Are you thinking about having some family photographs taken but not sure how to start looking for the right photographer for you? With so much choice out there it can be rather overwhelming so I hope that my handy tips will help steer you through how to choose a family photographer for you.
1. Finding that WOW Factor
A good starting point is to ask family and friends for recommendations, do a google search (including reviews), or facebook/instagram search and start to get a feel for the style of photographer that you are looking for. A photographer’s website should have plenty of examples of past sessions to look through on their galleries and blog. I have almost 400 blog posts showing past family sessions which can be found here and galleries here). This will give you a feel for their style, ideally giving you that ‘wow’ feeling when you look at their family portraits!
2. Studio vs lifestyle
Are you looking for a studio photographer who tends to use a white background inside with lighting equipment and more formal posing with limited space for movement. Or are you looking for an outdoor lifestyle photographer who uses natural light either in your garden or a park for example? My style of photography is very relaxed and natural, no fixed smiles or awkward poses! I want to record the love and connections between you and your family…a whispered secret, a ride on Daddy’s shoulders, a tickle with Mummy. These all fit together and help me capture your style, your personalities and your family story.
My photography sessions are all about fun! I try not to pose or direct you too much! My style is more natural, contemporary and colourful! I like to capture you through play and allow you to be yourself. The sessions are full of movement and energy, and very much directed by the children!
3. Who will be there on the day?
Check with your photographer about limitations on the size of your group and whether pets can be included too! I am happy to take on any size of family gathering, in fact I actively encourage grandparents to come along as I love to see the different generations coming together. I am also happy to include your pets as well as we all know they are a very important part of your family. I’ve photographed families with their cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, pigs, chickens and more!
4. Pre session Planning advice
Is the photographer going to offer you advice on preparing for the session? If this is your first shoot you will be looking for some advice on what to wear and what to bring, what will happen on the day and how to get the most from the viewing session. My useful ‘Guide to preparing for your session’ covers all these points and more to ensure we are ready to go and relaxed on the day.
5. How will you choose the portraits after?
Some photographs will just offer you an online gallery to select from. But you may find an online viewing gallery can make you feel a bit lost and overwhelmed, so the week following a shoot I invite Clients in for a relaxed private viewing session in my studio. I will be on hand (with plenty of biscuits!) to show you a slide show of your edited portraits, and be able to guide and advise you on the wide range of stunning bespoke frames and canvas gallery wraps that I can offer to fit your home and budget and show off your images to reflect your personality and style. The walls are filled with examples big and small to give you some inspiration for your home.
6. Personality match
It’s so important to have a chat on the phone or in person with a few photographers who you are considering. Even after a short conversation you will be able to tell if you like them and think you will get on? This will be so important as you will be spending a couple of hours with them at the shoot and about 2-3 more hours at the viewing session. You want to feel relaxed with them. Will they be fun around your children, so you can get the most out of your session. Do you feel you have a bit of rapport with them?
7. How experienced is the photographer?
A useful way to narrow down your search is to see how much experience your photographer has, particularly in the genre you are looking for. This is particularly relevant if you’re looking for newborn photography (as sadly there are no regulations within the photography industry.) I am proud to have been accepted as a member of ‘The International Association of Newborn Photographers’. As such, I have been assessed to be of a high professional standard and am appropriately skilled to work with babies. You can be assured that I adhere to their strict code of conduct at all times, so when you hand of your precious bundle, my priority will be their safety and comfort.
Training tends to indicate that a photograph has attained a certain standard, although not always! Some self taught photographers are fabulous too, so do refer back to their portfolios as the portraits will often do the talking!
I studied Digital Photography at East Surrey College, turned professional and qualified (with Merit) with the Professional Guild of Photographers, with whom I have been given 39 awards. In addition came 3rd in The Guild’s ‘Portrait Photographer of the Year – People Category’.
I am lucky to have photographed hundreds of families since I started the business in 2011, and am honoured to be considered amongst the top family photographers in the UK. My knowledge, skill and flair for creativity, have led to my confidence in delivering a truly professional, high quality and affordable service as a family portrait photographer.
8. What are the costs?
Just like buying a car or booking a holiday there are photographers to suit all budgets! Some are cheap and cheerful and probably less experienced, use minimal editing with no frills! Some are more high end, reflecting their experience, customer service, the quality of the final portraits and the standard of bespoke wall art that they offer. Of course there are plenty of photographers in between! You just need to find the right one for you!
The way you pay for your session will differ too. Some will charge a one off all in fee which will include the cost of the session and a set number of digital files. Some charge a session fee then offer packages after the shoot and some charge a session fee then you pick and choose what you would like after (a la carte style). Have a think about what suits your needs best. Do you just want digital files to use on social media and small frames around your home or are you looking for some timeless frames and canvases to enjoy on your walls or to make into a professional portrait book? Make sure the photographer is upfront about the costs of these types of products right from the start so there are no awkward surprises!
My family photography session fee (starting from £125) includes the session time, editing and viewing of approximately 50 images (or 100 images for larger groups).
My Clients usually choose me because they are looking for high quality frames and canvases to best compliment their beautiful portraits. I have taken considerable time to source the finest (yet still affordable) bespoke frames and mounts and museum grade canvases and portrait books (prices start from £150 and rise to about £500 depending on size.) I prefer a la carte pricing as it offers my clients the greatest freedom and flexibility to choose exactly what suits them best once they’ve seen their portraits rather than deciding before the shoot. More details on pricing can be found here or contact me for a full price list.
And Finally….so there you have it, I do hope my handy tips on how to choose a family photographer will help you to choose the right one for you. With so much choice out there, there will certainly be one to suit your family perfectly. Enjoy!