The love between family is one of life’s greatest blessings. Why not capture that? Whether you’ve got a new addition or just want a snapshot of your not-so-little ones growing up, a beautiful family picture is the perfect way to turn your house into a home. But too often, family photoshoots can turn into children crying or parents fighting over the best pose, background, or lighting, and instead of capturing the love between everybody you’re capturing the chaos.
So how do you get that perfect photo minus the mess? The answer is by choosing the perfect photographer for you and your family. They’ll be able to guide you through the photoshoot, and take charge of technical details so nobody’s fighting over anything.
If you’re looking for a highly sought after and professional family photographer, get in touch with Lollie Claire Photography. She will ensure your family is looked after during the entire photo shoot. Below, we have devised a list of factors to consider when hiring a professional family photographer.
1.Determine your budget.
When it comes to photographers, you usually get what you pay for. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be breaking your back for a family photo. Determine your budget and shop around for a photographer that you feel offers the best value for the price. Most photographers will have their portfolio online, which you can use to see the kind of quality they offer.
Look at their photos and ask yourself if the end result is worth your hard earned money. Sometimes their portfolios can surprise you, and you’ll be able to find good quality at a good deal.
2.Look for experience.
Don’t just look at what fancy camera or tripod they have, because equipment doesn’t always equal experience. Remember: an experienced photographer can use any camera and still have good results, but an amateur? Not so much. Nothing can replace the knowledge that experience gives you.
Professional photographers know the rules and also have the creativity to know when to break them, so they will be able to give you beautiful pictures with beautiful composition.
3.Find your personal taste.
It’s very important to know what kind of vibe you want with your pictures. Do you want studio pictures or lifestyle? Do you want it to be formal, where everybody is dressed up, or more casual with some nicer everyday clothes? Photographers all specialize in different subjects and environments, so even if you’re working with a professional, the results might still not be exactly what you were going for.
With a set of images in mind, look through their portfolios and choose a photographer with photos that fit the style you’re going for.
4.Read reviews and look for recommendations.
Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations for a photographer. Ask if they had a good experience, and if possible, ask to see their own family pictures. If none of your friends or family have any recommendations, you should be able to find a photographer in your area by searching online. Regardless of how you found the photographer, be sure to go through the photographer’s portfolio yourself and read the reviews on their site. You’ll be able to narrow down your list this way.
If the photographer has had enough experience, they will have a few negative reviews. Read these too, because there is always a chance of this happening to you. However, negative reviews are nothing to worry about if the positive ones outweigh them.
5.Talk to the photographer beforehand.
Before you commit to a photographer, you need to make sure that their personality and work ethic is a good fit for you and your family (especially your kids). This will make your photoshoot so much easier, and you won’t have a bad memory come up every time you look at the final picture.
Talk with them, see if you get along, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Aside from the basics like budget and scheduling, here are some questions you can ask:
- Where will the photoshoot take place?
- Will you help us prepare beforehand? If not, how should I prepare? What about my kids? This question includes things like makeup and wardrobe.
- Please describe what a typical photoshoot is like for you.
- How much editing will you do? How long will it take before I receive the final pictures?
The perfect photographer for you is one that fits most, if not all, your criteria. They should be experienced in the field and have a portfolio that you like. They should fit your budget and still produce great pictures that fit your taste.
Most importantly, they should make you and your family feel comfortable throughout the whole process. This way, your family photoshoot will result in beautiful photos that capture only the love between all of you. Good luck!