How to choose a family photographer?

Professional photography is an investment. One of time, love and money. Choosing the right photographer to entrust is no small matter. Here are some things to consider when selecting a photographer for your family.

• Experience – How long has the photographer worked with children and babies? A seasoned photographer should be adept at dealing with tantrums to tickles for your family portrait.
• The Look – Reviewing portfolios is a great way to start the process. Look for images that really sing to you. If you love black and white portraits you’ll be better off with a photographer who specializes in producing true black and white photography. Do you prefer something formal or casual? Looking at a portfolio will be a great reflection of how the photographer will approach your family.
• The Convenience Factor – Full service studios will offer printing and framing, whereas some photographers will prefer to hand off the images for you to print. Deciding what works better for your lifestyle and skill set is key here. Having experts handle the processing will ensure the highest quality finished product. If you are DIY handy with design and framing skills handling the production yourself may make sense.
• The Feel – Corny as this may sound, visit the studio or meet with the photographer to get a sense whether it feels like a good match. Some family photographers offer complimentary planning sessions to ensure a successful photo session. Since most people feel at least a little nervous about getting their photo taken, being around someone who is relaxed and easy-going will likely translate to a more natural “you” in front of the camera.
• The Kudos – Ask your friends for recommendations or whether they’ve heard of the family photographer you are interested in hiring or check for online reviews to see what others are saying.