How to Choose a Family Photographer: 3 Crucial Things to Consider

Preserving your family legacy starts with the right photographer

In a world filled with fleeting moments, preserving your family’s cherished memories is invaluable. Family photography goes beyond just clicking a camera; it’s about preserving emotions, connections, and stories for generations to come. Choosing the right family photographer is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. With the plethora of options available, here are three key aspects to focus on when selecting the perfect photographer for your family.

1. Family Photographer Style: A Window to Your Family’s Story

A photographer’s style is their artistic signature, influencing how your family’s story is portrayed through images. When evaluating a photographer’s style, consistency is key. Browse through their portfolio to ensure their work reflects a coherent visual theme. 

Pay attention to whether they gravitate towards cool or warm tones, as this can set the mood and evoke different emotions in the photographs. Cool tones exude calmness and tranquility, while warm tones bring vibrancy and energy to the images. Choose a style that resonates with your family’s personality and the emotions you want to capture.

An additional aspect to take into account is the range of poses presented within a particular gallery. A seasoned photographer’s signature gallery typically encompasses more than a dozen poses. Even what might appear as “spontaneous moments” are often strategically arranged to guarantee that you and your family are showcased favorably in every photo, with no disruptive elements.

2. Photographer Experience: Beyond the Shutter Click

A remarkable family portrait experience goes beyond the actual photo session. A photographer’s dedication to preparing and educating clients before the session can significantly impact the outcome. Look for a photographer who offers a thorough preparation guide, helping you choose the right clothing, location, and props. 

Education about the photography process can ease any apprehensions and lead to more relaxed and authentic shots. A nurturing approach during the session can create a comfortable atmosphere, allowing your family’s natural dynamics to shine through. 

Here are a few queries you might want to pose:

• Can I expect an in-person meeting or a video chat with the photographer before the session, if I prefer?
• Does the photographer offer guidance on wardrobe selection, or is that something I need to handle independently?
• Does the photographer have a reputation for putting clients at ease during photo shoots?
  

3. Family Photographer Deliverables: Preserving Memories Tangibly

The end result of a family photography session is more than just digital images. Consider what type of deliverables you desire. Digital images are excellent for sharing on social media and with extended family. However, tangible items like prints add a tactile dimension to your memories and can be displayed as beautiful pieces of art in your home. 

Numerous photographers add an extra cost for prints, while some might incorporate prints as part of their portrait package. Pay close attention to the kind of prints being provided, as archive-quality fine art prints are designed to endure the passage of time, unlike the $1.50 prints found at CVS (no disrespect intended!).

Additionally, cloud storage ensures your memories remain safe and easily accessible, serving as a living family history museum for future generations. If you don’t already have a systematic way of organizing your family’s digital legacy, it’s worth inquiring if your family photographer offers that service as an extension of their services. 

What does a Portrait Experience look like with Family Time Capsules?

Through Family Time Capsules, I not only understand the importance of preserving your family’s legacy, I make it my life’s mission to ensure more families have emotional insurance. That’s why we take a personalized approach, offering the Family Time Capsules Portrait Experience, which includes:

1. A 40+ page style guide to assist you in curating the perfect wardrobe and location.

2. Wardrobe consultation to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.

3. A 90-minute photo session on location, capturing genuine interactions and emotions.

4. A legacy box containing 15 curated fine-art prints and an engraved USB.

5. Curated cloud storage, providing a secure home for your family’s memories to thrive.

To maintain the utmost quality, we accept a limited number of clients each month. This allows us to dedicate the time and attention necessary to create an exceptional portrait experience that truly reflects your family’s uniqueness.

In the end, choosing a family photographer involves more than just checking items off a list—it’s about finding a creative partner who resonates with your vision and understands the significance of the memories you wish to capture. With careful consideration of photography style, client experience, and deliverables, you’ll be well on your way to preserving your family’s story for generations to come.