mums have hundreds of digital images on our phones. So my advise to my families is always to get something printed as its not everyday that you have a professional shoot. Its the perfect opportunity to print and enjoy your images rather than have them be on the phone.
Think about what’s important for you. If you want the digitals and plan to print on your own - then a digital only photographer will be a great choice. If printed products are important, then hiring a digital-only photographer will not be the best. That’s why it’s important to know if the photographer offers digital or physical products or both!
5. What products do you offer?
You have decided that you want to go with a photographer who offers printed products. Now, make sure you have an idea of what printed products they offer. You should be drawn to the products in their line up. If you are not interested in wall art but instead want to get an album printed, make sure they have an album to offer in their suite of products.
Most of my own frames are modern, evergreen kind of frames. But I had a Mum who was clear that she wanted a big, classic, more ornamental, gold plated frame for her home. It was very different from the line up I had. But she was very up front and honest about it from the start and we had a detailed discussion about it. I was able to make a special order for her from my lab and now that frame is the pride of place in her home :)
So speak to your final shortlisted photographers about your needs and see if they can match up.
6. What is your policy on rescheduling?
As we know only too well, we can only plan so much with kids. What if someone comes down with a fever or worse still…chicken pox! (Both of these have actually happened with multiple clients of mine!) Make sure you are clear about rescheduling policies so that you don’t end up losing your payment for things beyond your control.
7. Last but definitely not the least, how much do you charge?
You will find family photographers to match any budget. Just be sure to ask what their charges are. Do they have an all inclusive model where you pay for the images in advance and get a set number of images? Or, there is a session fee + products option - that you pay for the session fee and then digitals or products can be purchased after the viewing. There is a wide variety in how the pricing structure works for family photographers. Be sure to check for the structure and what your payment covers you for.
This is an important one for both parties. Photographers put their heart and soul into these sessions and want you to have a great experience. So make sure you have this discussion before the session so that there are no surprises for either of you.
Finally, want an insider tip?
After doing ALL this research, I’d still say go with your gut feel. Who was the photographer you hit it off with, who was responsive when you reached out to them, who can you imagine your children hitting it off with? If your gut feel tells you to go with a photographer but they are slightly outside your budget, I’d still tell you to take the risk. It will be a more fun experience for you when you have a rapport already and relaxed in the company of your photographer.
As a Mum, I’ve used my ‘gut feel’ powers successfully quite a few times! Be it choosing the right nursery …right school …or even when torn between which toy to pick for Christmas! So please use this Mum super power that The Almighty has blessed us with! :)
Wishing you all the best as you finalise the photographer and hope you have an awesome time at the shoot!
Enquire About A Family Photo Shoot
Are you in London? I’d love the opportunity to capture amazing memories for your family! Click on the link below and fill the short form . I will set up a time with you for an informal non-salesy chat, so that you can ask me your questions and find out if we are a good fit.
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