Choosing a Family Photographer – South Florida Family photographer
How to Choose a Family Photographer
Have you always wanted to have your family photographed by a professional professional but are unsure who to choose? There are so many photographers out there that it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Having your family picture done should be a special day. Something that you will cherish forever and will reflect your family. With so many choices is important to know what to look for and to choose the only that can capture your family the way YOU want it.
Photography is a very personal experience, every photographer has a different style and vision.
Referral
There is nothing like a friend’s recommendation. Not only of the final product but also the overall experience. How did he/she interacted with the kids? Was he/she understanding of meltdowns, shy kids and bad moods? Did the photographer connected with the kids and was able to bring them from “don’t wan’t any pictures” to a genuine smile?
While it’s important to review the portfolio and prices, getting a sense of the photographers personality is also key. When you feel comfortable with somebody you will, most likely get better photos.
Price and products offered
Price shouldn’t be the first thing to consider, but of course you want to choose a photographer that you can afford.
Photographers have different price structures. Most have a session fee and then you have packages and/ a la carte products. Make sure you review these, since some may have a low session fee with high priced products or the other way around.
Most photographers send their photos to a specialized lab to ensure print quality, but if you are interested in digital files ask that upfront, not everybody has those for sale.
Style
For me this is the most important aspect. You want to love the photos you are going to get. You want to be able to see your family’s personality reflected in those photos.
Take time to think about the style of images you are looking for.
Are you looking for the traditional, posed photo with everybody in matching outfits? then the photographer you choose should be able to direct everybody to pose in the best way possible to achieve this.
If you are looking for a more relaxed or candid photos then look for this in their portfolio, not everybody has the ability to run after a toddler while taking a focused picture.
There is also the stylized shoot, where everything is planned, lots of props are used and clothes and poses carefully chosen.
Make sure you express what you want. You are paying and you should be able to have a say, but trying to make a photographer do something that is not his specialty won’t give you the right results.
Not every photographer is for every client. You may like your friends’ photos, but can you see your family in that style? There are great photographers that I admire but I can’t envision their prints in my walls. So make sure you not only like his photographs but also matches your vision of what you want to do with them.
So, in short, get some word of mouth recommendations, review their portfolios, once you see one that clicks with what you want, call or arrange to meet in person.
Hiring a Pro photographer is a wonderful way to celebrate your family!
Located in South Florida. I serve the greater Miami area, including Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
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