Experience Matters (Especially with Families)
Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Someone can be an incredible wedding photographer and still struggle with toddlers who have absolutely zero interest in smiling at a camera. (Toddlers tend to have their own agenda.)
That doesn’t mean photographers can’t specialize in multiple areas. I photograph families, seniors, maternity, newborns, engagements, and yes, sometimes even weddings.
The key is making sure they actually show consistent family work in their portfolio. If their website is almost entirely weddings and you’re hiring them for a family session, ask to see recent family galleries before booking.
Every type of photography requires different skills, and working with children is definitely one of them.
Pay Attention to the Little Details
One of the biggest parts of my job has nothing to do with pressing the shutter.
I’m constantly fixing hair that’s blowing the wrong way, straightening shirts, checking for phones in pockets, watching for distracting objects in the background, and making tiny adjustments that most people never notice.
Those little things make a huge difference in the finished photographs.
A good family photographer is always scanning the scene, paying attention to lighting, composition, posing, and all those little details that help your photos look polished without feeling overly posed.
Choose Someone You Actually Enjoy Being Around
This one might be the most important.
You’re going to spend an hour or more with this person while they tell your kids to run, laugh, cuddle, tickle each other, and probably make a few ridiculous noises.
If you don’t feel comfortable with them, your family probably won’t either.
The best family photos happen when everyone relaxes enough to be themselves. That starts with choosing a photographer who communicates well, gives clear direction, and makes the entire experience feel fun instead of stressful.
Honestly, that’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
Read Reviews (The Real Ones)
Every photographer is going to tell you they’re great.
Their clients will tell you whether it’s actually true.
Instead of only reading testimonials on a website, head over to Google and read reviews there. Those are written by real clients in their own words.
Look for comments about things like:
How the photographer worked with children.
Whether the session felt relaxed.
Communication before and after the session.
How people felt during the experience.
Whether clients would book them again.
Beautiful photos are important.
A great experience is what people remember.
Make Sure You Love Their Editing Style
Every photographer edits differently.
Some love bright and airy images. Others lean toward dark and dramatic. Some prefer true-to-life colors, while others create a more artistic look.
There isn’t a right or wrong style.
The important thing is choosing someone whose work already matches what you love.
Don’t hire someone hoping they’ll edit your gallery differently than everything else you’ve seen on their website. Your finished gallery should look like the photos that made you want to contact them in the first place.
While you’re asking questions, also ask about turnaround time. A professional photographer should be able to give you a realistic timeline for when your gallery will be delivered.
If You Have Kids…Find Someone Who Likes Kids
This sounds obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.
Photographing children isn’t just about getting them to smile.
It’s about knowing when to take a break, when to be silly, when to let them explore, and when to simply roll with whatever mood they’re in that day.
Kids don’t always cooperate, and honestly…that’s okay.
Some of my favorite family photos happen during the in-between moments when children are simply being themselves.
An experienced family photographer knows how to adapt instead of expecting perfection.
Trust Your Gut
After you’ve looked through portfolios, read reviews, and talked with a photographer…
Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, keep looking.
Your family photography session should feel exciting, not stressful. The right photographer will make you feel heard, prepared, and genuinely excited for your session.
When you find that person, you’ll probably know.
