Choosing the right photographer can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you've never hired someone to capture your family's memories. You want to choose someone with experience working with children who are passionate about documenting them. In this article, we outline the best way to work with the photographer of your dreams.
Know what you want to do with your images
When hiring a photographer, remember that your experience will differ depending on whether you want your products printed.
If you plan to have your photographer print your products, they will be more hands-on. They will help you ensure that your and your child’s clothing looks good with your decor and offer suggestions on your wardrobe selections and other details. At Courtney Ranck-Copher Photography, we will talk about your one-of-a-kind child! I want to know what makes them laugh, surprises them, and stories about what makes them who they are. What are their favorite shows, toys, and songs? Why? So I can capture and create authentic images that personify who they are in this moment of their lifetime.
Before your session, talk with your photographer about what you hope to achieve from the experience. Do you want a collection of images in an album or on display as part of a more extensive series? Planning how best to use your photographs will make it easier for you and the artist to plan future sessions.
If you want a high-quality print or album, wall art—or anything else that will last through generations—you need an experienced professional because they can access pro labs. Their printing is archival, so your products will be heirloom-quality. You can learn more about preserving your treasured images in my blog post, The Transitory Nature of Digital Files and What That Means For Your Treasured Images.
If you're just posting online, the quality of your photos matters less.
Once you know what you want to do with your images, you can decide on the style of your photos.
Decide the photos you want
Every photographer has a style, whether posed studio images, natural light, or lifestyle. Even if you don’t know all the terms, you should know how you want your photos to look. Browse the potential photographers’ galleries to understand their style and if it fits you and your child.
When it comes to kids' photography, you have the option of choosing between two kinds: outdoor or studio sessions.
If you opt for an outdoor session, there are three different styles to consider. The first style involves letting the children play while capturing spontaneous shots. The second style consists in posing the kids for the images. A hybrid type of photographer will be ideal for your family if you want a bit of both. Ask your potential photographer which kind they prefer.
With a studio session, you might associate those uncomfortable “old school” situations of forced smiles, a small juggling red ball, and a touch on the nose with the obligatory “boop” noise.
Studio doesn’t mean stiff anymore! Modern studio sessions focus on the kids rather than the location around them. Some photographers may use strobe lighting, which enables you to read, tickle, and play with your child and still get beautiful photos. Another bonus is that a studio is a controlled environment that helps rein in the runners!
Of course, you can have a more traditional studio experience with elegant poses and clothing. There are no wrong answers here! It is only what your preference is.
At Courtney Ranck-Copher photography, our sessions are done in the studio to focus on your child's personality. Let them bring their favorite toy or cape and wear what they like. They will dance, move, and laugh while I capture the most radiant photos of your little one.
So, depending on your goal, you can select the most suitable photography style for your children. The next thing to consider is the photographers' experience.
Choose someone with plenty of expertise
Choosing a photographer with experience in child and family photography is essential. Having a photographer with a wealth of experience dealing with and photographing children is crucial. And if you’re looking for someone to take your newborn photos, you need a photographer skilled in safely posing babies.
You can research family photographers by talking to friends and family, meeting with potential photographers, and looking online. Let’s talk about getting suggestions from your loved ones first.
One of the best ways to know what a photographer is like is to talk to people who have worked with them. Recommendations from someone who has had a real experience are priceless. It is vital to ask them if they enjoyed the experience and the images. It could be painful to look at beautiful images if the event were horrible. Remember that a photographer may change styles or business models with time, so meeting with them before hiring them is a must, which we will discuss next.
Breaking the ice, being able to ask questions, getting comfortable, and knowing what to expect are all pluses of meeting with a photographer beforehand. Here are the best ways to meet with a photographer.
- Bring your significant other and your little ones to dispense their nerves.
- Ask about what other services they offer, like consultations or other photography-related services you might be interested in.
- Ask about scheduling preferences. Do they schedule for outdoor lighting conditions, inclement weather reschedules, planning around your child’s energy levels, etc.?
- Do they give recommendations for hair and makeup artists, or do they have them as a service option? What about a suggestion for a local manicurist?
- Listen to what your session with them will be like, but listen for things you want that they don’t include. Address those concerns with them ahead of time.
There are circumstances where you won’t meet with a photographer beforehand. A mini-session around Christmas is an example of this. Photographers that offer digital images may not meet ahead of time. That's where researching online comes in.
It is helpful to read online reviews on the photographers you are considering to double-check that no one has had a bad experience or was dissatisfied with their photos. Check out their website, review their gallery, read their about page, and note any accreditations or awards. You can learn so much about a photographer’s expertise on their website. Social media is also a great way to look at sample galleries of an artist's work in addition to their website.
Make sure they’re client-focused
When talking to a potential photographer, pay attention to how they treat you. Do they take a long time to reply to emails, or are they quick to respond? How willing are they to work with your unique needs? The best photographers care deeply about their clients and creating the images their clients want, and they’re there to support and assist you every step of the way. If a photographer is client-focused, they’ll work to help you, and your child has fun and feel comfortable during the session, which is what you want.
Have a budget in mind
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential photographers to just a few that seem like good fits, determine which ones fit your budget. Be specific as to where your money can flex. If the photographer you absolutely love is a little outside your price range, consider whether you’re willing to pay a little more to get the images you really want.
To start the money conversation with your photographer, tell them you are looking to spend around a specific amount and name the dollar amount. Ask them what rates start at and what a typical client pays for the type of session you are interested in.
Photos are an investment; you’re capturing memories, so it’s well worth it!
Ready to find out if I’m the perfect family photographer for your child? Contact me by filling out the form at Courtney Ranck-Copher Photography: Kids.
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