How to pick the right family photographer for your family.

When it comes to finding the right family photographer, there are a lot of things to consider. I don't know about where you live, but here in Nashville there are so many options to choose from, so how do you know who will be the best for your family? You want someone who will make you and your family feel comfortable, capture your personalities perfectly, and deliver quality photos that you'll cherish for years to come. Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect photographer for your family!

1) Do I like their photography style?

Before you get too far in your search for the right photographer for your family portraits, consider if you like their photography style. Check out their Instagram account, website, or portfolio to see if the overall vibe of their work is what you're looking for. Some photographers prefer to keep things dark and moody while others use bright colors. Some prefer to shoot in a studio while others shoot mainly outdoors.

It's important that you resonate with the images that your photographer captures because chances are your photos will be edited in that style! Would your ideal family portraits go well with their Instagram feed? If not, you might want to keep looking!

2) Will they mesh well with my family?

Family photographers are unique because you don't just want someone who's great with a camera, you want someone who's great with your family! If you like the style of a particular photographer, reach out and start the conversation!

Ask questions about their process, preferences, and experience. You can share about your family and children so they can get to know you!
The better you mesh, the more comfortable your session will likely be, and the more comfortable you are, the better your family photos will be!

3) Are they in my price range?

If you've determined that you like their style and you think they'll mesh well with your family, it's time to look at if they're in your price range. I know we are all looking for ways to save money but at the same time, when it comes to something that will stay in your home for a long, long time, you don't want to sacrifice quality.

Mini Days

If a photographer's fee is outside of your budget, there may still be options! Some family photographers offer what are known as "mini days" where they line up clients back to back for smaller sessions at a discounted cost.

I do that a few times a year and it ends up being a great time for both me and my clients! The shorter timeframe is usually even easier on your kids which is one of the most challenging aspects of family photography!

Referrals

If your photographer doesn't do mini sessions, you might inquire if they would consider a discount if you were able to get a few different groups to commit to using that photographer the same day. I'm not promising it'll work, but it's worth asking about it. I know some Nashville family photographers offer things like that.

If your photographer is out of your budget, one thing to avoid is trying to negotiate or ask them to lower their price, just because. Even if they're your friend, remember this is how they make their living and believe that the end product you'll receive is worth the price they charge. There’s nothing like supportive friends and family who support your valuation of your work as an entrepreneur.

4) Do they have experience with families like mine?

Every family is unique and special. While you're browsing through their portfolio or Instagram feed, ask yourself: do they have experience with tribes like mine? For instance, not every photographer knows how to work great with maternity poses or pets. Others have nothing in their portfolio of families with multiple ethnicities represented. When you look at their previous work, look for groups like yours.

5) Can they work with my family's schedule?

Finally, it's time to check availability. Some photographers are more flexible, while others have regular weekly hours that are blocked off for sessions. If your family is only available on the weekends, it might be tough to find a photographer whose schedule aligns with yours. It could be the best family photography you've ever seen, but if you can't sync up schedules, you'll have to keep looking.

Final thoughts

So, what have we learned? First, finding the right photographer is important. Second, it’s worth taking the time to find someone who will capture your family in a way that you love. Finally, if you follow these steps, you're on your way to a great photo shoot! I hope this guide has been helpful for you because getting to capture these important moments is a passion of mine. And if you're in the Nashville area, let's connect! I think together we can make your next round of family photos, spectacular!