5 things to consider when looking for a photographer for your family portraits
Family portraits are beautiful evidence of your family members to mark the passing of time and are a wonderful sentimental keepsake, whether it’s important milestones such as birthdays or graduations or perhaps a great reminder of home to put up in the entrance.
What is the purpose of taking a family portrait?
Family portraits can bring a family together. It reminds members of the bond and love for each other.
Besides, reminiscing about happy times can uplift your spirits when you look back on these times, especially when the person is away in another country or perhaps not here with you anymore. If you are ready to take a family photograph, here are some tips for you to look for a family photographer in Seattle:
1. Do you want lifestyle or posed photographs for your family portraits?
Lifestyle shoots capture you and your family in your everyday life or celebrate major milestones in a natural setting. Good photographers will be mindful to look for the right moments when subjects are not looking at the camera to take the shot in an artistic manner. Because of the nature of lifestyle shots, these usually are taken outdoors or at the family’s home.
Posed photos, as the term suggests, are when the subjects are posing and looking directly at the camera. These are usually formal family portraits that people put up to remember the family. Think graduation and wedding pictures.
Whether you’re hiring a family photographer for lifestyle or posed family portraits, choose someone specializing in this area and competent.
A professional family photographer with experience will have an extensive portfolio of photos. In contrast, someone starting in the industry might only have pictures on their Instagram.
While searching for a family photographer, you can research if they have a photo gallery on their website or other social media channels such as Facebook or Instagram.
Not only will it help you decide if they are the right fit for you, but you can also follow their socials and it will help you get ideas for your shoot. Choosing a family photographer with a strong work portfolio will help you see their style and get a good idea of their experience.
2. Consider the photographer’s editing style (true-to-life, light and airy, dark and moody)
Photography styles are the consistent, distinctive appearance seen in a photographer’s finished work. A great way to check out their style is to look at their Instagram feed. Can you see similarities in the overall look and feel of their images? If not, your photos might not turn out like you expect (the photographer may not have defined their own style yet), so be sure to choose a photographer that has a fairly unifrom look so you know what the end product will be.
After you decide what you like, only contact photographers that fit within that style, that way you know you will love your family portrait photos! That makes sense, right?
The three main styles are Light & Airy, Dark & Moody, and Classic & True to Life. Here is a brief overview of the three:
Light and airy
Photographs in this style are romantic and dreamy, with a lot of bright whites and soft colors. The color saturation is muted, and if not done well may appear very washed out.
Dark and moody
As the term suggests, these photos are dramatic, moody, and full of bold colors. While it’s known as dark and moody, the finished photos aren’t that depressing. It’s just that this style plays up certain details in deep, orangey-brown tones. For warm skin tones, this style can make a person look off-color if it’s not edited well.
True to life
This is the in-between editing style that focuses on bringing out the subject’s emotions. It appears natural and looks easy on the eyes. Usually, editing focuses on refining certain small details such as glaring lights or unwanted stray hair. But little else is added so the pictures stay au naturel.
If you go for a true-to-life photoshoot, a specific family photography experience will be required to bring out the very best in your family. Whether you have a newborn baby, a toddler, primary school children, teenagers, or senior citizens, the right photographer for your family will know how to best out the best in them.
For instance, if you have young children, choose someone who works well with photographing children and who’ll make it fun for them! And when you have elderly relatives in your shoot, it is a good sign if your photographer considers how mobile they might be when recommending a location.
Seniors in the family might also feel uncomfortable being in front of the camera, so look for a family photographer who demonstrates patience and warmth when handling the elderly.
When a photographer makes you and your family feel comfortable, you’ll enjoy the shoot, which will shine through in your photos. Joyful expressions result when you have a good time, so spend time finding a family photographer who asks questions about your family and is committed to providing a good experience.
3. Where do you want your family portraits taken, In the studio or in nature?
Many families delay having their family portraits taken as it can be difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedule, especially if you have a huge family.
When searching for a family photographer, do discuss whether your shoot is going to be indoors or at their studio. Also, discuss how long your session will go and what happens at that time. If you are shooting outdoors, you need to also account for traveling time.
Here are a few questions to ask. Finding a family photographer who can accommodate you is essential.
- Are they available on weekdays and weekends?
- How long will each session take?
- Are there breaks during the shoot if children or senior adults need a rest?
- Do you get to see everything on the same day, or do you need to return and view the photos differently?
Knowing whether you can complete your family photography in one session is essential for those families pressed for time.
Apart from that, your family’s comfort and experience are essential, and you need to ask your photographer what facilities they have available for you. Especially when you want to shoot outdoors, you need to be clear with the photographer about your family’s needs.
Basic facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, or handicap-friendly areas might not be available if you are shooting outdoors. Let the photographer know and ensure that they can accommodate that before deciding.
On the contrary, a home studio or outdoor shoot may not be able to accommodate your family’s needs, so finding out before your shoot is essential. Check out our list of outdoor places in Seattle you can consider when taking a family portrait!
4. Does the cost of the family portrait fit your budget?
Be sure to check if your photographer can provide options that suit your budget. They should also be honest with pricing, so you do not feel pressured when viewing your photos.
Your photographer may list the prices on the site, which is a good sign that they are transparent with their fees. Ask if there is a hidden cost, especially for retouching.
Some photographers offer a natural retouching service to all images you take home. They might offer it as an extra service, and you need to find out the cost. While raw photos are great, sometimes you might need basic retouches for a slight blemish or to adjust the shadows. Some studios overdo it with the retouching, and you might end up with photos you do not like. So question your photographer and be sure to communicate what you want or don’t like.
If you need an extended payment plan, you will also need to check with your family photographer. Not all photographers have the option of payment plans and different packages for their clients.
5. Last but not least, what is your photographer’s reputation?
Many people like to praise openly using reviews on Google, Facebook, or Instagram in our digital world. A quick search online will show you what other people’s experiences are like when dealing with the company.
It also tells you whether they are fair and transparent with their pricing. Or you can always ask for referrals, which is helpful. A good family photographer will come highly recommended through word of mouth or online in clients’ testimonials. So look out for these reviews as a sure sign of excellent work.
Finding a family photographer takes time and effort. After all, you don’t get the chance to take a family portraits every day.
If you’re in Seattle, then check out Dream Catcher’s Pictures. Keala specializes in family photography and believes in helping her clients find their most beautiful, natural selves in front of the camera. She’s also been voted Best Family Photography in Seattle 2022 by Expertise.com, so you know you’re in good hands with her. Ready to take your first family portrait in Seattle? Get in touch with me now!
