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I am a big believer in documenting special family moments, as well as important milestones through pictures! That’s what started me on this photography journey back when I had my first baby. And I still believe that it is important. Time flies by, so I try to make sure I am getting pictures of things that are important to me.

One of the things that I do each year is take at least one family photo. They are hanging all around my house, and it’s fun to look at them to see how we’ve changed over the years (and to see how I’ve grown and changed as a photographer). We are always laughing at our hairstyles and our outfits, wondering what we were thinking when we thought something was a good look…

Choosing a family photographer for your family photo is no easy task. Hopefully, this article will help you when you start looking.

A few things to consider when you are ready to look for a family photographer…

  • Type of Photographer: There are so many photographers out there, so it’s important to find the right kind for the type of photos you want. You hear all about Lifestyle Photographers, Portrait Photographers, Newborn Photographers, Wedding Photographers, and many more. Do you want your pictures to be formal? Or in a more natural setting? Is someone who specializes in wedding photography a good choice for your family photos? I’m not sure, but most of these questions or concerns can be answered from visiting a good photographer’s website. Do you want a family photographer shooting your newborn photos? These are the types of things to consider and research before choosing…
  • Studio Session or Natural Setting: If it’s formal pictures you’re hoping for, I would suggest finding a studio photographer. But if you’re looking for more relaxed, fun photos, then I’d find a photographer who shoots outdoors in a location of your choice. Maybe even in your own yard or house? Or maybe a beautiful park with wildflowers? If you find a photographer that you like that shoots in natural settings outdoors, and you want a studio session, just ask them about studio rentals. Yes…that’s a thing now. There are lots of spaces that photographer’s can rent for you if that’s something you’re interested in. Just know that it is an extra fee, but most studios can be rented for about $100 per hour. And the one good thing about a studio rental, is that your session is not dependent on the weather!
  • Style: Most photographers have a signature style to most of their work. Everything won’t be exactly alike, especially if they are a natural setting (outdoor) photographer, but all of their pictures will be similar. You’ve probably heard of ‘light and airy’ or ‘dark and moody’ photography before. Most photographers lean towards one or the other. I fall somewhere in between these two styles (depending on the light and what my clients ask for). But most of my photos end up closer to light and airy. On occasion, I’ve had a senior ask for an edit that is a little more “dark and moody,” but that is not my typical style. But outside of a studio, we are always at the mercy of the sun!
  • Packages Offered: What type of sessions does the photographer offer? Do they have packages that will work with your needs? Are they in your price range? Some photographers offer different prices depending on what type of photography you are looking for. For example: family sessions, senior sessions, a newborn session, or an engagement session for starters. Other photographers offer a few packages that are not specific to a certain type of photography. At Paula Mason Photography, I offer 3 main packages. You choose a package based on how many photos you want and how much time you need to get the pictures you’re hoping for. Each package has suggestions for what they are good for, but you get to choose what’s best for you.

A few more things to consider before deciding: What do you want your photos to look like? Do you want them posed? Candids? Do you prefer to have photos shot in a studio? Do you like formal photos seated on a couch? Or do you prefer to be in a field of wildflowers?

Is there a location you like that you don’t see on the website? Check with your photographer and see what they think about the lighting at your location. Make sure it is a place that will lend itself to the type of photos you want.

Take all of these things into consideration before deciding. Check out the website of the photographer you are considering. Do you like the pictures you see on their website? And remember…it doesn’t cost anything to ask questions. If you’re not sure, send your photographer an email and ask away.

Also, check their Facebook posts. Do you like what you see? Do they have any Google reviews? All good sources of information that will give you a feel for the photographer and how they work.

I’m always happy to answer questions about whether or not I do a certain type of photography. It’s better to find out up front that a photographer is not right for your situation instead of receiving a gallery of pictures that you are not happy with!

If you find a family photographer that you like, stick with them. Photo sessions are so much easier with someone you know, and especially someone who knows your kids! So take your time when you start your search. Make sure the photographer is right for you, and that they are someone you can work with for years to come…

If I can help you out with a photo session, you can find me over at Paula Mason Photography. If you have questions, feel free to reach out via email! I look forward to taking pictures for you!!

Until next time…

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