This time of year I get a lot of inquires from potential clients looking for someone to capture their family, and not all of those end in a booking. I wanted to put together this post for anyone who might be looking, or making a decision about who to hire, there are so many talented people in my market to choose from.

This post will hopefully guide you to make the right decision for you and your family!

It might surprise you to hear me say that I may not be the best photographer in the greater Atlanta area for you. Yes, I am proud of my work, and am positive that in any family photography situation, I could take beautiful images, but what I, and so many other successful professional photographers I know, do is so much more.

I provide a highly customized service based on my own artistic style, heart for providing the best service to my clients, and possess the unique ability to capture images that authentically speak to your family. It is what I have learned from many years of trial & error, investing in courses that have taught me how to be a better photographer & business owner, and really understanding what it means to serve my clients.

So what should you consider when looking to hire a family photographer?

STYLE

When I say style, I don’t mean what do the people in their photos wear, although what you wear can definitely set the tone of your photos, but how do their photos look. Are the colors light and airy with lots of pastels, or are they a little more bold and dark?

I consider my style classic, natural & warm.

When choosing a photographer I think it’s important to find one that matches the style of not just your family, but also your home, where you are probably going to want to hang these images. Picture the images in their portfolio on your walls, if you can’t then they probably aren’t the right photographer for you.

Also pay attention to the way they capture their clients. Looking for someone who provides lots of posed, everyone looking at the camera shots? Or do you prefer more candids and in-between moments. If you want a mix of both look for someone, like myself, who labels themselves as a lifestyle photographer.

SPECIALTY

What kind of session will this be, family, newborn, extended family, senior, an event?

While I love photographing just about everyone, my training and specialty is in family portraits, personal branding & film making. For my family clients I’ve dedicated a lot of time to learning how to pose, direct, and work with newborns, kids & families to get those images they cherish having.

If you are looking for a posed newborn photographer, one who poses them in those adorable squishy positions with matching backdrops, and artfully wrapped swaddles, I am not your girl! But, I will happily refer you to someone I know.

Same goes for Seniors, I can take their photos, but I can’t bring their true personality out like some of my friends can!

Family is my jam, and what I thrive in capturing!

PERSONALITY

Does this person seem like someone you’d get along with, what in their bio attracts you to them?

These photos are about your most important people, make sure you are working with someone who values that and that you can connect with. Take some time to look at their website, read their rave reviews, and maybe even get them on a phone call to better connect.

SERVICE

With so many photographers to choose from, one of the easiest ways to narrow your choices down is to look at the level of service they offer. What do they do that goes above and beyond to make your experience with them special.

For example, I offer wardrobe styling and a full family client closet after hearing so many clients tell me that picking outfits was a pain point of getting their photos taken. With this service my clients don’t have to worry about buying anything new they’ll probably only wear once, fitting in to something after having a new baby, or ironing before their session!

IMAGE DELIVERY

These again could fall in to the service category, but understanding what you want from a session will make it easier narrow down your choices 

How will your images be delivered? Do you want help choosing wall art, designing an album or sending out  holiday cards? Do you receive digital files?

My collections include a mix of both your digital image files, along with products & print credits to maximize your investment. I don’t want your images to only live somewhere on your computer, I want you to be able to touch, feel, see & enjoy them everyday through prints, wall art & albums. I offer high quality items that are going to be able to be passed down for many generations to come.

INVESTMENT

Last, but definitely not least, is the question of budget. There are so many ranges of pricing out there, but I encourage you to make the cost the last thing you base your decision on.

I have had my fair share of hearing, “Wow, you’re expensive”!

Professional photography is just that a profession, and many of us who run legal, insured businesses put over 60% of what our clients pay us back in to our businesses in the form of taxes, expenses, education, etc. We have precisely calculated how much we need to make to cover those expenses, serve our clients in the best way possible, and also provide for our families.

Investing in professional photography is just like investing in any other professional service provider.

I encourage you to INVEST in the right person for you, not just the one who offers the best deal, even if that means booking one of their smaller packages, or saving up for them. These are your family memories, the time spent with them during your photo session, matters as much as the photos you hang on your walls.

Still have questions, or need help choosing? I would love to chat with you and see if I am the right fit for your family. If I am not, I have a lot of very talented friends to refer you too!

Family Session openings for 2020 are filling fast! Contact me today!

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